|
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the fifth edition of the NEUTRALPATH newsletter.
In this issue, we continue exploring how climate-neutral districts can become more than technical demonstrators: they can act as inclusive, transformative and resilient urban spaces, able to support cities in their transition while responding to the needs of citizens and local communities.
Through our latest podcast episode and journalistic article, we look at how districts can join forces for decarbonisation and how clean and energy-positive solutions can also become social shields. These stories highlight one of the core ambitions of NEUTRALPATH: developing Positive and Clean Energy Districts that are not only innovative and efficient, but also fair, liveable and rooted in local realities.
This edition also brings updates from the NEUTRALPATH General Assembly in Vantaa, where project partners came together to review progress, align next steps and advance the work of the pilot and follow cities. As plans continue to move from concept to implementation, the project is strengthening the connection between technical solutions, governance approaches and citizen engagement.
A key highlight of this issue is the new NEUTRALPATH policy brief, “Strengthening EU Heating & Cooling: Insights from NEUTRALPATH’s Policy Dialogue”. The brief reflects on how cities can help turn European heating and cooling ambitions into practical local action, while addressing key challenges such as affordability, financing, regulatory uncertainty, data gaps and local capacity.
We also turn the spotlight on Dresden, which is positioning itself as a front-runner for a smart and climate-neutral Europe, and on new resources and initiatives that reinforce the NEUTRALPATH vision for climate-neutral districts, including the Smart Cities Marketplace booklet and recent reflections from the Cities Mission Conference 2026.
Looking ahead, NEUTRALPATH will continue to engage its community through upcoming webinars, policy dialogues, capacity-building moments and informal opportunities for exchange, keeping collaboration at the heart of its work with cities, partners and stakeholders. Stay tuned to learn more and follow the project’s next steps.
Thank you for following NEUTRALPATH and for being part of this shared journey towards cleaner, more inclusive and climate-neutral cities.
Follow us on X, LinkedIn and YouTube to stay up to date.
Best regards,
Cecilia Sanz Montalvillo
NEUTRALPATH Project Coordinator
CARTIF |
