Towards an Integrated Approach to Urban Decarbonisation in Practice: The Case of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Koldo Urrutia-Azcona, Patricia Molina-Costa, Iñigo Muñoz, David Maya-Drysdale, Carolina Garcia-Madruga and Iván Flores-Abascal
Additional contact information
Koldo Urrutia-Azcona: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, Geldo Street, Edif.700, 48160 Derio, Spain
Patricia Molina-Costa: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, Geldo Street, Edif.700, 48160 Derio, Spain
Iñigo Muñoz: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, Geldo Street, Edif.700, 48160 Derio, Spain
David Maya-Drysdale: Department of Planning, Aalborg University, A C Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
Carolina Garcia-Madruga: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Vizcaya, Geldo Street, Edif.700, 48160 Derio, Spain
Iván Flores-Abascal: ENEDI Research Group, University of the Basque Country, Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-20

Abstract: How can local authorities effectively approach the decarbonisation of urban environments? Recent efforts to redirect cities into a less energy-intensive model have been mostly approached from a sectoral perspective, with specific energy policies and plans being issued without deeply considering their ties with other urban aspects. In this sense, well-established urban planning procedures have not been part of those, with the consequence of barriers in the implementation phase of those energy plans. The Cities4ZERO methodology was developed to guide effective integration between urban planning and energy policies, plans, and practices. It provides a holistic approach to strategic municipal processes for urban decarbonisation in the mid-long term, which includes key local stakeholders’ engagement into integrated energy planning processes, as well as tools for effective energy decarbonisation modelling. This paper analyses the application of the Cities4ZERO decarbonisation methodology on its strategic stage in the development of Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Action Plan for an Integrated Energy Transition 2030 (APIET 2030). It suggests that in order to accelerate urban decarbonisation, it is critical to: (a) foster interdepartmental collaboration; (b) allow for flexibility on the land-use planning regulations; (c) back decisions with detailed urban-energy models; and (d) truly engage key local stakeholders in the planning and implementation processes.

Keywords: decarbonisation; urban transformation; energy transition; integrated planning; smart cities; smart zero-carbon city; foresight; climate change mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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