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

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.

A Holistic and Interoperable Approach towards the Implementation of Services for the Digital Transformation of Smart Cities: The Case of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain)

“…To do so, urban strategic plans become pivotal [ 36 ]. These are evaluated by means of quantitative indicators [ 35 ].…”

“…These are evaluated by means of quantitative indicators [ 35 ]. In this way, Vitoria-Gasteiz has prepared its own sustainable transformation (named Cities4ZERO), consisting of the followings steps [ 36 ]: Engage: Involving all the relevant stakeholders; Analyse: Gathering city information and indicators; Diagnose: Evaluate the indicators [ 35 ]; Envision: Co-create the future vision of the city per domain (e.g., energy, mobility...); Plan: Planning strategic areas; Integrate: Cross-sectoral strategic plan. …”

“…The urban strategy relies on a digital transformation, but considering the citizens as an important player (step “engage” of SZCC) [ 36 ]. Hence, engagement should also be applied on the development of the CIOP.…”

“…The involvement of the key players in the development and usage of the CIOP is crucial, while assuring engagement in the digital transformation [ 36 ]. The methodology described in Section 3.3 has been applied to realise the AVS deployed in the platform.…”

“…This is the clear example of holistic perspective of the city, where several verticals take place: energy, comfort, mobility, ICTs (digitalisation of the city), social (citizens), environmental, and economy. At the same time, it provides a tool to quantitatively assess the urban transformation strategy [ 36 ]. In particular, it supports the steps “analyse”, “diagnose” from [ 35 ], and the final evaluation through well-established and measurable indicators.…”