Heating and Cooling Integrated Sustainable Plans: A Support Framework for European Cities & Towns
ProgettoCHIP-EU aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of heating & cooling (H&C) in European cities by providing a Support Framework for developing integrated, sustainable local H&C plans. Recognising that most cities lack the governance structures, tools, and capacity to deliver such plans, the project introduces a holistic, participatory approach aligned with spatial and energy planning. The Support
Framework combines three pillars: 1) a governance structure fostering multi-level and cross-sector collaboration through co-creation with public authorities, private stakeholders and citizens; 2) a planning methodology that integrates technical, spatial, and social dimensions, ensuring plans reflect local conditions and priorities and 3) a practical toolkit with guidelines, methods, and templates to facilitate the
planning, development and implementation of sustainable local H&C plans. CHIP-EU prioritises capacity building for municipalities
and stakeholders, using experiential learning and training activities supported by Energy Transition Living Labs. These labs enable knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional and social capacity, and mobilise Local Energy Coalitions to enhance ownership and feasibility. The framework will be tested in 5 municipalities Kalamata (Greece), Valladolid (Spain), Groningen (Netherlands), Athyenou(Cyprus) and Ternopil (Ukraine), as well as the Pomurje Region (Slovenia). Additional follower municipalities, including 27 in Italy, will validate governance and preparatory aspects. This diversity ensures adaptability of the support framework across varying socio economic, geographic, and cultural contexts. By integrating citizen engagement, private sector participation and fostering links with broader urban development priorities such as regeneration, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience, CHIP-EU will deliver replicable solutions for sustainable H&C planning. Building on previous EU-funded projects, it provides a scalable pathway to implement robust
H&C strategies that contribute to climate neutrality, improved living conditions, and social acceptance.
Framework combines three pillars: 1) a governance structure fostering multi-level and cross-sector collaboration through co-creation with public authorities, private stakeholders and citizens; 2) a planning methodology that integrates technical, spatial, and social dimensions, ensuring plans reflect local conditions and priorities and 3) a practical toolkit with guidelines, methods, and templates to facilitate the
planning, development and implementation of sustainable local H&C plans. CHIP-EU prioritises capacity building for municipalities
and stakeholders, using experiential learning and training activities supported by Energy Transition Living Labs. These labs enable knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional and social capacity, and mobilise Local Energy Coalitions to enhance ownership and feasibility. The framework will be tested in 5 municipalities Kalamata (Greece), Valladolid (Spain), Groningen (Netherlands), Athyenou(Cyprus) and Ternopil (Ukraine), as well as the Pomurje Region (Slovenia). Additional follower municipalities, including 27 in Italy, will validate governance and preparatory aspects. This diversity ensures adaptability of the support framework across varying socio economic, geographic, and cultural contexts. By integrating citizen engagement, private sector participation and fostering links with broader urban development priorities such as regeneration, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience, CHIP-EU will deliver replicable solutions for sustainable H&C planning. Building on previous EU-funded projects, it provides a scalable pathway to implement robust
H&C strategies that contribute to climate neutrality, improved living conditions, and social acceptance.