IEA Cities Task 4: Climate Neutral Districts (Working period 2026 - 2029)

The Task 4 develops and adapts methods and frameworks for the practical planning, implementation and evaluation of climate-neutral neighbourhoods. Interoperable data platforms, governance structures, stakeholder engagement and analytical approaches are systematically considered to create a robust, scalable methodology that enables cities to measure their progress and achieve climate-neutral goals while maintaining social and economic balance.

Short Description

The task aims to support cities in the practical planning, implementation and evaluation of climate-neutral districts. This will be achieved by developing and adapting specific methods and frameworks tailored to the needs of the selected cities. Existing tools and insights from previous initiatives will be taken into account to create a solid foundation for the implementation of CNDs.

Four key subtasks will be addressed as part of this task:

Subtask A: Data collection and open data platform - This subtask focuses on collecting relevant data and developing an open data platform that enables the exchange and use of information between different actors. The aim is to provide a transparent and accessible database for the planning and evaluation of CNDs.
Subtask B: Stakeholder engagement strategies - The focus here is on developing strategies for involving various stakeholders, including the local population, in the planning and implementation process. Participatory approaches are intended to increase acceptance and support for CNDs.
Subtask C: Governance frameworks and best practices - This subtask deals with the analysis and development of governance structures that enable the effective implementation of CNDs. First, good practices will be identified, best practices will be evaluated and examined for their transferability to other cities.
Subtask D: Assessment and Analytical Frameworks - In this subtask, methods and instruments will be further developed to enable sound analysis, progress measurement and evaluation of CNDs. The aim is to review the effectiveness of measures and identify potential for optimisation.

The expected results of these activities include the provision of validated methods and tools that will help participating cities achieve their climate neutrality goals. The development of a comprehensive catalogue of methods will enable cities to effectively plan, implement and evaluate CNDs. In addition, the aim is to disseminate the developed tools and findings via various platforms in order to achieve broad application and impact.

These activities contribute to advancing the transformation of urban spaces into climate-neutral neighbourhoods and make a practical contribution to achieving global climate goals.

Participants

Austria (Lead), Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Spain, Finland

Contact Address

Project lead

Dr.techn. Karthik Bhat, M.Sc.
Fachhochschule Technikum Wien
Giefinggasse 6, 1210 Wien
E-Mail: karthik_subramanya.bhat@technikum-wien.at

Project partners

DIⁱⁿ Dr.ⁱⁿ Shokufeh Zamini
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Giefinggasse 4 1210 Wien
E-Mail: Shokufeh.Zamini@ait.ac.at

DI (FH) Gerhard Hofer
e7 GmbH
Hasengasse 12/2, 1100 Wien
E-Mail: gerhard.hofer@e-sieben.at

DI Dr. Ingo Leusbrock
AEE – Institut für Nachhaltige Technologien (AEE INTEC)
Feldgasse 19, 8200 Gleisdorf
E-Mail: i.leusbrock@aee.at