As an industry, we are all collectively responsible for mitigating the challenges arising from climate change, from governments and global businesses to our local communities. But how can our urban neighborhoods be empowered and incentivized to address decarbonization?
To be effective and successful, collaboration is a critical requirement for neighborhood decarbonization, with buy-in from diverse stakeholders being essential.
This was a key takeaway from the dynamic workshop held at the C Change Summit on neighborhood solutions for urban decarbonization.
Developing a decarbonisation strategy
Building on ULI’s impactful work accomplished at the city scale, the neighborhood-focused workshop brought together industry experts from across Europe and from the United States, representing a wide spectrum of the real estate value chain. The aim was to share diverse insights, cross pollinate ideas and develop practical solutions towards decarbonization and for a better collaboration.
The interactive exercise aimed to simulate an Advisory Services Panel (ASP) to develop a decarbonization strategy for a housing-led, mixed-use district in a hypothetical tier 1 European city. Participants groups were tasked with addressing specific decarbonization challenges, such as financing retrofits, investing in sustainable infrastructure, or creating public-private partnerships – collaboration.
Collaboration and engagement
During the workshop, the importance of community engagement and inclusion in fostering a sense of collective responsibility was emphasized.
Insights were shared on how collaborating with housing cooperatives can empower individuals to see their role in the broader sustainability effort, turning decarbonization into a shared vision and mission.
It was particularly encouraging to hear that participants, especially those from the investment sector, expressed a strong willingness to invest collectively not only in the technologies driving decarbonization but also in enhancing the public realm and infrastructure. This holistic approach ensures that investment isn’t just about energy solutions, but also about creating thriving, well-rounded neighborhoods that cater to the broader needs of the community.
Leadership and champions
In addition, the establishment of strong, visionary leadership—such as through Business Improvement Districts—was identified as key to driving initiatives forward.
The role of neutral facilitators in maintaining trust and transparency was also discussed, as well as the need to leverage local champions who can foster public commitments and inspire stakeholder buy-in.
Defining a clear vision, sharing progress through KPIs, and ensuring transparency can align everyone under a unified purpose, increasing the collective value of these neighborhoods.
Scaling up solutions
Participants were also eager to learn how decarbonization solutions could be scaled up effectively across multiple communities. Keeping solutions simple and manageable, while also adaptable to different contexts, was a major focus.
Multi-generational housing models—such as integrating student and elderly housing—were also explored as a way of creating inclusive communities and fostering social cohesion. This inclusivity extends beyond social benefits to energy systems, as the potential for using shared microgrids that redistribute excess energy to community spaces like town halls was discussed.
Examples from around the world, such as the Tingbjerg Library and Culture House in Denmark, showcased how co-locating community services with energy systems can enhance both educational outreach and sustainable practice.
These examples underscored the power of local government support and open-mindedness in crafting flexible, forward-thinking urban policies.
The finance challenge
However, one of the biggest hurdles to urban decarbonization is financing.
During the breakout, a range of innovative mechanisms were explored that could help bring neighborhood solutions to life. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and social bonds were cited as effective ways to share investment risks while generating significant social returns, such as improved community health.
Government-backed loan programs were also discussed as a method to make decarbonization projects accessible to property owners, especially for low-carbon, multi-family housing developments.
Another important aspect of financing is the alignment of government investment with private initiatives.
Participants stressed the need for public funding to support essential infrastructure, such as heat networks, and the importance of attractive financing rates that align with low-carbon goals.
By leveraging tools like social bonds, public investment, and inclusive loan programs, it is possible to create financially viable pathways to decarbonization that benefit all members of the community.
Join us at future C-Change events
The C-Change Summit is about more than just sharing ideas—it is about inspiring action and equipping urban leaders with practical strategies for real-world decarbonisation. This neighbourhood-based workshop was a testament to the power of collaboration, local leadership, and community-focused solutions.
Whether an urban planner, a policy advocate, or an investor interested in sustainable development, the C-Change Summit offers a unique platform to connect, learn, and contribute to the movement towards net zero cities.
If you have any questions or wish to find out more about how to get involved with C Change, please visit https://europe.uli.org/programmes/c-change/ or email [email protected].
