NetZeroCities, managing the Platform of the EU Cities Mission, is launching on 3 September 2026, the second edition of Online Planning Lab, a free, hands-on online course designed to empower city representatives, policymakers, and urban change-makers with the knowledge and tools they need to drive systemic change.
What is the Online Planning Lab?
The 2026 Online Planning Lab will offer a flexible and practice-oriented learning experience to support cities in advancing their climate planning. The programme is structured around six modules, covering key topics such as policy, technical solutions, stakeholder engagement, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning , with an increased focus on practical application.
Participants joining the course will get to:
- Work with practical tools and learn from real examples,
- Connect directly with other cities facing similar challenges
- Access multilingual materials supporting inclusive participation.
Cities and individuals can also receive formal recognition for their participation through certifications issued by NetZeroCities and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
We strongly suggest at least two representatives from each municipality participate. This collaborative approach helps foster the systemic innovation crucial for your city’s climate transition.
What does your learning journey look like?
The course is divided into two complementary parts:
On-demand content
Video lessons, readings and quizzes you can follow at your own pace, with subtitles available whenever you need them.
Live sessions (12)
- A welcoming session.
- 7 hands-on practice sessions led by industry experts, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the videos.
- 4 reflection and contextualization sessions guided by facilitators, designed to help you internalize key concepts and insights.
