With this first of a series of calls on the topic of Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods (PED/PEN), JPI Urban Europe invites transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral communities of researchers and practitioners to create projects with focus on smaller-scale joint R&I projects (duration 1-2 years) on PED/PEN implementation, providing transnational alignment, comparison and exchange of experiences between ongoing (European) projects in different PED implementation phases, their integration in general urban strategies, stakeholder involvement strategies and the role of geographical/climatic conditions. The results from projects granted in this call should help to facilitate knowledge transfer and learning from different European contexts, cities and countries to create greater engagement and understanding in PED implementation processes.
Aim of the call
Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods may serve as a crucial contribution to achieve climate and energy targets. This call focuses on exchange of experience between ambitions and initiatives already going on. With this call, JPI Urban Europe aims to create a transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral community working in the field of the energy transition in the urban context, who can align, synthesise, consolidate, and learn from each other with regard to the development and mainstreaming of PEDs/PENs.
Participating countries: Austria, Belgium (Brussels Capital Region), Czech Republic and Sweden
Call topics
The project proposal should at least address one of the following topics:
- A: Contributing to the climate-neutral city: Holistic approaches for PED implementation
In order to be successful on a large scale, the implementation of PEDs must meet general goals of sustainable urban development and urban qualities. Therefore, PED implementation needs to be integrated in holistic approaches, which imposes challenges on strategy development, planning, monitoring and evaluation. From an urbanistic view, it is an imperative to not view energy goals separately or as a matter of priority, but to involve them in systemic strategies aiming at creating sustainable, liveable, inclusive neighbourhoods fit to meet the challenges of our generations. In the end, PED implementation must contribute to creating high quality urban environments in line with climate, energy and sustainability goals. - B: Embeddedness in local contexts: Applied approaches for integrating PEDs in different urban contexts and the legal framework
The PED Programme aims at developing a framework suitable for different urban contexts. Different pre-conditions require applied approaches both regarding strategies and technological solutions and might lead to considering wider urban/regional/national contexts in order to achieve a positive energy balance. PEDs need to be adapted to different urban contexts and the redevelopment of existing urban structures towards sustainability. - C: Engagement and governance: Urban governance, stakeholder involvement concepts and business models
Holistic approaches for PED implementation require cross-sectoral approaches and innovative stakeholder involvement concepts in planning, implementation and operation respectively. This poses challenges for governance structures on regional, city and local (neighbourhood) levels and a re-consideration of the integration of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Identification and adequate involvement of relevant stakeholders and therefore the development of applied strategies in the PED implementation process from the beginning can be seen as a key factor for implementation success.
Click here for more information on the call and application process.