The path to climate neutrality is complex, but cities across Europe are not navigating it alone. Through the NetZeroCities Community of Practice (CoP), diverse stakeholders come together to share practical insights, explore real-world challenges, and co-develop innovative approaches to transformation.
One of the most dynamic elements of the CoP has been its ongoing webinar series, which provides a space for open exchange between cities, climate neutrality practitioners, researchers, private organisations NGO’s and more!
Each session highlights pioneering projects, tested strategies, and lessons learned from cities leading the way, alongside innovative solutions from experts who closely support cities in achieving their climate ambitions.
Recent webinars have focused on themes such as social innovation, nature-based solutions, and data-driven planning. Here is a look at what we’ve done and what is to come!
What our community has shared so far
1. Nature-based solutions (NbS) and healthy cities go hand-in-hand
Cities are increasingly turning to green infrastructure not only for environmental benefits, but also as tools for social inclusion, improved health, and long-term climate resilience.
The city case studies illustrated how NbS can be tailored to address distinct environmental challenges. Porto showcased NbS applications designed to manage rainwater and improve drainage during periods of heavy rainfall, while Valencia demonstrated how NbS can mitigate the impacts of drought and enhance urban water retention. The city case studies made it clear that NbS are not merely complementary solutions, they are foundational tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Co-presenters: Leitat Technologies, EU funded project NBRACER, The Sustainable Innovation Institute (IIDSII)
2. There are no solutions without people
This session explored how people-based approaches not only support behavioural change, but also unlock new forms of governance and collective ownership over sustainability goals.
- Barcelona presented its Citizens’ Climate Assembly, designed to engage residents directly in shaping city solutions to address climate challenges.
- Espoo introduced a co-creation toolkit aimed at fostering smart and inclusive and smart urban communities.
- Dubrovnik, showcased its participatory budgeting process, which gives citizens a direct say in determining how public resources are allocated toward climate-related community projects.
The session emphasised how social innovation is about empowering people to become active agents in shaping climate solutions, through a bottom-up, collaborative and human-centred approaches. When citizens are genuinely invited into the process – through initiatives like participatory budgeting or citizen assemblies – they respond with creativity and commitment. Giving people the opportunity to be involved leads to better climate strategies that are socially accepted, and to stronger, more resilient communities.
Co-presenters: Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Polytechnic University of Milan (POLIMI), LGI Sustainable Innovation, Espoo Mayor’s Office, City of Dubrovnik Development Agency
Access the slides here.
3. Without data we’re just guessing
Robust data systems are critical for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, tracking progress, and informing climate action planning. This session highlighted some of the most pressing challenges cities face, such as maintaining accurate and up-to-date emissions inventories.
- Heidelberg’s Urban Data Platform showed how integrated systems can support not only emissions tracking while enhancing broader urban planning efforts.
- The NetZero Planner, part of the NetZeroCities solutions portfolio, was introduced as a key tool to help cities systematically collect, manage, and visualise their climate data to support evidence-based planning.
The conversation focused on how cities are using digital tools to connect data with strategy, enabling more targeted and effective climate action.
Co-presenters: Origins.earth, Tech4Good Platform (Intelligent Cities Challenge)
What we’ll be tackling next… join us!
The NetZeroCities Community of Practice continues to provide a space where cities and practitioners can connect, share and learn across sectors to accelerate the transition to climate neutrality.
Upcoming online webinars
“Social innovation and urban mobility”
This upcoming session will explore how social innovation drives sustainable urban mobility. Case studies from Turku (Finland) and Zaragoza (Spain) will showcase approaches to behavioural change, co-creation, and inclusive mobility solutions.
Date & time: 29 April from 10:00 – 11:00 (CEST)
Webinar “Retrofitting: Mapping the Journey to improved homes and buildings”
Join us for the Community of Practice webinar exploring the complex landscape of home and infrastructure retrofitting. In this session, we’ll take a broad look at the journey of retrofitting, including the perspectives of homeowners, industry players and public bodies.
Have you worked in retrofitting and are you interested in joining as a speaker? Contact our community of practice: communityofpractice[a]netzerocities.eu
Date & time: 10 June from 10:00 – 11:00 (CEST)
We will also be hosting an in-person session at the Cities Mission Conference in Vilnius
“Powering City Action through Climate Neutrality Tools and the Community of Practice”
This session will highlight how cities are using tools, like the NetZero Planner, to monitor, measure, and strategise their climate action plans. It will also showcase how cross-sector collaboration through Communities of Practice is driving collective progress toward the Cities Mission objectives. City representatives will share their experiences and lessons learned using these tools to move from vision to implementation. We hope to see you there!
Date & time: 7 May 2025 from 14:00 – 15:30 (CEST)
