<< Background >>Before the elaboration of the Greenvolve project concept, we have identified that nowadays, more and more online solutions are available for the decision makers to ask the citizens’ opinion on different initiations and investments, but there are also general obstacles which prevent the effective involvement of citizens in case of urban-related topics such as smart city and green solutions. The basic problem is the lack of relevant knowledge and the applied jargon which is difficult to understand or keep up for the general public. In this rapidly changing world, we also have to pay attention to explain new technical tools and methods as well as innovative solutions, best practices in urban development for the people of cities as we can only have green cities with smart citizens.Active and responsible citizens are aware of their surroundings, and the problems and questions occurring in their cities, and moreover, they are ready to make their voices heard on the questions affecting their livelihood and well-being. Co-creation in urban development is an important methodology for the municipalities as it is the most efficient way to take into account the needs of citizens directly, not to mention that they can increase the public acceptance of their strategies, investments and projects. Smart solutions of smart cities will provide more and more opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making and express their views. This opportunity is heavily based on the citizens’ level of awareness and knowledge, and how they can enable their capabilities responsibly. Civic engagement can contribute to a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment, neighbourhood and city.There are more and more awareness-raising and adult education material and sources on sustainability, protection of environment and climate change. Due to the infinite sources available on the internet, citizens can gain information on any topics they are interested in without participating in a formal training. However, there are also downsides of this trend: besides the many rich and informative explanatory sources, there are many misinformation and disinformation from uncertain or unreliable sources which can be difficult to detect. We would like to provide a new aspect for the knowledge-sharing to be able to meet the current scientific findings and new trends in R&D&I. We believe that today our goal is to go well beyond to explain the phenomenon of climate change generally, but rather talking about how we can adapt to those inevitable consequences. The majority of the population has already heard about the renewable energy sources; therefore, we do not want to teach about the type of RES again, but rather how they can benefit from them, especially with smart solutions.In addition, we can find several projects that supports active citizenships and there are some developed outputs on building up the related key competences and providing toolkit for social inclusion, however, in our desk research, we could not find any project that would focus on specifically on green cities. Additionally, the innovation in the different methods of involving citizen is evolving rapidly: there are more and more smart solutions and ideas developed and implemented that we need to keep pace. We feel that we have to put the many different terms and definitions in order, e.g., what exactly citizen engagement means, what ‘citizen science’ cover etc.We apply for this project so we can provide an integrated solution to our two main identified challenges: (1) the lack of complex knowledge related to green cities, and (2) the lack of competences in participating in public consultations and civic engagement related to urban development. In order to incorporate the knowledge on green city and active citizenship comprehensively, the partnership will create a handbook, a toolkit, two databases and an online learning platform to support the target audience’s better understanding.<< Objectives >>Based on these identified challenges, we defined the two fields that establish the basis of Greenvolve project as TWO PILLARS: (1) GREEN CITY ELEMENTS, (2) PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS and other form of civic engagement. We would like to empower 18-65-year-old citizens in these fields in order to be able to shape urban design efficiently and improve their awareness on how to act responsibly in participatory decision-making which can affect them directly. Aware and open-minded citizens can be involved successfully in urban decision-making and, thus, contribute to their own greener, cleaner and healthier environment, neighbourhood and city. Thus, we believe that WE CAN ONLY HAVE GREEN CITIES WITH SMART CITIZENS.Our objective is to prepare citizens to be able to take part in any form of citizen engagement focusing on questions related to a GREENER CITY. On one hand, we would like to create VISUALIZED ADULT LEARNING MATERIALS ON the so-called “GREEN CITY ELEMENTS” which cover all the important issues that can occur in urban development: sustainable, smart and innovative solutions in the different urban systems with impact on climate, environment, biodiversity and the health and well-being of the citizens. Our goal is to share a background knowledge for any GREEN URBAN DECISION-MAKING, so citizens can overview the causal links among the elements, their contribution to the urban systems, their possible spillover effects and the reference to their total economic value.On the other hand, we would like to enforce the citizens’ personal skills to be able to participate in different type of public consultations by creating an ADULT EDUCATION TOOLKIT which helps understand the main principles of such citizen involvement. We would like to create a quite universal toolkit focusing on GREEN CITY-RELATED CITIZEN ENGAGEMENTS which is easy-to-use and understand, and can reach the whole group of targets without excluding anybody for example due to the differences in the level of digital literacy.In order to support the first two project results, we indent to build up a collection of good practices related to both pillars: GREEN CITY ELEMENTS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS. In contrast to other available best practice collections, we would like to provide an opportunity to have both DATABASES at hand on the Greenvolve platform. This kind of complex collection can support not only the understanding of the solutions but also the overall negative impacts of climate change and other phenomenon.In order to incorporate the developed knowledge on green city and active citizenship comprehensively, the partnership will create an ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM to support the target audience’s better understanding. Users will be able to test themselves interactively in topics connected to public consultations in green issues.These project results are not simply awareness-raising materials: the collected green city knowledge will be complemented by guidance for active citizenship. We would like to give opportunity to our target group to strengthen their CRITICAL THINKING and personal competences, and this way, FOSTER their COMMITMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN GREEN URBAN ISSUES. We offer non-formal learning activities and materials for open-minded adults who would like to take part in civic engagement and, therefore, affect directly their environment and, eventually, their well-being.Greenvolve will also help understand and promote the European Union’s objectives and values related to environment, climate and energy. ACTIVE CITIZENS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE and protecting environment BY EXPRESSING THEIR DEMAND FOR GREEN CITY SOLUTIONS TO URGE CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION measures in case of each investment around them. Public consultations are valuable sources for policymakers as they can collect direct information, concerns and ideas from the public. Participation can also lead to behaviour change and, therefore, a more sustainable lifestyle.<< Implementation >>For the implementation of the project objectives, we drew up a project activity structure with four professional project results (PR). The first two PRs establish the theoretical background of our two pillars; green city elements and public consultations. In case of PR1 - Handbook on Green City Elements, we focus on different innovative solutions and processes related to climate change that can contribute to smarter, greener and healthier cities. Besides introducing green elements one by one, we would like to put particular emphasis on system-level structures: not only the advantages of these elements about also how they are connected, how they contribute to the green cities, and what they can do for the citizens and vica versa. For a complex and well-thought PR, we intend to define the methodology of the handbook development including structure, sources and validation. In PR2 - Adult Education Toolkit for Citizen Engagement, we would like to find a way from the labyrinth of terminology related to active citizenship. It will contain different adult learning materials about the main principles of citizen involvement and for boosting critical thinking. It will provide background information about the type and methods of different citizen engagement solutions and will help strengthen the citizens’ personal skills to be able to participate in different type of public consultations. PR3 - Database on green solutions and public consultation supplements the first two PRs with real-life examples to support the better understanding. Our idea is to collect a significant number of good practices for both databases during the project implementation which will be visible on the project platform. However, we would like to keep open the possibility for further expansion. By creating a template, we will provide opportunity to anybody to send us their own good practices to appear in the databases.We also believe that theoretical knowledge is not sufficient of using the acquired skills in real situations. Therefore, we plan to integrate the two pillars and create an online platform (PR4 – Greenvolve platform) where stakeholders can learn and test themselves. It will not be a traditional, module-based e-learning platform, but rather a gamified tool to make “learning” enjoyable for the citizens. Firstly, we will define the used methodology and plan the platform structure. During the platform design, our IT expert will be responsible for the technical part while other partners will prepare the content based on the first three PRs.The professional project results (PR1-PR4) will be supported by further project activities. A short-term joint staff training will be held in the project that will help validate the content and related methodology of PR1 Handbook by the participation of municipality staff responsible for urban development, climate issues and the related public consultations. We also plan other activities in the project which are all necessary for the successful implementation of Greenvolve and reaching its expected impacts.Development of the Project Management Manual (PMM) will collect all necessary information related to project management-related activities in Greenvolve. It will cover, inter alia, tasks & responsibilities of the partners, reporting processes, document templates, change management, risk management and quality assurance. In the project, we plan four transnational partner meetings with virtual ones in addition between them.The development of the Dissemination Strategy will give guidance for the project partners on dissemination, external communication and exploitation in line with the project objectives and activities. It will consist of four main deliverables: Dissemination Plan, Brand package, Dissemination materials and Exploitation Plan. Two types of multiplier events (12 in total at project level) will also help spread the project results and involve the target groups.<< Results >>PR1 HANDBOOK ON GREEN CITY ELEMENTS: an adult education material on green city elements. Green city elements are processes, issues, solutions that are significant for a pleasant, green and sustainable urban environment, ultimately, for the better well-being and health of the citizens (green roofs and walls, plastic waste, recycling of clothes, bee-friendly gardens, etc.). Each element will be covered based on the following structure: basic introduction, description of operation, main features, the most common challenges (related to its operation and/or for which it gives a solution), and best practices. Visualisation and illustration will support the understanding.The activities required to achieve PR1:A1: Definition of used methodologyA2: Elaboration of the handbookA3: Validation of handbook during a JSTPR2 ADULT EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: The toolkit will contain different adult education materials for boosting critical thinking and about the main principles of citizen involvement. It will help strengthen the citizens’ personal skills to be able to participate in different type of public consultations. It will summarize the different type of public consultations, mostly in the context of green city; provide a guidance for what kind of personal skills are required for an efficient participation; and gives recommendations on how to take part efficiently.The activities required to achieve PR2:A1: Collection of citizen involvement principles and different type of methodsA2: Guidance for citizen empowerment (tips for aware, responsible and smart participation in urban development)A3: Visualized materials and social media campaignPR3 DATABASE ON GREEN SOLUTIONS AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION: In order to support the first two project results, we indent to build up a collection of good practices on both main areas. We would like to provide an opportunity to have both databases at hand on the Greenvolve platform.The activities required to achieve PR3:A1: Collection of good practices and innovative solutions for green city elementsA2: Collection of civic engagement and public consultation related to green city elementsPR4 GREENVOLVE PLATFORM: In order to incorporate the developed knowledge on green city and active citizenship comprehensively, the partnership will create an online learning platform to support the target audience’s better understanding. Users will be able to test themselves interactively in topics connected to public consultations in green issues. It will contain multiple choice questions not about the theoretical content directly but rather tricky questions requiring critical thinking and holistic approach in the field of green city elements. (Related to e.g. real-life examples, personal data, methodological questions of public consultation)The activities required to achieve PR4:A1: Methodology and Platform Plan: learning methodology, structure, type of questions etc.A2: Greenvolve platform development and graphic designA3: TestingPR5 Project Management Manual (other activity 1): for laying down all necessary information for the management of the project including quality assurance.PR6 Dissemination Strategy (other activity 2): for defining the objectives, communication channels and planned materials of the project’s dissemination activities and the multiplier events.The expected results of the project activities will be•The improved knowledge of the citizens about the main concepts, solutions and ideas connected to a green, climate-neutral and sustainable city.•Improved awareness and preparedness of the citizens for participating in urban participatory decision-making.•Improved awareness of citizens on climate change and how cities can adapt to it, •Better opportunities for municipalities to involve citizens in green urban development.

In order for Europe’s transition towards climate neutrality to succeed, cities need to be in the driving seat. European cities are at the forefront in addressing climate change, with many having committed to develop and implement SEAPs/SECAPs through initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors. Many cities have also committed to become climate-neutral by 2050 or even earlier. Yet, despite ambitious short- and long-term commitments, only few cities have managed to translate plans into concrete implementation strategies with tangible decarbonisation pathways. In transitioning towards climate neutrality, cities have to overcome complex challenges that cannot be tackled with a business-as-usual approach. For this, cities need to be equipped with tools, information and skills that empower them to become local transition leaders. This is where EUCityCalc comes into play. Its objective is to support public authorities in planning towards climate neutrality through the prospective modelling approach of the European City Calculator webtool. The European City Calculator is an open-source, prospective modelling tool providing cities with a sectoral outlook on the type and ambition of measures they can take to achieve a transition towards climate neutrality. As a flexible model adapted to territorial specificities and reflecting the city governance, it supports cities in designing tailored transition pathways and policy scenarios. With the webtool at its core, EUCityCalc will support 10 pilot cities - Riga, Dijon Métropole, Mantova, Zdar, Palmela, Sesimbra, Setubal, Koprivnica, Varazdin, Virovitica - in developing and implementing scientifically robust, detailed and integrated pathways and scenarios towards climate neutrality. Through peer-to-peer learning, a multifaceted capacity-building and training programme and the engagement of local stakeholders in expert working groups, EUCityCalc will empower cities in devising a clear and concrete roadmap towards climate neutrality.

INNOVATE will overcome market barriers to deep energy-efficient retrofits of private housing stock by developing and rolling out integrated energy efficiency (EE) service packages targeting homeowners in 11 target territories from 10 EU Member States (NL, DK, BE, LV, CZ, CY, SE, IT, ES and UK). An integrated EE service package includes: • Development of products adapted to consumers’ concerns • Marketing & communication • Independent advice and technical assistance. • Tailor-made financial advice • Coordination of a chain of suppliers / contractors • Ensuring high quality standards • Long-term and affordable financing The packages, developed by local and regional authorities and/or private sector stakeholders, in cooperation with financing institutions and investors, will be tested on 117 pilot buildings, aiming at min. 50% energy savings. These pilot projects are expected to mobilise 37.41 MEUR of private investments, trigger primary energy savings of 5.38 GWh/year and 3.14 GWh/year of renewable energy production. INNOVATE will widely disseminate successful business models and innovative financing schemes tested by project partners and those identified thanks to an extensive analysis of enabling conditions and EU best practices. 4,000 stakeholders and potential replicators will be reached via 61 EU and national capacity building events, policy meetings and communication/media tools. Recommendations on how to remove legal, financial, technical and organisational barriers hindering the implementation of the packages in target territories will influence 12 EU, national and regional policies in order to ensure the viability of these packages.

Urban GreenUP aims at obtaining a tailored methodology (1) to support the co-development of Renaturing Urban Plans focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation and efficient water management, and (2) to assist in the implementation of NBS in an effective way. NBS classification and parametrization will be addressed and some resources to support decision making will be established as part of the project activities. A large scale and fully replicable demonstration action of NBS accompanied by innovative business models will provide evidences about the benefits of NBS contributing to the creation of new market opportunities for European companies, and fostering citizen insight and awareness about environmental problems. Three European cities will assume the demos as front-runners (Valladolid, Liverpool and Izmir), other set of two European cities will act as followers to strengthen the replication potential of the results (Ludwigsburg and Mantova) and finally three non-European cities (Medellín, Chengdu and Quy Nhon) will allow to identify the market opportunities for European companies out of Europe and fostering the European leadership in NBS implementation at global level. URBAN GreenUp also aims to: fostering the creation of a global market and EU international cooperation; deploy a wide Exploitation and Market deployment procedure for NBS solutions & deploy an Impact-based Communication and Dissemination strategy.