EHHUR assessment: the environmental and socio-economic baseline characterization of the 7 LHs has been defined. The study, through desk research and joint questionnaire, focused on energy (e.g. energy mix, energy production sources, Renewable Energy Sources contribution), environment (e.g. air quality index, Greenhouse gas emission factor per capita), economy (e.g. energy poverty level, GDP and GDP per capita), and social factors (e.g. level of education, social welfare). After a joint effort between the partners in analysing the NEB principles, a list of general and specific KPIs has been defined together with targets to support the design of solutions and to evaluate their compliance with NEB objectives. The first calculation of KPIs was completed, starting with the definition of the baseline for the KPIs that require it. This represents the basis for shaping the collaborative integrated project’s methodology that will guide the co-design, implementation and monitoring of the identified solutions. In this sense, the road is well-paved also to fully achieve the second target in the next months, together with the creation of the DSS toolbox.
Community engagement: The basis for effective community engagement has been established. Equipped with training, material and guidance, LH leaders and social representatives are now better prepared not only to engage the community effectively but also to pursue higher levels of ambition in alignment with the NEB working principle of participatory processes. Moreover, LHs have initiated community interactions and embarked on various activities. This process is key in understanding the efficacy of our engagement efforts and allows for informed adjustments to optimize future interactions and activities.
Sustainable financial plans: the combination of traditional and innovative financing schemes has been approached through the constant interactions between the LHs and the project’s shareholders, aligning the technical specifications of the chosen methods with the different financial return expectations. A general financial framework allowing the planning and validation of blended sustainable models has been developed and tested. The proposed framework relies on a well-known investment planning method and has been adapted to embed multiple financial instruments.
Holistic EHHUR methodology: a robust methodology has been set up with the collaboration of the technical partners and the engagement of the 7 LHs, developing a process for selecting best practices, assessing them under a technical, social, financial perspective and according to the values and working principles of the New European Bauhaus. A co-designed catalogue of 300 good practice examples solutions and integrated method matching the needs of the 7 LHs at the city, neighbourhood, street, building and systems levels has been produced. 3 technical solutions have been selected per LH to be tested and monitored as feasibility studies for the urban renovations to be further deployed as part of the EHHUR project. The implementation phase in the 7 LHs cities is ongoing.
Outreach: The DEC strategy is developed and put it into practice, with the result that all partners have access to a plan how to communicate and disseminate the project. he visual identity and communication kit for the project has been developed, so that it has a distinct, attractive image and partners have materials to disseminate the project. Collaborations with sister projects, such as other NEB Demonstrators, are established and relationships within the NEB community are fostered. Additionally, project have participated in large international events. As basis for project communication & dissemination, we have defined the targeted audience and mapped stakeholders. This is the basis for the creating of a community of cities to start a policy dialogue. There has been workshops in the LHs, starting the work on the Capacity Building Programme.
