The UP2030 Project is conducted in four phases: Analysis, Vision, Action, Upscaling (Fig. 3), and the development of the scope of work is guided by the 5UP approach.
During the reporting period (M1-M18), the Analysis and Vision phases were completed, and the cities assessed their progress against the 5UPs framework in a first stage during the Knowledge Exchange event in Rotterdam. The 5UP approach is used as a framework to help cities understand their strengths and weaknesses across each of the UPs. It also serves as a roadmap for continuous and cohesive urban development towards climate neutrality. The 5UPs guide the various activities in UP2030, ensuring feedback loops and consistency across the activities in the pilot cities. A final assessment of the cities through the 5UPs will be delivered at the end of the project (M36 – Dec 2025).
In the Work Package 2 (WP) UP-Dating delivered a base for the common understanding of planning theory and practice and project terminologies was delivered. The scope of work was contextualized in contemporary urban planning theory that seek climate neutral, just and resilient cities through the formulation of these as project pillars. As part of the Analysis and Vision phases, the needs and barriers assessment, and vision development with adaptive pathways were completed in all cities.
In WP3 UP-Skilling, the work performed during the reporting period included the refinement and tailoring of the technical tools across the four tasks. That included the technical solutions’ integration, the development of digital tools with a focus on energy and GHG emissions reduction, the development of cross- cutting digital tools for climate neutrality, and the development of tools for participation and spatial justice. This progress facilitated the match between cities and tool providers who will implement prototypes in each city during the Action phase (M19-M26).
WP4 UP-Grading took care of contextualizing the UP2030 methodology and guiding the deployment of the project activities in the pilot cities, the Learning Action Alliances were constituted in all cities, a first set of KPIs aligned with the thematic domains and project pillars was produced, and opportunities for continuous exchange or progress and learning were facilitated to the cities and liaisons. WP4 utilises the tools from WP3 in implementing the Action phase as mentioned above.
WP5 UP-Scaling has been developing the instruments that will guide the Upscaling process, such as replication and transferability packages through the UP2030 service platform, governance and financial toolkits and the online training program. Most of the efforts are expected during the second half of the project with the Upscaling phase (foreseen from M27).
WP6 UP-Taking oversees the project dissemination and cooperation with the Mission. During the reporting period the dissemination and communication (D&C) strategy was completed. The efforts and actions towards D&C from all partners were collected, and the UP2030 visual identity as well as website and social media were set-up. 44 key exploitable results have been identified and strategies for standardisation and intellectual property right (IPR) protection were initiated. Collaboration with the Mission and related projects also took place during the reporting period.
Besides the specific achievements in each WP, during this reporting period, cities and solution providers were matched and have initiated the tool implementation. One of the main highlights is the gained understanding that project activities are more likely to have an impact if they align with the priorities of the cities, including the multiple departments and governance levels. This reflects in the efforts from the technical partners who have been developing their tools and/or having preliminary interactions with cities to understand how to tailor their tools and approaches to the specific needs and goals of pilot cities and, subsequently, define the scope of the application. All in all, allowing adaptability in project development has enabled the incorporation of evolving insights and ensures that tools and resources remain fit for the project purpose.
