Ready4NetZero – Long-term Climate-Neutrality Strategies in Towns and Cities

The European Union has decided to become climate-neutral by 2050. With more than half of its urban population living in small and medium-sized cities, they represent key players in this endeavour. Local long-term climate neutrality strategies, that guide the cities in the process, are critical for reaching the necessary socio-ecological transformation and managing a fair transition to local net-zero emissions. Generally, local authorities are very committed to climate action and willing to take efforts towards reaching climate neutrality. However, due to limited capacities, knowledge, technical expertise and financial resources, there is still room for improvement regarding properly planning their energy transition path.

Ildigo, Photo: © Pixabay

To address the above-mentioned challenges, the project offered various hands-on approaches. It provided written guidance on how to progress on the path to climate neutrality, as well as practical capacity-building activities, such as webinars, workshops, a study visit, and an international conference. This equipped municipal staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and connections to develop and implement long-term climate neutrality strategies, involving the energy sector (energy utilities and consumers), transportation sector (transportation utilities and users), construction sector (construction companies, housing cooperatives and associations), and educational sector. The project kick-started concrete actions in eight pilot cities in Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania to directly contribute to the implementation of climate protection measures at a local level and to inspire other EU cities to follow. The pilot actions included joint, bottom-up development of visions for reaching climate neutrality by 2050, mapping and involving key drivers of the energy transition and developing roadmaps towards reaching net zero. The pilots were supported by the knowledge gained during the study visit in Germany and the training events for the local decision-makers, staff, and civil society. A widespread media campaign helped to broadcast the project activities on a wider scale.

Highlights

In this Onepager Ready4NetZero shares the results of their webinar series on capacity building. The project thereby tackled barriers in climate action, provided tools and increased knowledge about climate planning.

Onepager: Ready4NetZero Webinars on Capacity Building

• Building lasting networks: The project has built lasting capacities and knowledge networks: dozens of municipal officials have enhanced their skills, and in the four countries a vibrant network of like-minded peers and experts has emerged. Its members have committed to exchanging ideas and supporting each other beyond the project’s duration. The pilot actions also helped municipalities secure political backing and, in some cases, additional funding for larger climate investments. The project’s multi-level partnership proved to be a recipe for success. Local networks such as PNEC and OER were linked with the technical and research expertise of Energiaklub, REGEA, and Ecologic. It enabled two-way learning: European best practices were adapted to local contexts, while local innovations were brought into international discussions.
• Political support and funding for climate investments: An important impact of Ready4NetZero is the shift in awareness among the participating cities. At the final conference, the partners noted that only a few years ago many of these municipalities lacked a clear vision or confidence regarding net-zero targets. Thanks to the project, climate neutrality by mid-century is no longer seen as an abstract aspiration but as a concrete, achievable goal – and local decision-makers know what steps are needed along the way. The discourse in the pilot cities has visibly changed: terms like “climate neutrality,” “just transition,” and “Vision 2050” have entered the mainstream of municipal debates and community discussions. Moreover, the project emphasized an inclusive approach, involving communities in the process. From schoolchildren in Romania to local businesses in Hungary and energy managers in Poland, diverse stakeholders were engaged to ensure that climate action is a shared endeavor.
• Successful public campaigns: As part of the Ready4NetZero project, the Romanian cities of Gheorgheni and Râmnicu Vâlcea launched inspiring pilot actions to promote eco-friendly transport and environmental awareness. In Gheorgheni, the “Traffic Snake Game” campaign encouraged more than 500 pupils to opt for sustainable modes of transport – walking, cycling, and public transit – leading to a 20% increase in active mobility and a noticeable reduction in traffic congestion. The initiative showcased the power of school-led climate action and laid the groundwork for future urban mobility projects. 
• Introduction of a smart district heating control system: Two outstanding pilot actions from Poland showed that even smaller cities can lead in sustainable innovation. In Cieszyn, energy efficiency in historic buildings was improved through the introduction of an intelligent district heating control system. With the help of real-time sensors and automated controls, the city was able to optimize heating without invasive retrofits. The system reduced fuel consumption while preserving comfort and historical integrity. The data collected is now feeding into broader energy management strategies. Piastów developed a comprehensive plan focusing on the deep retrofit of its sports and recreation center. The project included thermal insulation, the installation of heat pumps, PV panels, and battery storage, drastically reducing emissions and operating costs. The facility now serves as a live demonstration site where residents are encouraged, through workshops, to apply similar solutions at home.