How can cities shape affordable, high-quality housing through procurement, innovation and multi-stakeholder innovation?
The Affordable Housing Initiative European Partnership (SHAPE II), funded by the European Union. The Initiative supports cities, housing organisations, public authorities and stakeholders in delivering affordable, inclusive and energy-efficient housing solutions, while contributing to emissions reduction and tackling energy poverty. Through capacity-building, mentorship and knowledge exchange, it promotes innovative and replicable approaches to the renovation and development of sustainable and affordable homes in Europe.
Meeting point: Torre da Alfândega
The guided tours are organised by the city of Guimarães.
Visit the different stands to explore Energy Cities’ campaigns and services, connect with Guimarães partners, and take the opportunity to meet other participants.
Refreshments will be served.
Cocktail reception with a full selection of vegetarian local dishes.
Plenary session on the importance of local democracy.
After the session participants will gather in groups according to the journey they have registered in. They will leave on foot or by bus to various spots in Guimarães, don’t miss the departure.
Join us to explore how local authorities can engage with and support SMEs and the industry in their sustainable transformation, from redesigning decarbonised public services, such as public transport or district heating, to implementing businessmodels.
At the time when affordable housing is becoming a social emergency all over Europe, join us to learn how innovative procurement, nature-based solutions, New European Bauhaus principles and cross-sector partnerships can unlock affordable, sustainable
models at scale.
Journey 2 – The Habitat is organised in the framework of the Affordable Housing Initiative European Partnership (SHAPE II), funded by the European Union. The Initiative supports cities, housing organisations, public authorities and stakeholders in delivering affordable, inclusive and energy-efficient housing solutions, while contributing to emissions reduction and tackling energy poverty. Through capacity-building, mentorship and knowledge exchange, it promotes innovative and replicable approaches to the renovation and development of sustainable and affordable homes in Europe.
How can cities accelerate the decarbonisation of Europe’s heating and cooling (H&C) sector? They can start by combining robust regulatory frameworks, supportive measures, and strong political leadership with a strong community-led approach, which is a key enabler of the local transition. Join us to explore inspiring approaches to citizen and community involvement in delivering fossil-free heating and cooling.
In a thriving city, the community flourishes, and everyone can play an active role in the clean energy transition. Energy communities are not only a climate solution, but also a driver of social cohesion and strong local economies. However, women, energy-poor households and other minorities are often under-represented in this growing and powerful movement. Join us to explore how cities and citizens can work together to maximise inclusion to ensure a fair energy transition for all.
Food autonomy is a pillar of local resilience. In a context of climate change and increasingly fragile global supply chains, the capacity of territories to shape their own food systems is essential to strengthening food security and affordability. Join us to explore how food production, distribution and access can work together to ensure and guarantee access to quality food for all.
Meet with other participants and fill in your bingo card by collecting the key takeaways from the six journeys. Learn from the other journeys and connect with new people. Fastest participants win a prize!
Refreshments will be served.
Join the debate to develop concrete alternatives at home that address citizens’ needs and restore our ability to shape our own future.
Reserved to Energy Cities’ members: Hear about the current EU landscapes and trends.
Reserved to elected representatives
Explore how local governments can advance the energy transition while strengthening local democracy.
Part I: “Blocked by permits, stuck without grids: Can mayors deliver the energy transition?”
Part II: “Getting out of gas, easier said than done?”
The discussion outcomes will contribute to the policy work of Energy Cities at the European level.
Spark exchange and mutual inspiration. Hear from citie’s inspiring successes and shared challenges faced at the local level.
Hear from Vienna (AT ), Dijon (FR), Bornova (TR), Assen (NL), Valencia (ES), Cascais (PT ), Arnhem (NL), the Province of Fr yslân (NL), energy agencies in Lisbon (PT ), Porto (PT ) and Barcelona (ES), and Energy CitiesAlgeria.
Explore topics including collective self-consumption, fair and positive
energy districts, water management, gas phase-out, heat solutions, food waste, energy communities and more.
Reserved to Energy Cities’ Members
This year’s session will start with expert insights from CINEA representative Michele Sansoni and EUI representative Anke Möllers, who will present the latest open calls under the LIFE Programme and the European Urban Initiative (EUI). Participants will gain first-hand insights into current funding priorities and opportunities.
In preparation for the session, we will also launch an open call inviting members to share their project ideas related to these funding opportunities.
Following the presentations, the session will split into two groups for an interactive matchmaking round. Cities will have two minutes to pitch their project ideas, connect with potential partners, and refine their concepts with the group. The goal is simple: spark collaborations and help turn promising ideas into future EU-funded projects.
Explore cities’ role in shaping consumption patterns, enabling repair
and reuse cultures, managing textile waste streams and partnering with local industries to cut the hidden emissions of fast fashion.
