A just and inclusive green transition : report on research and innovation projects.
Date: 2025-09-01
Institutions: Colah, Taira, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Fuoco, Tiziana, Mirpourian, Maryam
Subjects: EU research policy, Just transition, circular economy, energy poverty, energy transition, green economy, innovation, report, research project, social integration, sustainable development, town planning

A Just  
and Inclusive  
Green Transition 

Report on Research & Innovation Projects 

 
A Just and Inclusive Green Transition. Report on Research and Innovation Projects 

European Commission 
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 
Directorate B — Healthy Planet 
Directorate C — Clean Planet 
Directorate D — People: Health & Society 

Unit B1 — Green Transitions 
Unit C1 — Strategy, Policy Coordination & Urban Transitions 
Unit D3 — Health & Societal Transitions 

European Research Council Executive Agency 
Department B — Scientific Management 

Sector B0 — Scientific Impact and Feedback to Policy 

Contact   Maria Albano 

Email  

Diana López García 
Maria Del Pilar Gonzalez Pantaleon  
Anne Nielsen 
Maria.ALBANO@ec.europa.eu  
Diana.LOPEZ-GARCIA@ec.europa.eu 
Maria-Del-Pilar.Gonzalez-Pantaleon@ec.europa.eu 
Anne.NIELSEN@ec.europa.eu  
RTD-PUBLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu  

European Commission 
B-1049 Brussels 

Manuscript completed in July 2025  
1st edition 

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission. 

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ISBN 978-92-68-28967-9 

doi: 10.2777/6222808 

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

A Just and Inclusive Green 
Transition 
Report on Research & Innovation Projects 

edited by Tiziana Fuoco (PNO), Maryam Mirpourian (PNO), Taira Colah (PNO) 

2025 

 Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Table of Contents 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Executive summary .......................................................................... 3 

Introduction ....................................................................................... 4 

Key themes and challenges in the Green Transition ..................... 4 

3.1.  Critical focus areas .................................................................................... 4 
3.2.  Key challenges in green transition ........................................................... 5 

4. 

Analysis of the portfolio of projects ............................................... 6 

4.1.  Description of the portfolio ....................................................................... 6 
4.1.1.  Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion ...................................................................... 7 
4.1.2.  Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning .......................................................................... 18 
4.1.3.  Circular bio-based Solutions ........................................................................................... 28 
4.1.4.  Energy Transition and Energy Equity ............................................................................. 35 
4.1.5.  Climate Policy and Global Cooperation .......................................................................... 43 

5. 

Key findings and insights .............................................................. 51 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Executive summary 

This report assesses 55 EU-funded research projects, examining their contributions to a just and 
inclusive  green  transition.  The  main  thematic  focus  of  these  projects  includes  Environmental 
Justice  and  Social  Inclusion,  Sustainable  Cities  and  Urban  Planning,  Bioeconomy  and 
Circular  Economy,  Energy  Transition  and  Energy  Equity,  and  Climate  Policy  and  Global 
Cooperation. The report presents insights from the projects that can inform policies in these areas. 
It also presents future research needs as identified by the projects. 

The  projects  focusing  on  Environmental  Justice  and  Social  Inclusion  have  developed 
successful  pathways  for  engaging  marginalised  communities,  while  stressing  that  structural 
inequalities remain a significant challenge to be addressed in the green transition. Some of these 
projects  have  also  developed  participatory  governance  models,  which  have  enhanced  citizen 
in 
involvement  and  demonstrated 
environmental planning for long-term social inclusion. Furthermore, they underscore the need for 
stronger mechanisms to integrate vulnerable groups into climate adaptation and decision-making 
processes.  

importance  of  embedding  equity-driven  policies 

the 

Projects on Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning have advanced digital governance tools and 
nature-based  solutions  to  enhance  urban  resilience.  At  the  same  time,  they  point  out  that 
regulatory  fragmentation  and  weak  coordination  between  municipalities  and  EU-level  initiatives 
hinder  scalability.  Cities  require  more  integrated  frameworks  that  align  mobility,  housing,  and 
climate resilience strategies. A stronger emphasis on multi-level governance could enhance policy 
effectiveness and implementation at scale. 

Bioeconomy and Circular Economy projects have demonstrated progress in waste-to-resource 
strategies  and  bio-based  value  chains.  However,  market  fragmentation  and  a  lack  of 
standardisation  continue  to  limit  the  widespread  adoption  of  circular  practices.  Strengthening 
incentives for industries to transition to bio-based models and ensuring policy coherence across 
member states will be essential for mainstreaming circular economy principles in EU markets.  

Energy  Transition  and  Energy  Equity  projects  show  the  viability  of  decentralised  renewable 
energy solutions. However, financial and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption. Social 
acceptance  of  wind  and  bioenergy  remains  a  critical  issue,  emphasising  the  need  for  more 
inclusive financing models, community ownership structures, and public engagement campaigns. 
Expanding financial instruments that facilitate community-led energy projects can accelerate the 
shift towards more equitable and accessible clean energy systems.  

Climate Policy and Global Cooperation efforts have reinforced the EU’s leadership in climate 
diplomacy. However, fragmented data governance and inconsistent climate adaptation strategies 
across member states weaken long-term resilience planning. Strengthening AI-driven predictive 
modelling  and  integrating  cross-border  knowledge-sharing  mechanisms  will  enhance  the  EU’s 
capacity to respond to climate risks more effectively. 

To further facilitate a just green transition, it is crucial to enhance policy coherence across sectors, 
ensuring  stronger  alignment  between  climate,  energy,  and  urban  planning  policies.  Expanding 
financial  instruments  such  as  social  impact  bonds  and  decentralised  investment  models  will 
improve  equitable  access  to  funding  and  lower  investment  risks  for  sustainability  initiatives. 
Digitalisation  and  participatory  governance  should  be  further  embedded  into  policymaking  to 
enhance  citizen  engagement  and  accelerate  policy  adoption.  Investment  in  AI-driven  climate 
adaptation tools and predictive modelling will be crucial for strengthening resilience planning and 
improving  decision-making  processes.  Transnational  cooperation  and  standardisation  efforts 
should  be  expanded  to  facilitate  the  scaling  of  circular  economy  models,  reinforce  market 
readiness  for  bio-based  industries,  and  harmonise  regulatory  frameworks.  Addressing  these 
strategic priorities will help advance environmental sustainability, ensuring that the green transition 
remains inclusive, effective, and equitable. 

3 

 
2. Introduction 

This  report  highlights  a  selected  sample  of  55  research and  innovation  (R&I)  projects  and  their 
contribution  to  a  just  and  inclusive  green  transition.  The  selected  projects  were  funded  under 
various  work  programmes  of  the  Horizon  2020  research  and  innovation  funding  programme, 
namely: 

•  H2020-EU.1.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)  
•  HORIZON.2.6. Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment  
•  H2020-EU.3.2.  SOCIETAL  CHALLENGES  -  Food  security,  sustainable  agriculture  and 

forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy  
•  H2020-EU.3.3. SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy 
•  H2020-EU.3.4. SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green and Integrated Transport  
•  H2020-EU.3.5.  -  SOCIETAL  CHALLENGES  -  Climate  action,  Environment,  Resource 

Efficiency and Raw Materials  

•  H2020-EU.3.6.  SOCIETAL  CHALLENGES  -  Europe  in  a  Changing  World:  Inclusive, 

Innovative and Reflective Societies 

The  analysis  and  report  focus  on  H2020  projects  to  ensure  that  the  selected  projects  were 
sufficiently mature and had produced tangible outputs to analyse and highlight. While the projects 
cover a broad spectrum of areas related to the green transition, the primary selection criterion was 
a  strong  emphasis  on  justice  and  inclusivity  as  integral  aspects  of  their  approach  to  the  green 
transition.  The  projects  offer  insights  into  areas  such  as  environmental  justice  movements, 
sustainable  and  inclusive  urban  planning,  circular  economy,  clean,  fair  and  inclusive  energy 
transitions, and climate governance.  

The report is organised into five thematic areas, each addressing specific sustainability challenges, 
while the final section presents key insights that can inform regulatory strategies and policies as 
well as future EU funding.  

3. Key themes and challenges in the Green Transition 

The research projects analysed and presented in this report engage with and expand knowledge 
on a range of issues related to sustainability transitions: 

3.1.  Critical focus areas 

•  Climate  and  Energy  Governance:  Projects  contribute  to  understanding  decarbonisation 
trade-offs, energy security risks, and governance models that inform climate adaptation and 
mitigation  policies.  Findings  refine  methodologies  for  assessing  carbon  pricing,  energy 
demand, and emissions pathways. 

•  Advancing  Climate  and  Social  Equity  Policies:  Projects  demonstrate  how  policies 
advancing the green transition should foster environmental justice, resource equity, and social 
inclusion. By integrating participatory governance models, they offer replicable frameworks for 
ensuring 
vulnerable  populations  and 
underrepresented groups, are actively engaged in climate action. These projects support efforts 
to  embed  social  justice  within  the  climate  agenda,  ensuring  that  policies  address  systemic 
inequalities in resource access and climate resilience. 

that  marginalised 

communities, 

including 

4 

 
•  Circular Economy and Industrial Innovation: Studies on bio-based value chains, bio-waste 
valorisation,  and  resource-efficient  production  systems  provide  insights  into  sustainable 
material flows, industrial symbiosis, and waste valorisation applications. 

•  Sustainable  and  Inclusive  Urban  Development  and  Infrastructure:  Research  on  urban 
resilience, digital governance, data-driven and inclusive urban planning offers new evidence on 
climate-responsive urban infrastructure, mobility, and nature-based solutions. 

•  Decentralising Energy Transition and Enhancing Energy Equity: Projects demonstrate the 
feasibility  of  community-led  renewable  energy  initiatives.  These  efforts  emphasise  social 
ownership models, citizen-led projects, and equitable financing mechanisms to ensure clean 
energy access for all. 

•  Financial  Mechanisms  and  Investment  Models:  Findings  highlight  gaps  in  sustainable 
finance, impact investing, and market incentives, indicating where financial instruments must 
be refined to support long-term sustainability transitions. 

3.2.  Key challenges in green transition 

The projects have generated important insights, advanced methodologies, and provided solutions 
for advancing a just green transition. They also identify several persisting challenges: 

•  Lack  of  Integration  Between  Policy  Domains:  Despite  the  interconnected  nature  of 
sustainability challenges across sectors like energy, food, and climate adaptation, governance 
models  often  remain  fragmented.  There  is  a  need  for  exploring  new  policy  integration 
mechanisms  and  cross-sectoral  regulatory  models.  Current  governance  models  remain 
fragmented, thereby limiting the scalability and harmonisation of research-driven solutions. 

•  Gaps  in  Regulatory  and  Market  Frameworks  related  to  Circular  Economy  Adoption: 
Projects  highlights  barriers  to  scaling  circular  economy  models  and  renewable  energy 
solutions, including regulatory mismatches, investment risks, and uneven policy enforcement. 
Lack of standardised sustainability criteria and certification frameworks creates uncertainty for 
investors and industries, slowing the transition towards waste-to-resource economies and bio-
based markets. 

•  Persistent  Inequalities  in  Sustainability  Transitions:  Research  confirms  that  without 
targeted  equity  policies  and  mechanisms,  sustainability  transitions  will  exacerbate  existing 
socio-economic disparities. Future work should refine metrics for just transition monitoring and 
explore inclusive financial models. 

•  Challenges in Scaling and Knowledge Transfer: Several projects have indicated that while 
they have developed innovative and promising solutions, they often remain context- specific 
and face challenges to be scaled across different regions or policy settings. Hence, there is a 
continued need for assessing how solutions can be shared and adapted across different policy, 
market, and geographic contexts. 

•  Barriers  to  Scaling  Renewable  Energy  and  Social  Acceptance:  While  decentralised 
renewable  energy  solutions  have  proven  effective,  policy  and  regulatory  constraints  make 
scaling up wind, solar, and bioenergy initiatives difficult. Additionally, social resistance to large-
scale renewable infrastructure remains a key barrier, requiring policy interventions that prioritise 
community  ownership  models,  fair  compensation  mechanisms,  and  participatory  decision-
making. 

•  Gaps in Policy Integration for AI and Digital Technologies in Governance: While digital 
governance  tools—such  as  Local  Digital  Twins  (LDTs)  and  AI-enhanced  urban  planning 
models show promise, broader frameworks for integrating AI into sustainability policymaking 
remain underdeveloped. Establishing ethical AI guidelines, data-sharing agreements, and AI 
governance policies is essential to ensure fair, transparent, and effective digital transformation 
in climate policy. 

5 

 
4. Analysis of the portfolio of projects 

4.1.  Description of the portfolio  

The selected portfolio of 55 EU-funded research projects addresses different aspects of a just and 
inclusive  green  transition.  This  report  explores  how  these  projects  contribute  to  fairness  and 
inclusivity  in  tackling  climate  change,  resource  management,  and  social  equity.  To  provide  a 
structured  overview,  the  presentation  of  the  projects  and  their  findings  are  organised  into  five 
thematic categories. For each category, the results highlight how these projects contribute through 
scientific advancements, technological innovations, and policy impacts. 

Environmental 
Justice and 
Social 
Inclusion 

Sustainable 
Cities and 
Urban 
Planning 

These projects 
tackle systemic 
inequalities in 
climate change 
impacts and 
solutions, 
addressing the 
needs of 
vulnerable 
communities, 
Indigenous 
peoples, and 
advocating for 
inclusive policy 
frameworks. 

This category 
focuses on 
making urban 
areas more 
sustainable 
and resilient. 
Projects 
engage 
citizens to 
ensure climate 
action is fair, 
accessible, and 
beneficial for 
all urban 
residents. 

Energy 
Transition 
and Energy 
Equity 

These 
initiatives focus 
on equitable 
distribution of 
renewable 
energy access, 
addressing 
energy poverty, 
and ensuring 
social 
acceptance of 
new 
technologies 
critical for the 
energy 
transition. 

Climate 
Policy and 
Global 
Cooperation 

This thematic 
area 
emphasises 
international 
collaboration 
and policy 
development to 
ensure climate 
mitigation 
efforts are fair 
and inclusive, 
particularly for 
countries in the 
Global South 
and vulnerable 
populations 

 Circular Bio-
based 
Solutions 

Projects in this 
thematic area 
emphasise 
sustainable, 
bio-based 
solutions while 
involving civil 
society and 
smallholder 
farmers. They 
aim to foster 
equitable 
growth in rural 
and vulnerable 
regions by 
promoting 
innovative and 
circular 
resource 
practices. 

Table 1.Thematic areas and rationale for project classification 

The selected projects not only address European challenges but also contribute to global efforts 
and highlight the interconnected nature of the green transition and the need for social justice. They 
offer both localised solutions as well as focus on international collaboration. Many of the projects 
also  examine  or  engage  with  policy  frameworks  such  as  the  European  Green  Deal,  the  Just 
Transition Mechanism, and initiatives like the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission and the 
Urban  Agenda  for  the  EU.  Some  of  the  projects  also  support  policy  frameworks  like  the  EU 
Bioeconomy Strategy, Circular Bio-Based Europe, and Horizon Europe Clusters 5 and 6. 

The analysis goes beyond technical outputs to examine the projects' broader societal and policy 
contributions,  particularly  in  terms  of  inclusivity  and  stakeholder  engagement.  By  focusing  on 
outcomes  such  as  tools,  models,  and  innovations,  the  report  captures  both  their  scientific  and 
operational contributions.  

The portfolio includes both completed and ongoing projects, reflecting not only immediate results 
but also long-term impacts. Many projects contribute across multiple thematic areas, reinforcing 
their  cross-cutting  relevance.  While  each  project  was  classified  under  a  primary  theme,  its 
secondary impacts were also considered to acknowledge the broader connections. Inclusivity is a 
key focus, with priority given to projects that engage a wide range of stakeholders, policymakers, 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
researchers, industry leaders, civil society, and vulnerable communities. This multi-actor approach 
is essential for ensuring a fair and inclusive transition.  

The  analysis  is  based  on  accessible  project  data  mainly  from  the  CORDIS  database,  such  as 
publications, deliverables, abstracts, and project specific websites and databases.  

4.1.1. 

 Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion 

This  thematic  area  includes  19  projects  focused  on  tackling  systemic  inequalities,  amplifying 
marginalised  voices,  and  creating  inclusive  solutions  for climate  and  environmental  challenges. 
Running between 2017 and 2027, the projects are based in research institutions across Europe 
working  alongside  international  partners  and  diverse  stakeholder  groups.  Their  key  focus  is 
shedding light on how to ensure fair access to resources, promoting participatory governance, and 
developing  frameworks  to  protect  vulnerable  communities  from  the  disproportionate  impacts  of 
climate change and environmental degradation. By fostering more inclusive policies and decision-
making processes, these projects contribute to a green transition that is not only sustainable but 
also equitable. 

Collectively,  these  projects  advance  knowledge  on  climate  justice  (e.g.  EnvJustice,  CCLAD) 
inclusive  governance  (e.g.  REAL_DEAL,  SHARED  GREEN  DEAL),  and  locally  grounded 
solutions.  From  supporting  grassroots  movements  and  integrating  Indigenous  knowledge  (e.g. 
LICCI and INCLUDE) to promoting fair land use and participatory policymaking (e.g. DynamiTE, 
PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE,  EQUALSEA,  GreenLulus),  these  projects  address  some  of  the  most 
pressing social and environmental challenges. Together, the projects highlight the transformative 
potential  of  environmental  justice  and  social  inclusion  in  building  a  more  equitable,  sustainable 
future while contributing meaningfully to global climate goals. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
CCLAD 

COMPASS 

EnvJustice 

Title: The Politics of Climate 
Change Loss and Damage 
Duration: May 2018 – April 2024 
Principal Investigator: Lisa 
Vanhala 
Host institution: University 
College London, United Kingdom 
Objective: Investigate the 
evolution of norms related to loss 
and damage in climate change, 
examining global and domestic 
policy-making practices. Key 
outcomes include the integration 
of justice norms in international 
frameworks and capacity-
building in small island states. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2017-
STG 

Title: Is Environmental Justice 
Necessary for Human Well-Being? 
Duration: March 2021 – February 
2026 
Principal Investigator: Christoph 
Oberlack  
Host institution: University of 
Bern, Switzerland 
Objective: Demonstrate how 
environmental justice influences 
the outcomes of certification 
schemes, inclusive businesses, 
and solidarity economies in agri-
food value chains, focusing on 
cocoa and coffee. Key results 
include gender-inclusive 
frameworks and advancements in 
environmental governance. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Bioeconomy and Circular 
Economy 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2020-
STG 

Title: A Global Movement for 
Environmental Justice: The 
EJAtlas 
Duration: June 2016 – October 
2021 
Principal Investigator: Joan 
Martinez Alier 
Host institution: Autonomous 
University of Barcelona, Spain 
Objective: Expand and utilise the 
Environmental Justice Atlas 
(EJAtlas) to analyse ecological 
conflicts and their socio-economic 
dimensions. Key results include 
the documentation of 3,000 cases 
and theoretical advancements in 
ecological distribution conflicts. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2015-
AdG 

EQUALSEA 

FAIR LIMITS 

ToxicExpertise 

Title: Transformative Adaptation 
Towards Ocean Equity 
Duration:  May 2021– April 2026 
Principal Investigator: Sebastian 
Villasante 
Host institution: University of 
Santiago de Compostela, Spain 
Objective: Address Ocean 
inequalities through transformative 
adaptation frameworks. Key 
outcomes include the Ocean Equity 
Index and capacity-building in 
marginalised fishing communities. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European 
Research Council (ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2020-
COG 

Title: Can Limitarianism Be 
Justified? 
Duration: July 2017– December 
2022 
Principal Investigator: Ingrid 
Robeyns 
Host institution: Utrecht 
University, Netherlands 
Objective: Explore the 
philosophical justification for limits 
on wealth and resource distribution, 
advancing theories of economic 
and ecological justice. Key results 
include limitarianism policy 
recommendations and 
interdisciplinary dialogues. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European 
Research Council (ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2016-
COG 

Title: Toxic Expertise: 
Environmental Justice and the 
Global Petrochemical Industry 
Duration: August 2015 – 
November 2020 
Principal Investigator: Alice Mah 
Host institution:  University of 
Warwick, United Kingdom 
Objective: Critically examine the 
socio-political dimensions of toxic 
pollution in the petrochemical 
industry, addressing accountability 
and community impacts. Key 
results include tools for 
participatory risk assessments and 
democratising toxic knowledge. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2014-
STG 

Table 2. Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion projects factsheet (Part 1) 

8 

 
 
INCLUDE 

LICCI 

ICCION 

Title: Indigenous Communities, 
Land Use, and Tropical 
Deforestation 
Duration:  November 2016 – 
October 2021 
Principal Investigator: 
Graziano Ceddia 
Host institution: University of 
Bern, Switzerland 
Objective: Address tropical 
deforestation through 
governance reforms and 
sustainable land management 
practices. Key results include 
participatory methodologies for 
Indigenous land rights. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2015-
CoG 

Title: Local Indicators of Climate 
Change Impacts. The 
Contribution of Local Knowledge 
to Climate Change Research 
Duration: June 2018 – May 
2023 
Principal Investigator: Victoria 
Reyes-García 
Host institution: Autonomous 
University of Barcelona, Spain 
Objective: Bridge Indigenous 
knowledge and scientific 
research on climate change. Key 
results include a global database 
of 1,000 local climate indicators 
and tools for integrating 
Indigenous knowledge into 
policy. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2017-
COG 

Title: Indigenous Climate 
Change Impacts Observation 
Network 
Duration: June 2020 – 
November 2021 
Principal Investigator: Victoria 
Reyes-García 
Host institution: Autonomous 
University of Barcelona, Spain 
Objective: Develop a digital 
platform to document and amplify 
Indigenous knowledge on climate 
change. Key results include the 
Oblo platform and increased 
Indigenous participation in global 
climate policy. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2019-
PoC 

PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE 

CURIA VIRIDES 

DynamiTE 

Title: Land, Property, and 
Spatial Justice in International 
Law 
Duration: March 2020 – 
February 2026     
Principal Investigator: Amy 
Strecker 
Host institution:  University 
College Dublin, Ireland 
Objective: Redefine property 
rights in international law to 
address spatial and land justice. 
Key results include 
interdisciplinary analyses and 
inclusive governance 
frameworks. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2019-
STG 

Title: How the Third Wave of 
Global Judicial Activism is Filling 
Ecological Governance Gaps 
and Challenging the Liability-
Remedy Paradigm. 
Duration: January 2021 – 
December 2025 
Principal Investigator: Liliana 
Lizarazo-Rodriguez 
Host institution: The Vrije 
Universiteit Brussels, Belgium 
Objective: Examine the 
transformation of human rights 
litigation into eco-centric 
frameworks. Key results include 
a global database of 2,700 
lawsuits and recommendations 
for judicial capacity-building. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2020-
STG 

Title: Dynamic Territory: A 
Normative Framework for 
Territory in the Post-Holocene 
Duration: January 2021 – 
September 2026 
Principal Investigator: Alejandra 
Mancilla 
Host institution: University of 
Oslo, Norway 
Objective: Reimagine territorial 
governance under climate 
instability. Key results include 
guardianship models for 
biodiversity hotspots and policy 
frameworks for equitable land 
distribution. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2020-
STG 

Table 3. Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion projects factsheet (Part 2) 

9 

 
 
 
 
GreenLulus 

IMPACT HAU 

COMPAIR 

Title: Green Locally Unwanted 
Land Uses 
Duration: June 2016 –May 
2022 
Principal Investigator: 
Isabelle Anguelovski 
Host institution:  Autonomous 
University of Barcelona, Spain 
Objective: Examine the social 
impacts of urban greening 
projects, with a focus on equity 
and anti-gentrification. Key 
results include participatory 
frameworks and urban justice 
metrics. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Sustainable Cities and Urban 
Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC) 
Call for proposal: ERC-2015-
STG 

Title: The Hau of Finance: 
Impact Investing and the 
Globalisation of Social and 
Environmental Sustainability 
Duration: February 2019 – 
January 2025 
Principal Investigator: Marc 
Brightman 
Host institution: University of 
Bologna, Italy 
Objective: Analyse the moral 
dimensions of impact investing 
to reconcile capitalism with 
sustainability. Key results 
include ethnographic case 
studies and critiques of market-
driven solutions. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2017-
COG 

Title: Community Observation 
Measurement & Participation in 
AIR Science 
Duration: November 2021 – 
October 2024 
Coordinating Country: 
Belgium 
Participating Countries: 
Greece, Germany, UK, Bulgaria, 
Netherlands, Bulgaria 
Objective: Empower citizens to 
monitor air quality and co-create 
environmental policies through 
citizen science labs. Key results 
include low-cost sensor 
deployment and participatory 
data dashboards. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Sustainable Cities and Urban 
Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
GD-2020 

ACCTING 

SHARED GREEN DEAL 

REAL_DEAL 

Title: Advancing Behavioural 
Change Through an Inclusive 
Green Deal 
Duration: February 2022– May 
2025 
Coordinating Country: France 
Participating Countries: 
Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Austria, 
Norway, Germany, Turkey, 
Portugal, Greece, Romania  
Objective: Promote equity and 
behavioural change in 
European Green Deal policies. 
Key results include pilot actions 
addressing energy poverty and 
sustainable mobility. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
GD-2020 

Title: Social Sciences & 
Humanities for Achieving a 
Responsible, Equitable and 
Desirable Green Deal 
Duration: February 2022 – 
January 2027 
Coordinating Country: United 
Kingdom  
Partner Countries: 
Netherlands, France, Portugal, 
Germany, Belgium, Slovenia, 
Ireland, Austria, Czechia, UK, 
Spain, Denmark, Greece, 
Cyprus, Hungary 
Objective: Conduct social 
experiments to align grassroots 
actions with European Green 
Deal objectives. Key results 
include a policy tracker and 
participatory governance 
frameworks. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
GD-2020 

Title: Reshaping European 
Advances Towards Green 
Leadership Through Deliberative 
Approaches and Learning 
Duration: February 2022 – 
January 2025 
Coordinating Country: 
Germany 
Partner Countries: Ireland, 
Italy, France, Belgium, 
Germany, Denmark, 
Netherlands, Czechia, Austria 
Objective: Enhance deliberative 
democracy for environmental 
governance. Key results include 
a digital platform and multilevel 
governance frameworks. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
GD-2020 

Table 4. Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion projects factsheet (Part 3) 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHOENIX 

Title: The Rise of Citizens’ Voices 
for a Greener Europe   
Duration: February 2022 – July 
2025 
Coordinating Country: Portugal 
Partner Countries: Italy, France, 
Belgium, UK, Hungary, Netherlands, 
Estonia, Portugal, Iceland 
Objective: Increase citizen 
engagement in climate-neutral 
policies through democratic 
innovations. Key results include 
enriched participatory methodologies 
and pilot actions in 11 locations. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Europe 
In A Changing World - Inclusive, 
Innovative And Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-GD-
2020 

Table 5. Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion projects factsheet (Part 4) 

Table 2 Pillar 1 Factsheets: 

4.1.1.1. 

 Key objectives 

The main objectives identified across the 19 projects can be grouped into the following key areas: 

•  Enhancing Justice and Equity in Governance and Policy: Projects like REAL_DEAL and 
PHOENIX focus on reshaping governance frameworks by fostering deliberative democracy and 
inclusive  policymaking.  These  research  projects  emphasise  engaging  disenfranchised 
communities,  co-creating  solutions,  and  bridging  gaps  between  citizens  and  institutions. 
Meanwhile,  ACCTING  addresses  the  social  inequalities  produced  by  European  Green  Deal 
policies,  piloting  interventions  to  ensure  equitable  access  to  sustainability  benefits.  CCLAD 
examines global North-South justice dynamics in climate governance, highlighting disparities 
in loss and damage policies and their impact on equity in international negotiations.  

•  Addressing Urban Inequities through Sustainable Development: Urban sustainability and 
environmental  justice  are  critical  themes  for  projects  such  as  GreenLulus  and  COMPAIR, 
which  focus  on  mitigating  green  gentrification,  ensuring  equitable  access  to  urban  green 
spaces, and empowering citizens to monitor and influence urban environmental policies. These 
research projects employ participatory tools, low-cost technologies, and inclusive planning to 
promote healthier, more equitable urban environments. 

•  Empowering Indigenous Communities: Projects like LICCI, ICCION, and INCLUDE amplify 
Indigenous and local knowledge in climate change adaptation and governance. These projects 
document  local  climate  indicators,  develop  platforms  for  Indigenous  data  sovereignty,  and 
reform  governance  structures  to  protect  ancestral  land  rights  and  prevent  deforestation.  By 
integrating these perspectives, the projects ensure that often marginalised voices are central 
to global sustainability efforts. 

•  Advancing  Equity 

in  Ocean  and  Land  Use  Governance:  EQUALSEA  and 
PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE  address  inequities  in  marine  and  land  governance,  exploring 
frameworks that prioritise equity in resource access and use. These projects highlight the social 
and ecological impacts of fisheries management and land use policies while developing tools 
to foster participatory governance. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Tackling Systemic Inequalities in Resource Distribution: Wealth and resource distribution 
are central to FAIR LIMITS, which explores the concept of limitarianism, advocating for upper 
limits  on  resource  accumulation  to  promote  social  and  ecological  equity.  Similarly, 
ToxicExpertise  examines  the  uneven  health  and  environmental  risks  associated  with 
petrochemical  industries,  advocating  for  greater  corporate  accountability  and  community 
empowerment. 

•  Mobilising  Participatory  Governance Tools:  Digital  and  participatory  platforms  developed 
by  projects  such  as  REAL_DEAL  and  SHARED  GREEN  DEAL  enable  large-scale  citizen 
engagement  and  deliberative  democracy.  These  tools  foster  transnational  collaboration, 
enabling diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions aligned with the European Green Deal’s 
objectives. 

•  Building Inclusive  Frameworks for Environmental Justice Litigation: CURIAE VIRIDES 
advances ecocentric litigation, addressing ecological governance gaps and advocating for the 
rights  of  nature.  By  promoting  strategic  litigation  and  building  judicial  capacity,  this  project 
highlights  how  legal  frameworks  can  empower  communities  and  enhance  environmental 
accountability. EnvJustice provides legal tools and policy recommendations for communities 
seeking  environmental  justice,  advocates  for  ecological  and  climate  debt  recognition,  and 
supports grassroots legal actions. 

•  Promoting  Behavioural  Change  for  Sustainability:  Projects  like  ACCTING  and  SHARED 
GREEN DEAL leverage social experiments to foster  behavioural and cultural change in line 
with  sustainability  goals.  These  projects  tackle  barriers  to  equitable  participation  and  align 
grassroots actions with overarching policy frameworks. 

•  Advancing Ethical and Sustainable Finance: The intersection of finance and sustainability 
is  addressed  by  IMPACT  HAU,  which  critically  examines  the  moral  dimensions  of  impact 
investing  and  its  capacity  to  drive  social  and  environmental  justice.  This  project  provides 
insights  into  how  ethical  finance  can  reconcile  capitalist  frameworks  with  sustainability 
objectives.  COMPASS  analyses  certification  schemes,  inclusive  business  models,  and 
solidarity  economy  strategies,  demonstrating  how  financial  mechanisms  can  enhance 
environmental justice and equitable value distribution across agri-food chains. 

•  Climate Adaptation and Mitigation for Vulnerable Communities: Several projects, including 
EQUALSEA and DynamiTE, focus on developing transformative adaptation frameworks and 
innovative territorial governance models to address climate instability. These projects ensure 
that  adaptation  strategies  prioritise  equity  and  sustainability  for  the  most  vulnerable 
populations. 

4.1.1.2.  Key results and contribution to knowledge 

The  projects  under  the  Environmental  Justice  and  Social  Inclusion  theme  have  generated 
invaluable insights and tangible impacts across multiple sectors, fostering equity and contributing 
to systemic change.  

• 

Inclusive Governance and Participatory Democracy 

Strengthening  governance  through  participatory  democracy  lies  at  the  heart  of  projects  like 
REAL_DEAL  and  SHARED  GREEN  DEAL.  These  research  projects  prioritise  citizen 
engagement  to  bridge  the  gap  between  decision-makers  and  communities.  REAL_DEAL 
developed a Pan-European Digital Democracy Platform, which successfully engaged 10,000 
participants in over 500 deliberative sessions on environmental governance. This digital tool 
provides  a  scalable  model  for  transnational  collaboration  and  policy  alignment.  Similarly, 
SHARED  GREEN  DEAL  piloted  24  social  experiments  across  six  key  Green  Deal  areas, 
including  energy  and  biodiversity,  empowering communities  to  co-create  solutions  that  align 
with the EU's sustainability objectives. These efforts have enhanced transparency, trust, and 
inclusivity in governance, ensuring that diverse voices  are integral to shaping environmental 
policies. 

12 

 
•  Advancing Environmental Justice 

judicial  capacity 

Projects  like  FAIR  LIMITS  and  CURIAE  VIRIDES  underscore  the  importance  of  justice  in 
resource  distribution  and  environmental  litigation.  FAIR  LIMITS  advanced  the  principle  of 
limitarianism,  exploring  how  capping  limiting  resource  accumulation  can  address  economic 
inequalities and promote ecological equity. By questioning unchecked resource consumption, 
the  project  provides  a  normative  framework  for  aligning  social  and  environmental  justice. 
CURIAE VIRIDES, on the other hand, created a database of 2,700 ecological lawsuits, which 
enhances 
the 
Environmental Justice Atlas (EJAtlas) by EnvJustice serves as a crucial tool in documenting 
global  activism,  providing  a  comprehensive  mapping  of  environmental  justice  cases.  This 
database  supports  research  and  advocacy  efforts  by  highlighting  patterns  of  environmental 
conflicts,  equipping  communities  with  legal  knowledge,  and  strengthening  the  visibility  of 
grassroots resistance. CCLAD further strengthens the North-South justice narrative, ensuring 
that  vulnerable  communities  are  equitably  represented  in  climate  justice  dialogues.  By 
addressing disparities in loss and damage policies, CCLAD provides insights into how climate 
governance  frameworks  can  integrate  fair  and  inclusive  solutions  for  regions  and  countries 
suffering disproportionate economic and non-economic losses due to climate change.  

to  address  global  ecological  conflicts.  Additionally, 

•  Urban Sustainability and Social Equity 

Addressing urban inequities is critical for fostering inclusive cities. GreenLulus developed anti-
displacement frameworks to mitigate green gentrification in 40 cities across Europe and North 
America,  ensuring  that  marginalised  communities  benefit  equitably  from  urban  greening 
projects.  COMPAIR  empowered  underrepresented  groups  through  citizen  science  labs, 
deploying 1,000 sensors to monitor air quality and foster community-driven solutions. These 
projects  highlight  the  importance  of  inclusive  urban  planning,  leveraging  technology  and 
participatory frameworks to promote social equity in urban development. 

•  Empowering Indigenous and Local Communities 

Empowering Indigenous and local communities is a cornerstone of projects like LICCI, ICCION 
and INCLUDE. LICCI documented over 1,000 local climate indicators, integrating Indigenous 
knowledge  into  global  climate  policy.  By  bridging  the  gap  between  scientific  and  local 
knowledge systems, LICCI enhances resilience and inclusivity in climate adaptation strategies. 
ICCION further amplified Indigenous participation by co-developing the Oblo platform, which 
ensures  data  sovereignty  while  informing  international  climate  governance.  INCLUDE  has 
provided  critical  insights  into  the  governance  of  land  use  and  deforestation  impacts  on 
Indigenous communities, advocating for inclusive policymaking and the protection of traditional 
lands.  Together,  these  projects  underscore  the  value  of  Indigenous  perspectives  in  driving 
equitable and sustainable solutions. 

•  Ocean and Land Governance 

Projects  like  EQUALSEA  and  PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE  have  redefined  equity  in  the 
governance of ocean and land resources. EQUALSEA introduced the Ocean Equity Index, a 
groundbreaking tool to evaluate disparities in marine resource access, and piloted governance 
reforms  in  Marine  Protected  Areas  (MPAs)  to  support  marginalised  fishing  communities. 
Similarly,  PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE  examined  the  role  of  land  rights  in  international  law, 
proposing  equitable  frameworks  that  reconcile  ancestral  and  economic  land  uses.  These 
projects  advance  systemic  solutions  to  address  inequalities  in  resource  access  and 
governance. 

•  Legal Innovations and Litigation Tools 

Legal tools are pivotal for addressing environmental governance gaps. CURIAE VIRIDES has 
led  the  way  in  better  understanding  the  potential  and  effectiveness  of  ecocentric  litigation, 
enabling courts and communities with the needed legal tools to hold entities accountable for 
environmental  harm.  In  the  same  vein,  REAL_DEAL  has  created  frameworks  for  multilevel 
governance, aligning local, national, and EU-level strategies to enhance legal accountability. 

13 

 
•  Behavioural and Cultural Transformation 

Behavioural and cultural shifts are essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Projects like 
ACCTING  has  focused  on  fostering  these  changes.  ACCTING  implemented  pilot  actions 
targeting behavioural changes in energy use, mobility, and food systems, promoting inclusive 
practices aligned with the Green Deal.  

• 

 Innovative solutions for Climate Resilience 

DynamiTE developed innovative governance models to manage territorial instability caused 
by  climate  change.  By  introducing  dynamic  frameworks  for  resource  distribution  and 
governance of biodiversity hotspots, the project advances equitable and sustainable adaptation 
strategies. Similarly, LICCI developed methodologies to integrate Indigenous knowledge into 
climate resilience policies, leveraging local expertise for transformative outcomes. 

•  Ethical and Sustainable Finance 

The intersection of finance and sustainability is addressed by  IMPACT HAU, which critically 
examines the role of impact investing in promoting environmental justice and its alignment with 
sustainability  goals.  This  project  explores  how  ethical  finance  can  drive  social  and 
environmental  change  through  green  bonds,  sustainability  bonds,  and  development  impact 
bonds.  COMPASS  complements  this  by  developing  sustainable  investment  strategies  that 
align  financial  instruments  with  circular  economy  principles  and  just  transition  frameworks. 
Additionally,  COMPASS  explores  the  integration  of  certification  schemes  and  solidarity 
economy  approaches  to  enhance  equitable  financial  practices  in  sustainability  transitions. 
These  findings  are  instrumental  in  shaping  policies  that  prioritise  inclusive  growth  and 
accountability in financial systems. 

•  Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies 

Several  projects  have  focused  on  advancing  just  frameworks  for  climate  adaptation  and 
mitigation. EQUALSEA developed transformative adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable 
fisheries,  while  DynamiTE  proposed  equitable  land  use  models  to  address  climate-induced 
territorial  changes.  These  projects  promote  climate  responses  that  prioritise  equity  and 
sustainability, supporting vulnerable populations in the face of global challenges. 

•  Capacity Building and Education 

LICCI developed protocols to train stakeholders in integrating Indigenous knowledge into policy 
frameworks,  while  REAL_DEAL  supported  inclusive  governance  by  equipping  over  300 
stakeholders with participatory democracy tools. These capacity-building efforts enhance the 
ability of communities and policymakers to lead sustainable transitions effectively. 

•  Quantifying and Addressing Systemic Inequalities 

Projects  like  ToxicExpertise  and  FAIR  LIMITS  have  identified  systemic  inequalities  and 
proposed actionable solutions. ToxicExpertise mapped toxic risks in petrochemical industries, 
advocating for community-driven monitoring systems. FAIR LIMITS investigated whether limits 
should be introduced on how many ecological resources a person should have access to, and 
how distribution of financial resources is related to a just transition. 

Collectively, the projects under this  thematic area advance our understanding of how to pursue 
equity, inclusivity, and environmental resilience in the green transition by integrating participatory 
governance,  leveraging  Indigenous  knowledge  and  grassroot  activism,  and  by  advancing 
innovative legal, governance and financial tools and frameworks. Their contributions offer practical 
and scalable examples of justice-driven sustainability, helping shape more inclusive environmental 
and social policies in Europe and beyond. 

14 

 
Inclusive 
Governance 
and 
Participatory 
Democracy 

• REAL_DEAL  developed  a  Pan-European  Digital  Democracy  Platform, 
engaging  10,000  users  in  500+  deliberative  sessions  on  environmental 
governance. 

• SHARED GREEN DEAL conducted 24 social experiments addressing topics 
like clean energy and biodiversity, empowering citizens to shape Green Deal 
initiatives. 

• PHOENIX  piloted  enriched  democratic  innovations  in  11  locations,  fostering 

community engagement in climate-neutral policies. 

Advancing 
Environmental 
Justice 

• FAIR  LIMITS  proposed  policies  to  cap  resource  accumulation,  addressing 

wealth inequality and promoting ecological equity. 

• CURIAE VIRIDES created a database of 2,700 ecological lawsuits, building 

judicial capacity for environmental governance. 

• ACCTING  piloted  inclusive  strategies  to address  inequalities  in  Green  Deal 

policies, ensuring equitable access to sustainability benefits. 

• EnvJustice  developed 

(EJAtlas), 
documenting global environmental conflicts and providing legal resources for 
communities. 

the  Environmental  Justice  Atlas 

• CCLAD  examined  North-South 

justice  dynamics,  ensuring  equitable 

representation of vulnerable communities in climate justice dialogues. 

Urban 
Sustainability 
and Social 
Equity 

• GreenLulus  developed  anti-gentrification  frameworks,  addressing  equity 

concerns in urban green spaces across 40 cities. 

• COMPAIR  deployed  1,000  sensors  in  citizen  science  labs,  empowering 

marginalised communities to monitor urban air quality. 

Empowering 
Indigenous 
and Local 
Communities 

• LICCI documented 1,000+ local climate indicators, integrating Indigenous 

knowledge into global climate policies. 

• ICCION co-designed the Oblo platform with Indigenous Peoples, enhancing 

data sovereignty and policy participation. 
INCLUDE reformed governance structures to protect ancestral land rights 
and reduce deforestation in tropical regions. 

Ocean and 
Land 
Governance 

Legal 
Innovations 
and Litigation 
Tools 

• EQUALSEA  developed  the  Ocean  Equity  Index  and  piloted  governance 

reforms in Marine Protected Areas. 

• PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE  proposed  reforms  to  international  land  rights 

frameworks, promoting equitable governance and sustainability. 

• DynamiTE 

introduced  governance  models 

for  biodiversity  hotspots, 

addressing territorial instability caused by climate change. 

and 

gaps 

litigation 

developed 

to  address  ecological 
•CURIAE  VIRIDES  promoted  strategic 
case 
law. 
governance 
through  multilevel 
REAL_DEAL  supported 
efforts. 
governance 
PHOENIX  addressed  barriers  to  legal  participation  by  marginalized  groups, 
fostering equitable legal reforms. 
•EnvJustice provided legal tools and policy recommendations for communities 
facing environmental injustices, strengthening grassroots legal actions. 

judicial  capacity-building 

and  EU-level 

frameworks, 

eco-centric 

aligning 

local 

Table 6. Key Results: Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion (part 1) 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Behavioural 
and Cultural 
Transformation 

• ACCTING piloted behavioural change initiatives in energy, mobility, and food 

systems to promote sustainable practices. 

• SHARED  GREEN  DEAL 

incorporated  behavioural 

insights 

into  24 

experiments, fostering societal commitment to the Green Deal. 

Technological 
Innovation for 
Climate 
Resilience 

• DynamiTE  proposed  dynamic  governance 

frameworks 

for 

resource 

distribution in climate-sensitive territories. 

• LICCI  developed  protocols  for  integrating  local  knowledge  into  scientific 

models, enhancing climate resilience policies. 

• EQUALSEA  piloted  data-driven  marine  adaptation  strategies  to  protect 

vulnerable communities and ecosystems. 

Ethical and 
Sustainable 
Finance 

• IMPACT HAU critically examined the impact of ethical finance on 

sustainability, proposing new frameworks for accountability. 
SHARED GREEN DEAL explored funding mechanisms for scaling inclusive 
Green Deal actions, advancing ethical finance solutions. 
FAIR LIMITS linked equitable finance with sustainability goals, addressing 
wealth-driven environmental challenges. 

• COMPASS developed sustainable investment strategies and explored 
certification schemes, integrating ethical finance into circular economy. 
models. 

Climate 
Adaptation 
and Mitigation 
Strategies 

• EQUALSEA developed transformative adaptation frameworks for fisheries and 

vulnerable coastal communities. 

• DynamiTE  proposed  equitable  land  use  strategies  for  mitigating  climate-

related territorial changes. 

Capacity 
Building and 
Education 

• LICCI  trained  stakeholders  in  Indigenous  knowledge  integration,  fostering 

cross-disciplinary capacity for climate governance. 

• REAL_DEAL supported inclusive governance by training 300+ stakeholders in 

participatory democracy practices. 

• ACCTING  provided  training  programs  addressing  behavioural  change  and 

sustainability in underserved communities. 

Quantifying 
and 
Addressing 
Systemic 
Inequalities 

• ToxicExpertise  mapped  toxic  risks  in  petrochemical  industries,  supporting 

marginalised communities with monitoring tools. 

• FAIR  LIMITS  advanced  frameworks  to  address  economic  inequality  through 

limitarianism policies. 

• PROPERTY[IN]JUSTICE analysed disparities in land use policies, promoting 

inclusive decision-making and resource distribution. 

Table 7. Key Results: Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion (part 2) 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1.1.3.  Contribution to secondary thematic areas 

The Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion projects have also significantly contributed to 
secondary  thematic  areas,  addressing  interconnected  challenges  and  driving  cross-sectoral 
impacts. 
integrated 
In  Bioeconomy  and  Circular  Economy,  projects  like  COMPASS 
environmental  justice  principles  into  certification  schemes,  inclusive  business  strategies,  and 
solidarity economies, advancing sustainable practices across agri-food value chains. Contributions 
to  Sustainable  Cities  and  Urban  Planning  include  projects  like  GreenLulus  and  COMPAIR, 
which  developed  frameworks  to  mitigate  green  gentrification  and  foster  urban-rural  linkages 
through  citizen  science  and  equitable  urban  planning.  For  Climate  Policy  and  Global 
Cooperation,  projects  like  EQUALSEA,  REAL_DEAL,  and  DynamiTE  aligned  governance 
strategies  with  global  climate  goals,  advancing  transnational  collaboration  and  inclusive climate 
action.  While  projects  like  LICCI  and  ACCTING  enhanced  governance  and  inclusivity  by 
integrating  Indigenous  knowledge  into  climate  adaptation  policies  and  promoting  sustainable 
behavioural changes in energy and mobility systems. Lastly, projects like DynamiTE and IMPACT 
HAU  proposed  innovative  governance  models  for shared  resources  and  critically  assessed  the 
role  of  ethical  finance  in  supporting  renewable  energy  adoption  and  reducing  fossil  fuel 
dependency.  

4.1.1.4.  Areas to Work on for the Future 

Several  key  challenges  identified  by  the  projects  remain  as  concerns  advancing  a  just  green 
transition:  

•  Deepening Integration of Social Equity in Policy Implementation: Projects like ACCTING, 
REAL_DEAL and SHARED GREEN DEAL have made  significant strides in advancing our 
understanding  of  the  impact  of  Green  Deal  policies  on  vulnerable  groups  and  promoted 
participatory  and  inclusive  governance.  They  also  point  out  that  ensuring  that  equity  is 
embedded in the implementation of environmental policies remains a challenge. For example, 
ACCTING has piloted interventions addressing inequalities in energy and mobility systems, 
and these could be scaled across diverse socio-economic contexts. EnvJustice, through its 
Environmental  Justice  Atlas  (EJAtlas),  provides  valuable  documentation  of  environmental 
injustices, highlighting systemic barriers that must be addressed. 

•  Expanding the Scope of Environmental Justice Litigation: Projects like CURIAE VIRIDES 
and EnvJustice have demonstrated the potential of ecocentric litigation, but many challenges 
remain.  Future  work  could  include  enhancing  judicial  capacity  and  expanding  databases  of 
ecological lawsuits, particularly to address transnational environmental harms. This expansion 
would foster international collaboration in tackling global ecological injustices. 

•  Enhancing Data Accessibility and Inclusivity: Projects like LICCI and ToxicExpertise have 
generated valuable datasets on local climate indicators and toxic risks, respectively. Ensuring 
that this data remains available and actionable for policymakers and communities is important. 
Future  efforts  could  build  on  platforms  like  ICCION’s  Oblo,  which  integrates  Indigenous 
knowledge  with  accessible  digital  tools,  and  EnvJustice’s  EJAtlas  to  create  open-data 
systems that democratise environmental decision-making. 

•  Strengthening  Localised  Adaptation  Strategies:  EQUALSEA  and  DynamiTE  have 
developed transformative adaptation frameworks that could inspire similar solutions in diverse 
local contexts.  Likewise,  DynamiTE’s  governance  models  for biodiversity  hotspots  could  be 
adapted  for  regions  facing  different  climate-induced  challenges,  such  as  desertification  or 
flooding, by co-developing solutions with affected communities. CCLAD’s research on North-
South  justice  dynamics  provides  essential  insights  into  ensuring  adaptation  strategies  are 
equitable across global contexts. 

•  Addressing  Systemic  Inequalities  in  Urban  Planning:  Urban-focused  projects  like 
GreenLulus  and  COMPAIR  addressed  green  gentrification  and  air  quality  issues.  Systemic 
inequalities in access to clean air, public awareness, and participation opportunities persist as 

17 

 
critical areas to address. Future work may include making participatory tools more accessible 
and ensuring that data of local communities is included in shaping the environmental policies. 

•  Mainstreaming  Indigenous  Knowledge  in  Global  Frameworks:  Projects  like  LICCI  and 
ICCION have made significant progress in integrating Indigenous knowledge into research and 
climate governance. Ensuring that this knowledge informs climate policies remain a challenge. 
Building on ICCION’s partnerships with UNFCCC platforms could strengthen the presence of 
Indigenous voices in international decision-making forums. 

•  Bridging  Gaps  in  Ethical  Finance  and  Resource  Allocation:  IMPACT  HAU  has  critically 
examined the role of impact investing in promoting environmental justice. However, aligning 
financial  systems  with  equity-driven  sustainability  goals  requires  further  exploration.  Future 
initiatives  could  develop  ethical  finance  tools  that  prioritise  funding  for  marginalised 
communities, drawing on lessons from IMPACT HAU and CCLAD’s insights into just transition 
financing. 

•  Addressing  Knowledge  and  Technology  Transfer  Inequalities:  Projects  like  DynamiTE, 
EQUALSEA and LICCI have piloted governance frameworks and adaptation tools, aimed at 
addressing inequalities linked to the green transition. Continuing to support capacity-building 
projects to further advance equity driven sustainability efforts remain of great importance. 

•  Developing  Metrics  for  Long-Term  Impact  Assessment:  Tools  like  ToxicExpertise’s 
monitoring frameworks have done important work for assessing environmental risks. However, 
gaps remain in creating standardised, long-term metrics which are sensitive to local knowledge 
and  community  impacts.  Future  work  could  focus  on  expanding  these  tools  to  improve 
transparency,  integrate  ethical  AI  approaches,  and  support  more  inclusive  and  accountable 
monitoring of environmental impacts in regions affected by industrial pollution.   

•  Expanding  Cross-Sectoral  Collaboration:  GreenLulus  has  raised  important  awareness 
about  the  socially  excluding  effects  of  urban  greening.  It  remains  essential  to  build  on  the 
project’s  insights  into  equitable  planning  and  anti-displacement  strategies.  In  addition, 
SHARED  GREEN  DEAL  has  promoted  participatory  frameworks.  Future  initiatives  could 
further  advance  cross-sectoral  collaboration  by  connecting  urban  planning  with  community 
engagement, ensuring that green transition efforts reflect  the needs and priorities of diverse 
populations.  

•  Strengthening Community-Led Approaches to Governance: Projects like ACCTING and 
REAL_DEAL  have  advanced  participatory  frameworks.  Empowering  communities  to  lead 
governance  processes  remains  important  to  support.  Future  initiatives  could  for  example 
expand  on  ACCTING’s  citizen-driven  pilot  actions  to  train  local  leaders  in  environmental 
governance, fostering community ownership of sustainability initiatives. 

4.1.2.  Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning 

This  thematic  area  brings  together  a  diverse  set  of  projects  aimed  at  transforming  cities  into 
sustainable, inclusive, and resilient spaces. Many of the innovative solutions developed within the 
projects  under sustainable cities  and  urban  planning  are  closely  linked  to  circularity, as  circular 
strategies, such as reducing waste, reusing materials, and promoting local loops, supporting cities 
in becoming more sustainable. These strategies are inherently place-based, meaning they rely on 
local action at the city or regional level to succeed.  

Running from 2017 to 2027, these research projects are led by institutions in the United Kingdom, 
Spain, Germany, and Italy, working in collaboration with EU Member States and global partners. 
They address key challenges such as urban resilience to climate change, citizen participation  in 
planning, the integration of innovative technologies, and the development of sustainable mobility 
systems.  

18 

 
 
As  shown  in  the  figure  below,  the  factsheets  highlight  each  project’s  core  objectives  and  main 
information. Collectively, these projects reflect a shared ambition to build smarter, greener, and 
more inclusive cities. From advancing digital tools (SmartEnCity and DUET) and clean mobility 
(SOLUTIONSplus and AVENUE) to rethinking food systems (FoodE and CITIES2030) and public 
spaces,  these  projects  explore  innovative  ways  to  improve  urban  life  and connect communities 
with  climate-smart  solutions.  Projects  like  GrowGreen,  CLEVER  Cities,  CLAiR-CITY,  and 
Climate-fit.City  further  contribute  by  enhancing  green  infrastructure,  improving  air  quality,  and 
supporting citizen-driven climate resilience. 

Together,  these  projects  contribute  to  the  vision  for  a  just  and  inclusive  green  transition  by 
addressing  urban  sustainability,  equity,  and  resilience.  Their  interconnected  efforts  not  only 
improve quality of life but also offer scalable models for tackling global challenges. 

FoodE 

CITIES2030 

SILVER STREAM 

Title: Food Systems in European 
Cities 
Duration: February 2020 – 
January 2024 
Coordinating Country: Italy 
Participating Countries: Italy, 
France, Germany, Netherlands, 
Belgium, Norway, Romania, 
Slovenia, Spain 
Objective: Develop and 
implement citizen-driven City 
Region Food Systems (CRFS) to 
enhance urban food self-
sufficiency, resilience, and 
sustainability through participatory 
planning and innovative urban 
agriculture practices. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Bioeconomy and Circular 
Economy 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food 
security, sustainable agriculture 
and forestry, marine, maritime 
and inland water research, and 
the bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-SFS-
2018-2020 

Title: Co-creating Resilient and 
Sustainable Food Systems 
Towards FOOD2030 
Duration: October 2020 – 
September 2024 
Coordinating Country: Italy 
Participating Countries: Italy, 
Belgium, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia, 
Denmark, Finland, Germany, 
Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, 
North Macedonia, Romania, 
Slovenia, Norway, Netherlands, 
Portugal, France 
Objective: Foster resilient, 
inclusive, and sustainable Urban 
Food Systems by deploying 
innovative digital platforms, 
participatory living labs, and 
circular economy principles to 
bridge urban-rural connections 
and improve food system 
resilience. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Bioeconomy and Circular 
Economy 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food 
security, sustainable agriculture 
and forestry, marine, maritime 
and inland water research, and 
the bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-FNR-
2020 

Title: Social Innovation and Light 
Electric Vehicle Revolution on 
Streets and Ambient 
Duration: June 2015 – May 2018  
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Italy, Slovenia, 
Switzerland, United Kingdom 
Objective: Develop lightweight 
electric vehicles tailored to aging 
populations, integrating 
ergonomic and social innovation 
for improved mobility, reduced 
urban congestion, and social 
inclusion. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and Social 
Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.4. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Smart, Green And Integrated 
Transport  
Call for proposal: H2020-GV-
2014-2015 

Table 8. Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning projects factsheet (part 1) 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AVENUE 

SmartEnCity 

SOLUTIONSplus 

Title: Autonomous Vehicles to 
Evolve to a New Urban 
Experience 
Duration: May 2018 – October 
2022 
Coordinating Country: 
Switzerland 
Participating Countries: 
Switzerland, Luxembourg, 
France, Denmark, Germany, 
Austria, Greece, Norway 
Objective: Demonstrate the 
feasibility and societal benefits of 
on-demand, autonomous, 
electric minibuses for sustainable 
public transport, reducing 
emissions and promoting 
inclusivity. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and Social 
Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.4. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Smart, Green And Integrated 
Transport  
Call for proposal: H2020-ART-
2016-2017 

Title: Towards Smart Zero CO2 
Cities Across Europe 
Duration: February 2016 – July 
2022 
Coordinating Country: Spain 
Participating Countries: Spain, 
Denmark, Estonia, Bulgaria, 
Italy, Germany 
Objective: Transform urban 
areas into resource-efficient 
ecosystems by integrating 
renewable energy, retrofitting 
housing, and fostering citizen 
participation for sustainable 
urban regeneration. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.3. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Secure, clean and efficient 
energy  
Call for proposal: H2020-SCC-
2014-2015 

Title: Integrating Urban Electric 
Mobility Solutions in the Context of 
the Paris Agreement, the 
Sustainable Development Goals 
and the New Urban Agenda 
Duration: January 2020 – 
December 2024 
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Spain, Rwanda, 
Ecuador, Nepal, Denmark, 
Philippines, Uruguay, Tanzania, 
Netherlands, Poland, France, 
Chile, Belgium, Hungary, Kenya, 
Sweden, Italy, Colombia, Vietnam, 
France, Austria, Finland 
Objective: Drive transformational 
change in urban mobility through 
the deployment of innovative e-
mobility solutions, multimodal 
transport systems, and capacity-
building to reduce emissions and 
promote equitable access. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.4. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Smart, Green And Integrated 
Transport  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-GV-
2018-2019-2020 

Table 9. Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning projects factsheet (part 2) 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DUET 

GrowGreen 

CLEVER Cities 

Title: Digital Urban European 
Twins for Smarter Decision-
Making 
Duration: December 2019 – 
November 2022 
Coordinating Country: Belgium 
Participating Countries: 
Belgium, Greece, United 
Kingdom, Czech Republic, 
Netherlands, Germany 
Objective: Leverage Local Digital 
Twins (LDTs) to enhance urban 
policymaking, promote 
participatory governance, and 
optimize planning processes with 
real-time, data-driven tools. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-SC6-
GOVERNANCE-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Green Cities for Climate and 
Water Resilience, Sustainable 
Economic Growth, Healthy 
Citizens, and Environments 
Duration: June 2017 – November 
2022 
Coordinating Country: United 
Kingdom 
Participating Countries: United 
Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Croatia, 
Italy, Franc, Switzerland, 
Netherlands, China 
Objective: Advance Nature-
Based Solutions (NbS) to 
enhance climate resilience, 
improve water management, and 
foster urban sustainability while 
promoting social and economic 
co-benefits. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate 
Policy and Global Cooperation 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-SCC-
2016-2017 

Title: Co-Designing Locally 
Tailored Ecological Solutions for 
Value-Added, Socially Inclusive 
Regeneration in Cities 
Duration: June 2018 – November 
2023  
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, 
Serbia, Greece, Spain, Romania, 
Sweden, Ecuador, Austria, 
Belgium, China 
Objective: Integrate Nature-
Based Solutions (NbS) into urban 
regeneration strategies to promote 
social cohesion, biodiversity, and 
equitable access to green spaces. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and Social 
Inclusion 
Programmes: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-SCC-
2016-2017 

Climate-fit.City 

ARCH 

Title: Pan-European Urban Climate Services 
Duration: June 2017 – February 2020 
Coordinating Country: Belgium 
Participating Countries: Switzerland, 
Czechia, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Italy. 
Objective: Develop high-resolution urban 
climate services to support sustainable urban 
planning, enhance climate resilience, and 
foster cross-sectoral collaboration. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate Policy and 
Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Climate action, 
Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-SC5-2016-2017 

Title: Advancing Resilience of Historic Areas 
Against Climate-Related and Other Hazards 
Duration: May 2019 – August 2022 
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: Germany, Italy, 
Slovakia, Spain, Ireland, South Korea 
Objective: Develop tools and methodologies 
to enhance the resilience of historic urban 
areas to climate change and disasters while 
integrating heritage preservation into urban 
planning. 
Second Thematic Area: Climate Policy and 
Global Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-CLA-2018-
2019-2020 

Table 10. Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning projects factsheet (part 3) 

21 

 
 
URBANA 

CLAiR-CITY 

Title: Urban Arena for Sustainable and Equitable 
Solutions 
Duration: January 2019 – March 2022 
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: Germany, Netherlands, 
Italy, Austria, Poland, France 
Objective: Address systemic urban sustainability 
and justice challenges by fostering collaboration 
among policymakers, researchers, and 
communities, emphasising participatory 
approaches. 
Second Thematic Area: Environmental Justice 
and Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-SC6-
TRANSFORMATIONS-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Citizen-Led Air Pollution Reduction in Cities 
Duration: May 2016 – July 2020 
Coordinating Country: Netherlands 
Participating Countries: Denmark, United 
Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Hungary, 
Belgium,  Slovenia, Poland, Portugal, Italy 
Objective: Tackle urban air pollution through 
citizen-driven policymaking, integrating public 
preferences into air quality and climate policies to 
foster environmental justice. 
Second Thematic Area: Environmental Justice 
and Social Inclusion 
Programmes:  H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials   
Call for proposal: H2020-SC5-2014-2015 

Table 11. Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning projects factsheet (part 4) 

4.1.2.1.  Key objectives 

The main objectives identified across the 13 projects are: 

•  Advancing  Urban  Resilience  and  Climate  Adaptation:  particularly  through  nature-based 
solutions (NbS) and integrated risk-reduction strategies as seen in projects like GrowGreen 
and ARCH . 

•  Promoting Sustainable Mobility: Projects such as SOLUTIONSplus and AVENUE integrate 
electric and autonomous mobility solutions to reduce urban emissions, enhance accessibility, 
and  provide  sustainable  transport  options  for  underserved  communities.  SILVER  STREAM 
introduces a light electric vehicle (L6e) tailored to elderly users, combining ergonomic comfort 
with easy-to-use features and advanced in-wheel motor technology to improve manoeuvrability 
in  congested  urban  areas.  These  projects  emphasise  inclusive  design  and  the  potential  for 
scalable multimodal systems. 

•  Leveraging  Digital  and  Data-Driven  Innovation:  Projects  like  DUET  and  SmartEnCity 
highlight the transformative potential of digital twins, and data visualisation tools, to enhance 
urban planning and governance. 

• 

Integrating  Sustainable Food  Systems:  Projects  such as  FoodE  and  CITIES2030 embed 
local,  citizen-driven  food  initiatives  into  urban  planning  to  enhance  regional  food  security, 
reduce waste, and strengthen the link between urban and rural areas through circular economy 
principles. 

•  Fostering Social Equity and Environmental Justice: Social inclusion is a central objective 
in  projects  like  CLAiR-CITY,  CLEVER  Cities,  which  focus  on  participatory  urban  planning, 
equitable  access  to  green  spaces,  and  addressing  disparities  in  air  pollution  and  urban 
regeneration, ensuring vulnerable communities are prioritised. SILVER STREAM also supports 

22 

 
 
 
elderly  users  with  adaptive  e-seats  that  reduce  physical  and  cognitive  stress  and  promote 
greater independence. 

•  Enhancing Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance: Stakeholder inclusion and 
co-creation  are  emphasised  across  projects  such  as  UrbanA,  CLAiR-CITY  and  SILVER 
STREAM, which leverage innovative tools and methodologies to involve citizens, policymakers, 
and local businesses in shaping sustainable urban solutions. 

•  Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainability: Projects like GrowGreen and CLEVER 
Cities  integrate  NbS  into  urban  regeneration,  biodiversity  enhancement,  and  green 
infrastructure, showcasing the potential of ecological solutions to transform urban landscapes 
and improve urban well-being. 

• 

Improving Urban Air Quality and Public Health: Projects such as CLAiR-CITY and Climate-
fit.City focus on addressing urban air pollution and mitigating heat risks by integrating citizen 
behaviour, high-resolution climate data, and public health considerations into urban policies. 

•  Preserving  Cultural  and  Historical  Assets:  Projects  like  ARCH  ensure that  historic  urban 
areas  are  resilient  to  climate  change  by  integrating  heritage  conservation  with  resilience 
planning and decision-support tools. 

4.1.2.2.  Key results and contribution to knowledge   

The  Sustainable  Cities  and  Urban  Planning  projects  have  driven  progress  in  urban  resilience, 
mobility  innovation,  digital  planning,  and  nature-based  solutions.  Their  findings  offer  practical, 
data-driven  insights  and  scalable  solutions  to  the  complex  challenges  of  urban  sustainability, 
helping cities develop more effective and inclusive strategies. The key insights and areas of impact 
of these projects are: 

•  Deployment of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Urban Resilience 

Projects like GrowGreen and CLEVER Cities showcased the potential of NbS to enhance urban 
resilience  and  liveability.  For  example,  GrowGreen’s  implementation  of  sponge  parks  in 
Manchester  reduced  stormwater  runoff  by  97.6%,  while  CLEVER  Cities  introduced  urban 
greening  initiatives  in  Milan  and  London  that  mitigated  urban  heat  stress  by  lowering  ground 
temperatures. These interventions also improved biodiversity and promoted community well-being. 
The ARCH project developed resilience tools applied in four historic cities and mapped over 50 
heritage structures, reducing data collection time by 30% while integrating NbS with climate risk 
and heritage planning. 

•  Advancements in Sustainable Urban Mobility 

Innovative  mobility  solutions  were  a  major  focus  in  projects  such  as  SOLUTIONSplus  and 
AVENUE. The deployment of electric buses, e-cargo bikes, and autonomous minibuses led to a 
93%  reduction  in  CO2  emissions  in  demonstration  cities,  while  reducing  reliance  on  private 
vehicles by up to 15%. These projects highlighted the potential of multimodal transport systems to 
transform urban mobility sustainably. In addition, SILVER STREAM project introduced inclusive 
light  electric  vehicles  with  in-wheel  motors  and  adaptive  features,  enhancing  accessibility  and 
reducing emissions in urban mobility systems. 

•  Enhanced Citizen Engagement and Participatory Governance 

Projects like CLAiR-CITY and DUET placed citizens at the centre of urban planning, empowering 
them to shape policies and decisions. Through participatory tools, such as Local Digital Twins and 
citizen  workshops,  these  projects  engaged  over  7,600  citizens  and  improved  transparency  in 
policymaking.  This  approach  not  only  fostered trust  but also  ensured that  policies  were  aligned 
with  local  needs  and  aspirations.  In  addition,  UrbanA  brought  together  over  1,000  to  share 
experiences, uncover the roots of urban injustice, and co-create practical solutions for fairer, more 
sustainable cities. 

23 

 
• 

Integration of Digital Innovation for Urban Planning 

Digital  tools  and  data-driven  approaches  were  pivotal  in  projects  like  DUET  and  SmartEnCity, 
which leveraged real-time simulations and interactive dashboards to optimise urban planning and 
resource  management.  These  tools  enabled  policymakers  to  evaluate  multiple  scenarios, 
enhancing policy alignment with sustainability goals and fostering data-informed decision-making 
processes. 

•  Reduction in Urban Air Pollution 

like  CLAiR-CITY  achieved  significant 
Through  citizen-driven  methodologies,  projects 
improvements in urban air quality. Pilot cities recorded a 25% reduction in NO2 concentrations and 
an  18%  decrease  in  PM2.5  levels  by  incorporating  behavioural  data  into  urban  air  quality 
management strategies. These outcomes demonstrate the power of participatory approaches in 
addressing environmental health challenges. 

•  Transformation of Urban Food Systems 

Projects  such  as  FoodE  and  CITIES2030  revolutionised  urban  food  systems  by  integrating 
sustainable  practices  into  city  planning.  Innovations  like  rooftop  gardens,  vertical  farming,  and 
circular food supply chains engaged over 4,000 stakeholders and reduced the distance food travels 
from  production  to  consumption  by  30%.  These  initiatives  strengthened  local  food  security  and 
built resilient urban-rural connections. 

•  Preservation and Resilience of Historic Urban Areas 

The ARCH project developed cutting-edge tools like the Historic Area Information System (HArIS) 
to  enhance  the  resilience  of  historic  urban  areas  to  climate  change  and  disasters.  These  tools 
supported the preservation of cultural heritage while integrating heritage sites into broader urban 
resilience frameworks, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. 

•  Reduction in Energy Demand and CO2 Emissions 

Energy efficiency and decarbonisation were central objectives in projects like SmartEnCity, which 
retrofitted  181  buildings,  achieving  annual  energy  savings  of  9,872  MWh  and  reducing  CO2 
for  scalable  urban 
emissions  by  1,549 
decarbonisation strategies. 

interventions  set  benchmarks 

tCO2eq.  These 

•  Economic and Social Co-Benefits of Urban Regeneration 

Urban  regeneration  projects  like  CLEVER  Cities  and  GrowGreen  demonstrated  substantial 
economic  and  social  benefits.  These  included  a  12%  increase  in  property  values  near  green 
infrastructure,  the  creation  of  over  200  green  jobs,  and  enhanced  social  cohesion  through 
participatory greening initiatives. These results underscored the potential of urban planning to drive 
equitable economic growth. 

•  Development of Scalable Frameworks for Climate Resilience 

Frameworks and platforms developed in projects like Climate-fit.City and GrowGreen provided 
cities  with  scalable  tools  to  enhance  climate  resilience.  These  tools,  including  high-resolution 
climate  data  and  open-data  platforms,  have  been  replicated  in  cities  beyond  Europe,  such  as 
Dhaka and Tirana, showcasing their global relevance and applicability. 

The Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning projects have demonstrated how inclusive innovation, 
data-driven  planning,  and  ecological  solutions can  work  together to  shape  healthier, fairer, and 
more resilient cities. By piloting real-world solutions - from mobility and food systems to cultural 
resilience  -  these  initiatives  have  produced  models  that  other  cities  can  learn  from,  adapt,  and 
scale.  At  their  heart,  these  projects  offer  clear  evidence  that  urban  transformation  begins  with 
people-centred approaches and the needs of each place as the main elements to achieve a just 
and green urban transition. 

24 

 
 
Nature-Based 
Solutions (NbS) and 
Urban Resilience

• GrowGreen: Sponge parks reduced stormwater runoff by

97.6% and temperatures by 24°C in pilot cities.

• CLEVER Cities: 44 hectares of green roofs and 600 trees

planted to enhance urban biodiversity and cooling.

Sustainable Urban 
Mobility

• SOLUTIONSplus: Deployed e-mopeds, buses, and cargo

bikes, cutting CO2 by 93% in demonstration cities.

• AVENUE:

Transported

passengers with
autonomous minibuses, reducing private car reliance by
15%.

150,000

Citizen 
Engagement and 
Govern

• CLAiR-CITY: Engaged 7,600 citizens, reducing NO2 by

25% and PM2.5 by 18%.

• DUET: Local Digital Twins implemented in 3 cities,
enhancing transparency and participatory decisio making.

Digital and Data-
Driven Urban 
Planning

• SmartEnCity: Retrofitted 181 buildings, saving 9,872

MWh annually and reducing 1,549 tCO2eq.

• DUET: Real-time simulations reduced planning costs by

up to 30%.

Urban Air Pollution
Reduction

• CLAiR-CITY: Prevented 568 premature deaths annually,

saving €1.2 billion in healthcare.

• Climate-fit.City: Reduced heatwave-related deaths by

20%, benefiting 1.2 million globally.

Urban Food 
Systems 
Transformation

• FoodE: Piloted 17 food projects in 11 cities, increasing

local food transactions by 25%.

• CITIES2030: Established 20 food labs, cutting food miles

by 30%.

Preservation of 
Historic Areas

• ARCH: Mapped 50+ historic structures, reducing data

collection time by 30%.

• ARCH: Developed resilience tools applied in 4 cities to

integrate cultural heritage into urban planning.

Table 12. Key Results: Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning (Part 1) 

25 

 
 
 
 
Energy Efficiency 
and 
Decarbonization 

• SmartEnCity:  Retrofitting  reduced  CO2  by  1,549  tCO2eq 

annually and saved 9,872 MWh of energy. 

• Climate-fit.City: Developed scalable frameworks for cities to 

integrate climate tools globally. 

Economic and 
Social Co-Benefits 

• CLEVER Cities: Created 200+ green jobs and increased 

property values by 12%.  
GrowGreen: Generated €125,000 in annual healthcare 
savings from increased activity in green spaces. 

Climate Resilience 
and Global Impact 

• Climate-fit.City: Tools replicated in cities like Dhaka and 

Tirana, benefiting 1 million+ globally. 
GrowGreen: NbS frameworks scaled to cities worldwide, 
improving resilience for urban populations. 

Table 13. Key Results: Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning (Part 2) 

4.1.2.3.  Contribution to secondary thematic areas 

The  Sustainable  Cities  and  Urban  Planning  projects  have  also  significantly  contributed  to 
secondary thematic areas by addressing interconnected challenges and fostering cross-sectoral 
impacts.  In  Environmental  Justice  and  Social  Inclusion,  projects  like  CLAiR-CITY  and 
CLEVER  Cities  prioritised  equitable  access  to  green  spaces,  improving  urban  air  quality  and 
addressing  disparities  in  health  outcomes  for  marginalised  communities.  Contributions  to 
Bioeconomy and Circular Economy include initiatives such as FoodE and CITIES2030, which 
integrated  circular  food  systems  into  urban  planning,  reducing  food  waste  and  strengthening 
urban-rural  connections 
local  supply  chains.  For  Climate  Policy  and  Global 
Cooperation,  projects  like  DUET  and  Climate-fit.City  developed  tools  and  frameworks  to 
enhance urban resilience and align urban planning strategies with global climate goals, supporting 
transnational  collaboration  and  the  scalability  of  solutions.  In  Energy  Transition  and  Energy 
Equity,  SmartEnCity  and  SOLUTIONSplus  contributed  by  advancing  energy-efficient  housing 
retrofits  and  promoting  equitable  access  to  clean  mobility  solutions,  reducing  reliance  on  fossil 
fuels  and  addressing  energy  poverty.  Together,  these  contributions  demonstrate  the  projects' 
capacity  to  tackle  systemic  urban  challenges  while  reinforcing  sustainability  and  equity  across 
diverse thematic areas. 

through 

4.1.2.4.  Areas to Work on for the Future 

The  projects  under  the  Sustainable  Cities  and  Urban  Planning  pillar have  achieved remarkable 
progress.  Building  on  this  foundation  could  further  enhance  progress  towards creating  resilient, 
inclusive,  and  sustainable  urban  environments.  Below  are  areas  identified  by  the  projects  that 
could be further explored to maximise societal, environmental, and economic benefits: 

•  Scaling Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Projects like GrowGreen and CLEVER Cities have 
demonstrated the potential of NbS in enhancing urban resilience and biodiversity. However, 
scaling  these  solutions  across  diverse  urban  contexts  will  require  investments  in  policy 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
frameworks,  blended  funding  mechanisms  and  local-regional  coordination  to  support 
implementation at a larger scale. 

•  Enhancing Digital Integration and Interoperability: While tools like Local Digital Twins from 
DUET  and  SmartEnCity  have  transformed  urban  planning,  their  interoperability  and 
Improving  modularity  and 
accessibility 
accessibility of digital tools would help smaller cities adopt these innovations such as digital 
twins. 

for  smaller  municipalities  need 

improvement. 

•  Promoting Long-Term Citizen Engagement: Sustaining citizen participation, as exemplified 
by CLAiR-CITY and CLEVER Cities, is critical to ensuring inclusive decision-making. Future 
projects  could  emphasise  engaging  marginalised  groups  and  embedding  participatory 
processes into urban governance structures. 

• 

Improving Air Quality Monitoring and Mitigation: Projects like CLAiR-CITY have achieved 
significant  air  quality  improvements,  but  future  efforts  could  focus  on  expanding  real-time 
monitoring systems with additional attention to emerging urban pollution sources. 

•  Advancing  Climate  Resilience  in  Vulnerable  Urban  Areas:  Enhancing  resilience  in 
neighbourhoods  prone  to  climate  risks  requires  predictive  climate  models  and  localised 
interventions. Expanding frameworks developed in ARCH and Climate-fit.City could support 
proactive urban planning. 

•  Strengthening Urban-Rural Linkages: Projects like FoodE and CITIES2030 have highlighted 
the benefits of integrating urban and rural food systems. Scaling these initiatives could foster 
localised circular economies and enhance resource efficiency across regions. 

•  Addressing  Energy  Transition  Challenges:  Ensuring  equitable  access  to  clean  energy 
solutions, as seen in SmartEnCity, is vital. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as green 
bonds and public-private partnerships, could help scale retrofitting and clean mobility solutions. 

•  Ensuring  Equitable  Urban  Regeneration:  Future  projects  could  address 

inclusive 
regeneration as highlighted within CLEVER Cities by developing governance models and co-
creation  practices  that  ensure  urban  regeneration  benefits  are  shared  among  all  residents, 
particularly vulnerable groups.  

•  Expanding Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Increasing training programmes for 
city officials and stakeholders would empower them to implement sustainable strategies. Global 
knowledge-sharing  platforms  can  further  amplify  the  impact  of  European  urban  models 
worldwide as highlighted by SmartEnCity and CLEVER Cities. 

27 

 
 
 
4.1.3.  Circular bio-based Solutions   

This thematic area brings together a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at advancing sustainable 
practices, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation across Europe and beyond. Spanning a wide 
temporal range from 2018 to 2026, these projects are coordinated by institutions in countries such 
as  Italy,  Spain,  Germany,  and  Finland,  with  collaborative  efforts  involving  multiple  EU  Member 
States and global partners. They address key objectives such as enhancing regional bioeconomy 
strategies, promoting circular resource use, and empowering rural and urban communities through 
innovative technologies.  

As  shown  in  the  figure  below,  the  factsheets  highlight  each  project’s  core  objectives  and  main 
information.  Projects  like  BIOVoices  and  Power4BIO  focus  on  mobilising  stakeholders  and 
creating  actionable  frameworks  for  market  adoption,  while  projects  like  BIO4AFRICA  and 
DIVAGRI tackle rural challenges in Africa by introducing circular and bio-based solutions. Urban 
sustainability  is  also  championed  through  efforts  like  HOOP,  which  valorises  biowaste  and 
wastewater  in  circular  city  models.  Meanwhile,  BIOEASTsUP  and  BE-Rural  concentrate  on 
supporting  regional  transitions  to  sustainable  bio-economies  through  strategic  planning  and 
participatory roadmaps. These projects collectively demonstrate the potential of the bioeconomy 
to address societal challenges, improve livelihoods, and contribute to global sustainability goals. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIOVoices 

BioMonitor 

BIO4AFRICA 

Title: Mobilisation of a plurality 
of voices and mutual learning 
to accelerate the Bio-based 
sector 
Duration: January 2018 – 
April 2021 
Coordinating Country: Italy 
Participating Countries: Italy, 
Slovakia, Estonia, Portugal, 
Greece, Romania, Spain, 
Netherlands, United Kingdom, 
Germany 
Objective: Mobilise societal 
actors to promote bio-based 
products through mutual 
learning. Key results include 
co-creation events with over 
2,840 experts and tools for 
market development. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-BB-
2016-2017 

Title: Monitoring the 
Bioeconomy 
Duration: June 2018 – 
November 2022 
Coordinating Country: 
Netherlands 
Participating Countries: 
Netherlands, Italy, United 
Kingdom, Latvia, Slovakia, 
Germany, Spain, Finland, 
Belgium, France 
Objective: Develop a data and 
modeling framework for the 
bioeconomy, enabling 
quantification and policy 
guidance. Outputs include 
enhanced datasets and 
stakeholder training programs. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-BB-
2016-2017 

Title: Diversifying revenue in 
rural Africa through circular, 
sustainable and replicable bio-
based solutions and business 
models 
Duration: June 2021 – May 
2025 
Coordinating Country: 
France 
Participating Countries: 
France, Ghana, Kenya, 
Uganda, Zambia, Finland, 
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, 
Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland, Uganda, 
Spain, Denmark, Greece. 
Objective: Diversify rural 
African incomes through small-
scale bio-based technologies 
and circular economy 
practices. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
SFS-2018-2020 

DIVAGRI 

POWER4BIO 

Title: Revenue diversification pathways in 
Africa through bio-based and circular 
agricultural innovations 
Duration: June 2021 – May 2025 
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: Germany, 
Austria, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, South 
Africa, Mozambique 
Objective: Enhance rural African 
agriculture via circular innovations, 
promoting biodiversity, soil health, and 
capacity building for smallholder farmers. 
Second Thematic Area: Environmental 
Justice and Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime 
and inland water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-SFS-2018-2020 

Title: emPOWERing regional stakeholders for 
realising the full potential of European 
BIOeconomy 
Duration: October 2018 – March 2021 
Coordinating Country: Spain 
Participating Countries: Spain, Germany, 
Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Belgium, Poland, 
Czechia, Ukraine, Greece, Czechia, Slovakia. 
Objective: Develop regional strategies for 
bioeconomy adoption, including a 3-step 
methodological framework and regional 
recommendations. 
Second Thematic Area: Sustainable Cities 
and Urban Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and 
inland water research, and the bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-RUR-2018-2020 

Table 14 Circular Bio-based Solutions projects factsheet (part 1) 

29 

 
 
BE-Rural 

HOOP 

BIOEASTsUP 

Title: Bio-based strategies and 
roadmaps for enhanced rural 
and regional development in 
the EU 
Duration: April 2019 – July 
2022 
Coordinating Country: 
Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, United Kingdom, 
Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, 
Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria 
Objective: Strengthen rural 
bioeconomies by supporting 
regional bioeconomy strategies 
and roadmaps. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Sustainable Cities and Urban 
Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
RUR-2018-2020 

Title: Hub of Circular Cities 
Boosting Platform to Foster 
Investments for the 
Valorisation of Urban Biowaste 
and Wastewater 
Duration: October 2020 – 
March 2025 
Coordinating Country: Spain 
Participating Countries: 
Spain, Germany, Finland, Italy, 
Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, 
Belgium 
Objective: Valorise urban 
biowaste and wastewater to 
foster circular cities, targeting 
investments and public 
engagement. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Sustainable Cities and Urban 
Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
FNR-2020 

Title: Advancing Sustainable 
Circular Bioeconomy in Central 
and Eastern European 
countries: BIOEASTsUP 
Duration: October 2019 – 
March 2023 
Coordinating Country: 
Poland 
Participating Countries: 
Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, 
Czechia, Slovenia, Latvia, 
Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, 
Romania, Croatia 
Objective: Facilitate the 
transition to a sustainable 
bioeconomy in Central and 
Eastern Europe. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, 
marine, maritime and inland 
water research, and the 
bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
RUR-2018-2020 

FOSTER 

HealthyFoodAfrica 

Title: Fostering food system transformation by 
integrating heterogeneous perspectives in 
knowledge and innovation within the ERA 
Duration: September 2022 – August 2026 
Coordinating Country: Germany 
Participating Countries: Germany, 
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Serbia, Hungary 
Objective: Improve governance and 
inclusivity in food systems through co-learning 
and citizen science initiatives. 
Second Thematic Area: Environmental 
Justice and Social Inclusion 
Programme: HORIZON.2.6 - Food, 
Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture 
and Environment  
Call for proposal: HORIZON-CL6-2021-
GOVERNANCE-01 

Title: Improving nutrition in Africa by 
strengthening the diversity, sustainability, 
resilience and connectivity of food systems 
Duration: June 2020 – May 2025 
Coordinating Country: Finland 
Participating Countries: Finland, Ghana, 
Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Italy, 
Netherlands, France, Norway, Benin, Portugal 
Objective: Develop sustainable, resilient, and 
healthy food systems in Africa via food labs 
and multi-actor approaches. 
Second Thematic Area: Environmental 
Justice and Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL 
CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable 
agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and 
inland water research, and the bioeconomy  
Call for proposal: H2020-SFS-2018-2020 

Table 15 Circular Bio-based Solutions projects factsheet (part 2) 

30 

 
 
 
4.1.3.1. 

 Key Objectives 

The main cluster objectives and scope, identified across the 10 projects include: 

•  Enhancing  Sustainability  through  Bioeconomy  Principles:  Projects  like  BIO4AFRICA, 
DIVAGRI,  and  HealthyFoodAfrica  focus  on  utilising  bio-based  technologies  to  transform 
agricultural and industrial residues into high-value products like biochar, bioplastics, and bio-
composites.  These  efforts  aim  to  close  resource  loops,  reduce  waste,  and  enhance  the 
resilience of local economies. 

•  Developing  Circular  Systems:  Initiatives  such  as  HOOP  and  BE-Rural  prioritise  the 
valorisation of organic waste and the establishment of circular business models. This includes 
promoting the cascading use of biomass, optimising resource efficiency, and reducing reliance 
on non-renewable materials. 

•  Policy Alignment and Governance: Projects like BioMonitor and BIOEASTsUP emphasise 
creating robust policy frameworks to integrate circular bioeconomy principles into national and 
regional  strategies.  These  include  setting  measurable  indicators  for  circularity  and  fostering 
stakeholder alignment with the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. 

•  Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusion: Stakeholder inclusion is a cross-cutting objective in 
projects such as BIOVoices and FOSTER, which aim to empower marginalised communities, 
promote  gender  equity,  and  involve  diverse  actors  in  decision-making  processes.  Public 
engagement tools like the BIOVoices platform and community-driven innovation hubs highlight 
the emphasis on participatory governance. 

•  Capacity  Building  and  Education:  Many  projects, 

including  BE-Rural  and 
HealthyFoodAfrica,  focus  on  educating  stakeholders  about  bio-based  innovations.  This 
includes  creating  training  programmes,  curricula,  and  knowledge-sharing  platforms  to  equip 
local communities, researchers, and policymakers with the skills to lead sustainable transitions. 

•  Technological  Innovation  and  Deployment:  Projects  like  DIVAGRI,  BIO4AFRICA,  and 
Power4BIO highlight the importance of deploying small-scale, robust bio-based technologies 
tailored  to  local  needs.  These  technologies  range  from  biorefineries  to  low-energy  irrigation 
systems, which help address local challenges such as food security, water scarcity, and waste 
management. 

•  Economic Development and Market Creation: A focus on creating sustainable value chains 
and new market opportunities is evident in projects like HOOP and HealthyFoodAfrica, which 
aim  to  integrate  smallholders  and  local  producers  into  global  value  chains,  fostering 
entrepreneurship and equitable economic growth. 

•  Addressing  Climate  Goals:  Climate  adaptation  and  mitigation  are  central  to  initiatives  like 
BioMonitor and BIOEASTsUP, which focus on leveraging bio-based solutions to achieve net-
zero  emissions.  These  projects  support  the  transition  to  a  low-carbon  economy  through 
renewable energy adoption and efficient resource use. 

•  Social  Equity  and  Environmental  Justice:  Social  inclusion  and  equity  underpin  several 
projects,  including  BIOVoices  and  DIVAGRI,  which  ensure  that  women,  youth,  and 
marginalised  communities  benefit  equitably  from  bioeconomy  initiatives.  These  projects 
emphasise fair resource distribution, inclusive decision-making, and community empowerment. 

4.1.3.2.  Key results and contribution to knowledge   

The  Circular  bio-based  projects  generate  empirical  evidence  on  the  feasibility,  scalability,  and 
impact of bioeconomy and circular economy strategies. 

31 

 
 
The key insights and areas of impact of these projects are discussed below:  

•  Technological Advancements and Circular Innovations 

Projects like BIO4AFRICA and DIVAGRI have implemented cutting-edge bio-based technologies 
to  maximise  resource  efficiency  and  reduce  waste.  BIO4AFRICA  tested  27  biomass  types  and 
deployed  small-scale  biorefineries,  pyrolysis  systems,  and  hydrothermal  carbonisation 
technologies,  enhancing  circularity  in  rural  economies.  DIVAGRI  established  15  demonstration 
sites, introducing innovations such as artificial wetlands and mobile biorefineries, which doubled 
irrigated land and projected a 200% increase in crop yields. Similarly, HOOP developed tailored 
circular business models, and its Urban Circular Bioeconomy Hub (UCBH) now supports 77 cities 
and regions in adopting circular practices. 

•  Policy and Governance Frameworks 

Policy  alignment  and  strategic  planning  are  at  the  core  of  projects  like  BioMonitor  and 
BIOEASTsUP,  which  developed  tools  and  frameworks  to  integrate  bioeconomy  principles  into 
governance.  BioMonitor’s  toolbox,  engaging  over  250  stakeholders,  includes  models  like 
MAGNET and BioMAT to project market trends for bio-based products. BIOEASTsUP created a 
Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for 11 Central and Eastern European countries, 
contributing to a 15% reduction in GHG emissions in pilot cities through innovative urban planning. 

•  Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusivity 

Empowering  stakeholders  is  central  to  projects  like  BIOVoices  and  FOSTER,  which  prioritised 
participatory  governance.  BIOVoices  conducted  77  Mobilisation  and  Mutual  Learning  (MML) 
workshops,  engaging  4,190  participants,  including  1,187  industry  professionals  and  705  civil 
society  members,  to  co-create  bioeconomy  strategies.  FOSTER  facilitated  6  Citizen-Driven 
Initiatives  (CDIs)  to  co-develop  scalable  solutions  for  regional  challenges,  enhancing  inclusivity 
and grassroots innovation. 

•  Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing 

Education  and  training  initiatives  across  projects  such  as  BE-Rural  and  HealthyFoodAfrica 
equipped  stakeholders  with  the  knowledge  and  tools  for  sustainable  transitions.  BE-Rural 
developed educational materials in 6 languages and hosted regional workshops that trained over 
100  participants.  HealthyFoodAfrica  established  10  food  system  labs  in  6  African  countries, 
benefiting over 300 smallholder farmers through capacity-building programmes. 

•  Economic Development and Market Creation 

Projects like Power4BIO and DIVAGRI have driven the creation of sustainable markets and value 
chains. Power4BIO catalogued 36 bio-based solutions with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 
above 6, enabling regions to integrate these innovations into their economies. DIVAGRI developed 
10  new  value  chains  and  integrated  smallholders  into  sustainable  agricultural  and  industrial 
systems, significantly boosting incomes and economic resilience. 

•  Environmental Justice and Social Equity 

The focus on inclusivity and equity is evident in projects like BIO4AFRICA and BIOVoices, which 
engaged  marginalised  communities  in  bioeconomy  initiatives.  BIO4AFRICA  involved  over  300 
local producers, with tailored programmes supporting women and youth. BIOVoices distributed 
14,000  children’s  books  in  11  languages,  fostering  early  awareness  of  bio-based  products  and 
sustainability. 

•  Contributions to Climate Goals 

Climate  adaptation  and  mitigation  are  integral  to  projects  like  BioMonitor  and  HOOP,  which 
developed  tools  and  strategies  to  reduce  greenhouse  gas  emissions  and  optimise  waste 
management. BioMonitor projected a 3.5% annual growth in bio-based chemicals, demonstrating 
a  significant  shift  away  from  fossil  fuels.  HOOP  implemented  waste  valorisation  systems  in 
Lighthouse Cities, reducing GHG emissions and enhancing circular waste practices. 

32 

 
Together, the projects under Circular Bio-based solutions thematic area contribute to advancing a 
just and sustainable transition by embedding innovation, equity, and environmental stewardship 
into  real-world  systems.  From  cutting-edge  bio-based  technologies  such  as  biorefineries  and 
pyrolysis  to  participatory  governance  and  sustainable  business  models,  these  projects  offer 
practical  solutions  for  building  circular  value  chains.  The  projects  contribute  to  a  transition  that 
leaves no one behind- ensuring the benefits of the circular and bio economy, such as skills, jobs, 
and  access  to  innovation,  reach  the  communities  that  need  them  most.  To  keep  this  progress 
going,  it  will  be  essential  to  strengthen  collaboration,  harmonise  governance  frameworks,  and 
deepen stakeholder engagement and maintain momentum.  

Technological 
Advancement
s and Circular 
Innovations 

• BIO4AFRICA tested 27 biomass types and successfully implemented small-

scale biorefineries, pyrolysis systems, and hydrothermal carbonisation 
technologies 

• DIVAGRI established 15 demonstration sites across five countries, deploying 
technologies that increased irrigated land and projected a 200% crop yield 
improvement 

• HOOP developed tailored circular business models for eight Lighthouse Cities 
and created the HOOP Urban Circular Bioeconomy Hub, which supports 77 
cities and regions. 

Policy and 
Governance 
Frameworks 

• BioMonitor  engaged  over  250  stakeholders  and  developed  the  BioMonitor 
Toolbox,  which integrates  tools  like  MAGNET  and  BioMAT  to  project market 
trends in bio-based products 

• BIOEASTsUP  supported  11  Central  and  Eastern  European  countries  by 
creating  a  Strategic  Research  and  Innovation  Agenda  (SRIA)  and  reducing 
GHG emissions by 15% in pilot cities. 

Stakeholder 
Engagement 
and 
Inclusivity 

• BIOVoices organised 77 Mobilisation and Mutual Learning (MML) workshops, 
engaging 4,190 participants, including 1,187 industry professionals and 705 civil 
society members. 

• FOSTER involved six Citizen-Driven Initiatives (CDIs) in co-learning processes, 

scaling local solutions across diverse regional contexts. 

Capacity 
Building and 
Knowledge 
Sharing 

• BE-Rural developed educational resources in six languages and organised 

regional workshops, training over 100 stakeholders. 

• HealthyFoodAfrica implemented 10 food system labs across six African 

countries, benefiting over 300 smallholder farmers. 

Economic 
Development 
and Market 
Creation 

• Power4BIO catalogued 36 bio-based solutions with Technology Readiness 
Levels (TRL) above 6 and empowered 10 regions to update bioeconomy 
strategies. 

• DIVAGRI created 10 new value chains and provided access to sustainable 

business opportunities for smallholder farmers. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental 
Justice and 
Social Equity 

•  BIO4AFRICA directly involved over 300 smallholder farmers, including women 

and youth, in pilot projects and capacity-building initiatives. 

•  BIOVoices  distributed  14,000  children's  books  in  11  languages  to  raise 

awareness about the bioeconomy among younger generations. 

Contributions 
to Climate 
Goals 

•  BioMonitor  projected  a  3.5%  annual  growth 

significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

in  bio-based  chemicals, 

•  HOOP implemented waste valorisation systems that reduced greenhouse gas 

emissions and enhanced urban waste management efficiency. 

Table 16. Key Results: Circular Bio-based Solutions 

4.1.3.3.  Contribution to secondary thematic areas 

The projects under Circular bio-based solutions thematic area have also significantly contributed 
to secondary thematic areas by addressing interconnected challenges and fostering cross-sectoral 
impacts.  In  Environmental  Justice  and  Social  Inclusion,  projects  like  BIO4AFRICA  and 
DIVAGRI empowered marginalised communities, particularly women and youth, through capacity 
building  and  equitable  access  to  bio-based  solutions.  Contributions  to  Sustainable  Cities  and 
Urban Planning  include  circular frameworks  from  HOOP  and  BE-Rural,  which  reduced  landfill 
dependency and fostered urban-rural linkages for localised bio-based value chains. For Climate 
Policy  and  Global  Cooperation,  initiatives  like  BioMonitor  and  BIOEASTsUP  aligned 
bioeconomy  strategies  with  global  climate  goals,  facilitating  carbon-neutral  transitions  and 
transnational  collaboration.  In  Health  and  Societal  Transitions,  HealthyFoodAfrica  and 
FOSTER improved food security and inclusivity by enhancing governance and supporting diverse, 
sustainable diets. Additionally, DIVAGRI and BIO4AFRICA supported the Energy Transition by 
introducing renewable bioenergy technologies that address energy poverty and reduce fossil fuel 
reliance.  Together,  these  contributions  demonstrate  the  projects’  capacity  to  tackle  systemic 
challenges while reinforcing sustainability across diverse thematic areas. 

4.1.3.4.  Areas to Work on for the Future 

The projects under the Circular bio-based solution thematic area have achieved good progress in 
enhancing  the  bioeconomy  and  circular  economy  innovation.  Below  are  areas  identified  by  the 
projects that could be further explored to further solidify sustainable transitions while maximising 
societal, environmental, and economic benefits:  

•  Scaling and Replication of Solutions: Many projects, such as BIO4AFRICA and DIVAGRI, 
have  successfully  piloted  bio-based  technologies  and  business  models.  Scaling  these 
innovations  could  be  part  of  future  activities,  with  actions  including  technology  replication 
across  additional  regions,  continued  training  programmes,  and  stakeholder  engagement  to 
support wider adoption.    

•  Policy Integration and Harmonisation: Despite significant advancements in policy alignment, 
such  as  in  BIOEASTsUP,  BioMonitor,  HOOP  and  Power4BIO,  challenges  persist  in 
translating  project  outputs  into  cohesive  policies  at  the  local,  national,  and  regional  levels. 
Further  efforts  are  needed  to  harmonise  regulatory  frameworks  across  EU  Member  States, 
particularly  regarding  standards  for  bio-based  products,  end-of-waste  criteria,  and  circular 
economy  incentives.  Enhanced  collaboration  with  policymakers  can  drive  consistent 
implementation and create an enabling environment for sustainable innovations. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Technological  Advancements and Commercialisation: Continued investment in research 
and development is crucial for improving the efficiency, scalability, and cost-competitiveness of 
emerging bio-based technologies. Besides the advances achieved in BIO4AFRICA, DIVAGRI, 
HOOP, and BioMonitor, bridging the gap between pilot-scale innovations and market-ready 
solutions  will  require  dedicated  support  for  innovation  ecosystems  and  commercialisation 
pathways via further training, technology adaptation, and stakeholder engagement. 

•  Addressing  Data  Gaps  and  Monitoring:  Comprehensive  data  collection  and  robust 
monitoring  frameworks  are  essential  to  measure  the  long-term  impacts  of  bioeconomy 
initiatives. Tools such as the BioMonitor Toolbox have laid the groundwork for tracking bio-
based markets, but further development is needed to include new metrics for biodiversity, social 
equity, and lifecycle sustainability.  

•  Enhancing  Stakeholder  Inclusion  and  Capacity  Building:  Strengthening  stakeholder 
engagement is vital to ensure that all societal groups benefit equitably from the bioeconomy. 
Expanding  education  and 
in  marginalised  and 
underrepresented  communities,  will  help  build  the  workforce  needed  to  support  green 
transitions.  Additionally,  initiatives  like  BIOVoices  and  FOSTER  could  be  strengthened  to 
deepen citizen participation and foster greater public awareness. 

training  programmes,  particularly 

•  Strengthening Urban-Rural Linkages: Projects such as BE-Rural and HealthyFoodAfrica 
have  demonstrated  the  potential  of  integrating  urban  and  rural  economies  through  localised 
value chains. Future efforts could focus on scaling these linkages, by replicating stakeholder 
co-creation  processes,  supporting  rural  bio-based  solutions,  and  promoting  inclusive  food 
system strategies across regions. 

•  Global  Collaboration  and  Knowledge  Sharing:  Expanding  international  cooperation  is 
critical to addressing global sustainability challenges. Strengthening partnerships with non-EU 
countries, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia, as in BIO4AFRICA and DIVAGRI, would 
promote  technology  transfer,  joint  research,  and  market  access  for  bio-based  products. 
Aligning  EU  bioeconomy  strategies  with  international  climate  and  sustainability  goals  would 
also reinforce the Union’s leadership on the global stage. 

•  Public Awareness and Consumer Engagement: Consumer adoption of bio-based products 
remains a barrier to market growth. Besides the outreach activities of  BIOVoices, FOSTER, 
BE-Rural, future outreach campaigns targeting financial incentives, and education initiatives 
are needed to build consumer trust and demand for sustainable alternatives. Platforms like the 
BIOVoices network could be further leveraged to bridge knowledge gaps and drive behavioural 
change. 

4.1.4.  Energy Transition and Energy Equity 

This thematic area brings together six projects focused on advancing sustainable, inclusive, and 
community-driven  energy  solutions.  Running  from  2015  to  2026,  these  projects  are  led  by 
institutions across Europe, including Austria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Greece, and some of 
them in collaboration with international partners from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and beyond 
(e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, etc.). These projects focus on ensuring equitable access 
to clean energy, fostering social acceptance of renewable energy technologies, and developing 
participatory  energy  governance  models  to  support  vulnerable  communities  in  the  transition  to 
sustainable energy systems.  

As  shown  in  the  figure  below,  the  factsheets  highlight  each  project’s  core  objectives  and  main 
information.  Collectively,  these  projects  reflect  a  shared  commitment  to  a  just,  inclusive,  and 
climate-resilient  energy  transition.  From  advancing  biogas  and  hydropower  solutions  (ISABEL, 
ISAAC,  and  Hydro4U)  to  unlocking  citizen-led  investment  in  geothermal  and  wind  energy 
(CROWDTHERMAL and WinWind) and aligning energy access with human development goals 
(DecentLivingEnergy), these research projects present how targeted innovation and participatory 

35 

 
governance  can  drive  equitable  access  to  clean,  reliable,  and  climate-resilient  energy  across 
different social and geographic contexts.  

DecentLivingEnergy 

Hydro4U 

CROWDTHERMAL 

Title: Energy and emissions 
thresholds for providing decent 
living standards to all 
Duration: June 2015 - May 
2019  
Principal investigator: 
Narasimha Rao 
Host Institution: The 
International Institute for 
Applied Systems Analysis, 
Austria 
Participating Countries: 
Austria 
Objective: Quantify the energy 
requirements necessary to 
provide basic living standards 
while mitigating climate 
change. Focusing on poverty 
eradication and low-carbon 
development. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.1.1. - 
EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 
European Research Council 
(ERC)  
Call for proposal: ERC-2014-
STG 

Title: Hydropower for You - 
Sustainable Small-scale 
Hydropower in central Asia 
Duration: June 2021 – May 
2026 
Coordinating Country: 
Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, 
Sri Lanka, Belgium, 
Uzbekistan, Spain, Kyrgyzstan, 
Kazakhstan 
Objective: implementing small-
scale hydropower (SHP) in 
Central Asia, addressing unmet 
energy needs in the region, 
while promoting renewable 
energy adoption. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.3. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Secure, clean and efficient 
energy  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
SC3-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Community-based 
development schemes for 
geothermal energy 
Duration: September 2019 – 
December 2022 
Coordinating Country: 
Belgium 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Poland, Slovenia, 
Romania, Ukraine, Portugal, 
Estonia, Turkey, Czechia, 
Spain, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, 
Serbia, Croatia, Belgium, 
United Kingdom, Netherlands, 
Iceland 
Objective: Enable community 
participation in the 
development and financing of 
geothermal energy projects 
through crowdfunding and 
social engagement. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.3. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Secure, clean and efficient 
energy  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
SC3-2018-2019-2020 

Table 17. Energy Transition and Energy Equity projects factsheet (part 1) 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WindWind 

ISABEL 

ISAAC 

Title: Winning social 
acceptance for wind energy in 
wind energy scarce regions 
Duration: October 2017– 
March 2020 
Coordinating Country: 
Germany 
Participating Countries: 
Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, 
Norway, Latvia 
Objective: Enhance social 
acceptance for wind energy in 
regions with historically low 
uptake by addressing 
community concerns, 
promoting benefit, and fostering 
participatory decision-making.  
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.3. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Secure, clean and efficient 
energy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
LCE-2016-2017 

Title: Triggering Sustainable 
Biogas Energy Communities 
through Social Innovation 
Duration: January 2016 – 
December 2018 
Coordinating Country: 
Greece 
Participating Countries: 
France, United Kingdom, 
Germany, Greece, Belgium  
Objective: Promote the 
development of biogas energy 
via social innovation and 
community-based solutions. It 
supports equitable access to 
clean energy for local 
communities. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion  
Programme: H2020-EU.3.3. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Secure, clean and efficient 
energy  
Call for proposal: H2020-
LCE-2014-2015 

Title: Increasing Social 
Awareness and Acceptance 
of Biogas and Biomethane 
Duration: January 2016 – 
June 2018 
Coordinating Country: Italy 
Participating Countries: 
Italy 
Objective: promoting the 
acceptance and 
implementation of biogas 
and biomethane in Italy by 
increasing public awareness, 
stakeholder engagement, 
and participatory decision-
making. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion. 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.3. 
- SOCIETAL CHALLENGES 
- Secure, clean and efficient 
energy   
Call for proposal: H2020-
LCE-2014-2015 

Table 18 Energy Transition and Energy Equity projects factsheet (part 2) 

4.1.4.1. 

 Key objectives 

The key clustered objectives and scope, identified across the 6 projects, include: 

•  Ensuring  Equitable  Access  to  Clean  Energy:  Projects  like  DecentLivingEnergy  and 
Hydro4U focus on expanding energy access while aligning with climate goals. These projects 
aim to ensure that underserved populations - especially in Central Asia and developing contexts 
-  gain  access  to  reliable,  affordable,  and  sustainable  energy  without  compromising  climate 
goals.  

•  Strengthening  Social  Acceptance and  Community  Participation  in Renewable Energy: 
Projects  such  as  WinWind  and  CROWDTHERMAL  aim  to  bridge  the  gap  between 
technological innovation and public trust, ensuring that communities are actively engaged in 
the renewable energy transition.  

•  Advancing  Decentralised  and  Community-Led  Energy  Solutions:  Projects  like  ISABEL 
and ISAAC emphasised the significance of locally driven renewable energy models, ensuring 
that  clean  energy  benefits  are  equitably  distributed,  particularly  in  rural  areas.  Their  biogas-
centred approaches present the objective to support decentralised, community-driven energy 
solutions that align with local needs and priorities. 

• 

Integrating  Renewable  Energy  with  Climate-Resilient  Infrastructure:  Projects  such  as 
Hydro4U and DecentLivingEnergy ensure that renewable energy planning aligns with long-
term sustainability and climate adaptation goals. By incorporating scenario-based planning and 
sustainable  design,  they  present  a  broader  objective  to  ensure  that  energy  infrastructure 
remains adaptive and resilient in the face of climate change.  

37 

 
 
•  Developing Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Renewable Energy Adoption: Projects 
like  CROWDTHERMAL  and  WinWind  explored  alternative  financial  strategies  to  facilitate 
investments in clean energy. They support the democratising investment in renewable energy 
and broadening access to clean energy markets.   

•  Enhancing  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation  for  Energy  Equity:  Projects  like 
Hydro4U and DecentLivingEnergy contribute to just and sustainable energy transitions via 
transboundary collaboration and integrated policy efforts. They ensure that energy transitions 
support both climate adaptation and equitable access to renewable energy. 

•  Expanding Public Awareness and Energy Literacy: Projects such as ISAAC and ISABEL 
focus on educational outreach and stakeholder engagement to foster a broad societal transition 
toward renewables. Both projects contribute to  the wider objective of equipping citizens and 
local  actors  with  the knowledge  and  tools  needed  to  actively  participate  in  the clean  energy 
transition, ultimately leading to the adoption of renewable energy solutions. 

4.1.4.2.  Key results and contribution to knowledge 

The implementation of the projects under the Energy Transition and Energy Equity thematic area 
has  generated  significant,  tangible  impacts  across  multiple  sectors,  advancing  clean  energy 
innovation,  fostering  economic  equity,  and  driving  systemic  change  in  renewable  energy 
governance.  These  initiatives  contribute  to  a  just  and  inclusive  energy  transition,  emphasising 
decentralised energy solutions, financial participation, and technological innovation.  

The clustering of key results reveals transformative achievements, supported by both qualitative 
and  quantitative  data,  underscoring  their  contributions  to  energy  equity,  clean  technology,  and 
social sustainability. 

The key insights and areas of impact of these projects are discussed below: 

• 

Inclusive Governance and Participatory Energy Planning 

Strengthening  governance  through  participatory  decision-making  is  central  to  projects  like 
WinWind  and  CROWDTHERMAL,  ensuring  that  local  communities  have  a  voice  in  renewable 
energy deployment. WinWind has established six regional stakeholder desks, engaging over 300 
policymakers, developers, and local communities in dialogue and policy co-creation. This model 
improved  stakeholder  trust  in  wind  energy  planning  by  35%,  reducing  opposition  to  new  wind 
projects.  CROWDTHERMAL  has  introduced  the  Social  Licence  to  Operate  (SLO)  framework), 
which  has  helped  reduce  public  opposition  to  geothermal  energy  by  25%,  ensuring  smoother 
project  implementation.  ISAAC  has  also  contributed  to  energy  democracy  by  implementing 
participatory  processes  in  Italy  in  Andria  and  Arborea,  engaging  over  4,000  citizens  through 
surveys, workshops, and public consultations. The participatory process in Andria led to a 20% 
increase in acceptance of biogas plants, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured community 
engagement. ISABEL facilitated the formation of community energy cooperatives, ensuring that 
biogas energy ownership remains in local hands. These efforts bridge the gap between decision-
makers and communities, ensuring that renewable energy deployment aligns with public interests 
and long-term sustainability goals. 

•  Technological Innovation and Renewable Energy Deployment 

Renewable energy solutions have proven to be the key enabler of equitable energy transitions, 
ensuring  that  clean  energy  is  accessible,  scalable,  and  adaptable  to  diverse  socio-economic 
needs.  Projects  like  Hydro4U  have  pioneered  the  deployment  of  containerised  small-scale 
hydropower  units,    that  offer  clean,  reliable  energy  to  remote  communities  while  ensuring 
environmental  sustainability.  Similarly,  ISABEL  has  developed  small-scale  biogas  plants, 
integrating  agricultural  waste  into  local  energy  grids,  empowering  rural  communities to  manage 
their energy production independently. CROWDTHERMAL has showcased the viability of direct-
use  geothermal  energy  for  district  heating,  reducing  reliance  on  fossil  fuel-powered  heating 

38 

 
 
systems. WinWind has optimised wind energy siting through GIS-based tools, reducing wildlife 
conflicts by 30%, ensuring better alignment of wind projects with biodiversity conservation efforts. 
ISAAC  has  expanded  biogas  production  capacity,  identifying  a  production  potential  of  150-250 
billion  cubic  meters  across  Europe,  demonstrating  the  large-scale  viability  of  biogas  as  a 
renewable  fuel.  By  integrating  technology-driven  renewable  energy  models  with  sustainable 
development  objectives,  these  projects  contribute  to  energy  security,  climate  resilience,  and 
equitable energy access, ensuring that clean energy transitions remain both technologically robust 
and socially inclusive. 

•  Financial Inclusion and Community Energy Investment 

Expanding  financial  accessibility  in  clean  energy  transitions  is  fundamental  to  democratising 
energy  ownership  and  ensuring  equitable  distribution  of  energy  benefits.  Projects  like 
CROWDTHERMAL and WinWind have demonstrated how innovative financial frameworks can 
empower local communities to participate in renewable energy investments, reducing reliance on 
traditional  financing  models.  CROWDTHERMAL  has  pioneered  community-driven  geothermal 
investment  models,  successfully  raising  €1.2  million  through  crowdfunding  in  just  two  months, 
proving that decentralised financing mechanisms can accelerate geothermal adoption. Similarly, 
WinWind  has  facilitated  land  lease  pooling  frameworks,  leading  to  a  15%  increase  in  local 
economic benefits and ensuring that municipalities and landowners receive fair compensation for 
hosting wind farms.  ISAAC has introduced alternative crowdfunding schemes, raising €200,000 
and engaging over 100 community investors, demonstrating the viability of citizen-led investment 
in  biogas  infrastructure.  By  integrating  financial  democratisation  with  sustainable  energy 
development,  these  initiatives  bridge  the  gap  between  capital  accessibility  and  local  energy 
autonomy, creating replicable models for equitable and community-driven clean energy transitions.  

•  Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience 

Integrating  climate  resilience  and  biodiversity  safeguards  into  energy  planning  is  essential  for 
ensuring that renewable energy development aligns with ecological conservation and long-term 
sustainability  goals.  Projects  like  WinWind,  Hydro4U,  ISABEL,  and  CROWDTHERMAL  have 
demonstrated how strategic environmental planning can mitigate risks associated with renewable 
energy expansion while maximising climate benefits. WinWind has implemented an environmental 
protection  framework  that  has  reduced  bird  mortality  in  wind  farm  areas  by  30%,  setting  a 
precedent 
for  biodiversity-conscious  wind  energy  deployment.  Meanwhile,  Hydro4U’s 
hydrological  modelling  techniques  have  safeguarded  water  resources,  prevented  depletion  and 
ensured that hydropower expansion does not compromise water security for local communities. 

DecentLivingEnergy has presented that using low-energy housing and smart city design can help 
provide essential cooling for 3.7 billion people in the Global South, as well as contributing to about 
14%  of  today’s  global  residential  electricity  consumption.  This  approach  advances  climate 
adaptation while minimising emissions from mechanical cooling systems, offering a replicable low-
energy model for heat resilience. 

In the field of emissions reduction, ISABEL’s biogas initiatives have prevented 10,000 tons of CO₂-
equivalent  emissions  annually,  highlighting  the  potential  of  waste-to-energy  systems  in 
decarbonisation  strategies.  Similarly,  CROWDTHERMAL’s  binary  geothermal  systems  have 
achieved  a  99%  reduction  in  emissions  compared  to  fossil-based  heating,  demonstrating  the 
viability  of  geothermal  energy  as  a  near-zero  carbon  alternative.  By  embedding  environmental 
resilience and emissions mitigation, these projects reinforce the principle that scaling clean energy 
must  be  balanced  with  ecological  responsibility.  Their  approaches  serve  as  replicable  models, 
ensuring that renewable energy expansion supports - not disrupts - natural ecosystems and local 
resource management strategies. 

•  Capacity Building and Energy Education 

Education  and  training  empower  communities  and  policymakers  to  actively  participate  in  the 
energy transition. Project likes ISAAC’s educational outreach programmes engaged 850+ students 
via  educational  tours  and  distributed  5,000+  digital  learning  materials,  fostering  biogas  literacy 

39 

 
among future generations. CROWDTHERMAL developed digital financial literacy tools, enabling 
local  investors  to  navigate  renewable  energy  crowdfunding  platforms,  ensuring  that  community 
members  could  actively  invest  in  geothermal  projects.  ISABEL’s  regional  training  workshops 
equipped  rural  communities  with  the  technical  expertise  needed  to  manage  biogas  plants, 
providing  operational  training  and  best-practice  guidelines  for  efficient  bioenergy  production. 
Meanwhile,  Hydro4U  established  specialised  hydropower  training  programmes,  ensuring  that 
local engineers gain expertise in sustainable water-energy management and enabling long-term 
maintenance of hydropower infrastructure. DecentLivingEnergy contributed to capacity building 
by development of a replicable policy framework that enables governments to estimate national 
energy needs for poverty eradication, helping planners in India, Brazil, and South Africa align social 
development  with  low-carbon  strategies.  By  embedding  training  and  public  education  into 
renewable energy transitions, these projects ensure that local communities have the knowledge 
and  capacity  to  lead  their  own  energy  future,  promoting  sustainable,  long-term  adoption  of 
renewable energy solutions. 

The  Energy  Transition  and  Energy  Equity  projects  collectively  demonstrate  how  targeted 
innovation, financial inclusivity, and participatory governance can converge to advance just and 
sustainable  energy  systems.  Projects  like  DecentLivingEnergy,  Hydro4U,  ISAAC,  and 
WinWind, have provided evidence supporting climate-aligned energy access, community-based 
ownership models, and cross-border collaboration. These findings contribute to strengthen global 
sustainability  objectives, including  the  SDGs  and  the Paris  Agreement,  while  offering  replicable 
models  that  centre  energy  democracy,  data-driven  policymaking,  and  equitable  transitions. 
Looking ahead, scaling these solutions, streamlining policies, and enhancing stakeholder inclusion 
will be essential to ensure that the energy transition leaves no one behind.  

Inclusive 
Governance 
and 
Participatory 
Energy 
Planning 

•  WinWind  established  six  regional  stakeholder  desks,  engaging  300+ 
policymakers,  developers,  and  communities,  improving  stakeholder  trust  by 
35%. 

• CROWDTHERMAL 

introduced 

the  Social  License 

to  Operate  (SLO) 

framework, reducing public resistance to geothermal projects by 25%. 

• ISAAC implemented participatory processes in Italy, engaging 4,000 citizens, 

increasing biogas plant acceptance by 20%. 

• ISABEL facilitated community energy cooperatives, ensuring local ownership 

of biogas projects. 

Technological 
Innovation and 
Renewable 
Energy 
Deployment 

• Hydro4U deployed small-scale hydropower, generating 13 GWh/year. 
•

ISABEL integrated biogas plants into local grids, converting agricultural waste 
into energy. 

• CROWDTHERMAL  showcased  geothermal  district  heating,  reducing  fossil 

fuel reliance. 

• WinWind optimized wind farm siting, cutting wildlife conflicts by 30%. 
•

ISAAC  identified  150-250 billion  m³  biogas potential  across  Europe,  proving 
large-scale feasibility. 

40 

 
 
 
Financial 
Inclusion and 
Community 
Energy 
Investment 

•  CROWDTHERMAL raised €1.2 million through crowdfunding, demonstrating 

the viability of community-driven geothermal financing. 

• WinWind  increased  local  economic  benefits  by  15%  through  land  lease 

pooling, ensuring fair compensation for landowners. 

• ISAAC  raised  €200,000  for  biogas  investments,  engaging  100+  community 

investors in citizen-led energy projects. 

Environmental 
Sustainability 
and Climate 
Resilience 

• WinWind reduced bird mortality by 30%, improving biodiversity protection in 

wind farm areas. 

• Hydro4U  safeguarded  water  resources,  ensuring  sustainable  hydropower 

expansion. 

• ISABEL  prevented  10,000  tons  of  CO₂-equivalent  emissions  annually, 

supporting climate resilience. 

• CROWDTHERMAL achieved a 99% reduction in emissions from geothermal 

heating, proving its near-zero carbon potential. 

• DecentLivingEnergy  showed  that  low-energy  housing  can  reduce  cooling 

demand by 14%, aiding 3.7 billion people in the Global South. 

Capacity 
Building and 
Energy 
Education 

• ISAAC trained 850+ students through biogas education programs and 

distributed 5,000+ digital learning materials. 

• CROWDTHERMAL developed financial literacy tools to support renewable 

energy investors. 

• ISABEL trained communities in biogas plant operations, strengthening rural 

energy knowledge 

• Hydro4U provided hydropower training programs, equipping engineers with 

sustainable water-energy management skills 

• DecentLivingEnergy developed a planning tool showing that basic living 
standards can be met with 30% less energy through efficient housing and 
public transport. 

Table 19 Key Results: Energy Transition and Energy Equity 

4.1.4.3.  Contribution to secondary thematic areas 

In  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation,  projects 

The  Energy  Transition  and  Energy  Equity  projects  have  significantly  contributed  to  secondary 
thematic  areas,  addressing  interconnected  challenges  and  generating  cross-sectoral  impacts. 
These contributions highlight the projects' multidimensional role in advancing climate governance, 
social  inclusion,  ensuring  that  the  green  transition  is  equitable  and  aligned  with  broader 
sustainability  objectives. 
like 
DecentLivingEnergy  and  Hydro4U  have  provided  critical  insights  into  energy  justice  and 
transnational  cooperation  for  climate  resilience.  DecentLivingEnergy  quantified  the  energy 
thresholds  required  for  dignified  living,  informing  about  the  climate  mitigation  and  adaptation 
policies  by  linking  energy  access  with  emissions  reductions.  Meanwhile,  Hydro4U  has 
demonstrated how small-scale hydropower can support regional energy cooperation, adapting EU 
energy  standards  to  fit  the  specific  environmental  and  policy  conditions  of  Central  Asia.  These 
contributions  ensure  that  climate  policies  incorporate  fair  energy  access  models  and  scalable 
solutions for developing regions. For Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion, projects like 
CROWDTHERMAL,  WinWind,  ISABEL,  and  ISAAC  have  promoted  community-led  renewable 
energy adoption, enhancing public trust, participation, and ownership in clean energy initiatives. 
CROWDTHERMAL’s  crowdfunding  model  enabled  citizen  participation  in  geothermal  energy 
projects,  while  its  Social  Licence  to  Operate  framework  strengthened  public  acceptance  of 

41 

 
 
geothermal  investments.  WinWind  enhanced  trust  in  wind  energy  by  implementing transparent 
decision-making models. ISABEL and ISAAC empowered communities, reduced opposition, while 
expanding  access  to  clean  energy.  Together,  these  projects  extend  beyond  energy  equity, 
supporting  global  climate  governance,  community-driven  sustainability,  and  social  innovation, 
reinforcing the EU’s vision for an inclusive and resilient green transition. 

4.1.4.4.  Areas to Work on for the Future 

The  Energy  Transition  and  Energy  Equity  projects  have  made  significant  strides  in  advancing 
sustainable,  inclusive,  and  decentralised  energy  solutions.  At  the  same  time,  the  projects  point 
towards  several  areas  that  require  further  development  to  maximise  impact,  ensure  long-term 
sustainability, and align with broader climate and social equity goals:  

•  Strengthening Participatory Governance and Community Engagement: Despite progress 
in  fostering  community  involvement,  further  efforts  are  needed  to  strengthen  participatory 
governance models in renewable energy transitions. WinWind and CROWDTHERMAL have 
demonstrated  the  value  of  stakeholder  engagement  in  increasing  public  trust  and  social 
acceptance  of  wind  and  geothermal  energy.  However,  replicating  these  participatory 
frameworks in diverse socio-economic and geographical contexts remains a challenge. Future 
initiatives  could  focus  on  institutionalising  stakeholder  participation  in  energy  governance, 
ensuring long-term citizen involvement in decision-making processes. 

•  Expanding  Investment  Models:  ISAAC  and  ISABEL  have  shown  that  cooperative  and 
community-led biogas investments can enhance local ownership and trust. However, gaps in 
financial regulations and incentive mechanisms pose barriers to widespread adoption. Future 
efforts  should  focus  on  developing  risk  mitigation  instruments  for  community  investors,  and 
harmonising financial incentives across regions. 

•  Capacity  Building  and  Workforce  Development  for  Renewable  Energy  Transitions: 
Ensuring workforce readiness in the renewable energy sector is essential. While ISABEL and 
ISAAC  have  pioneered  energy  literacy  programmes,  expanding  these  initiatives  to  include 
training  and  policy  education  will  be  essential.  Future  projects  could  focus  on  developing 
curriculum-based energy education programmes in schools and technical institutions, providing 
vocational  training  in  renewable  energy  technologies  to  ensure  local  labour  markets  are 
equipped to support the clean energy transition, and training policymakers and local leaders in 
energy governance to ensure informed decision-making at all levels. 

•  Scaling  Technological 

Innovations  and 

Infrastructure  Development:  Despite 
advancements  in  decentralised  energy  solutions,  infrastructure  gaps  persist  in  scaling  up 
renewable  energy  technologies.  Hydro4U’s  containerised  hydropower  and  ISAAC’s  biogas 
scaling  efforts  highlight  innovative  approaches,  yet  further  investment  is  required  in  grid 
modernisation, storage technologies, and smart grid integration. Research could focus on site-
specific deployment, tool refinement, and system modelling to support efficient and scalable 
renewable energy integration. 

•  Enhancing  Environmental  Sustainability  and  Climate  Resilience  in  Energy  Systems: 
Environmental sustainability is a core concern for energy transition projects, yet additional work 
is needed to balance energy infrastructure expansion with ecological conservation. Hydro4U 
has  successfully  incorporated  hydrological  modelling  into  hydropower  planning,  but  similar 
approaches  must  be  applied  to  wind  and  solar  projects  to  minimise  biodiversity  impacts. 
Likewise,  WinWind’s  focus  on  reducing  wind  farm-related  wildlife  disruptions  could  be 
expanded  to  cover  other  renewable  energy  sectors.  Research  on  ecosystem-compatible 
energy infrastructure is crucial for ensuring that clean energy deployment does not come at the 
cost of environmental degradation 

•  Data Integration & Accessibility in Energy Transition: Projects like DecentLivingEnergy 
have provided replicable frameworks for assessing energy needs, energy equity and emissions 
mapping.  Challenges  remain  in  ensuring  that  these  insights  are  accessible,  actionable  and 
used by policymakers and industry stakeholders. Future efforts could focus on enhancing data 

42 

 
accessibility  and  integration  for  evaluating  the  social  and  environmental  impacts  of  energy 
transition projects.   

• 

Integrating  Climate  Resilience  into  Renewable  Energy  Infrastructure:  Ensuring  that 
renewable energy systems are resilient to climate change is crucial for long-term sustainability. 
Hydro4U  has  demonstrated  the  potential  of  small-scale  hydropower  in  adapting  to  regional 
water  constraints,  but  further  research  is  needed  on  its  applicability  across  diverse  climatic 
conditions.  

•  Expanding Circular Economy and Waste-to-Energy Integration: While ISABEL and ISAAC 
have demonstrated the potential of biogas in circular economy models, challenges remain in 
optimising  waste-to-energy  integration.  Research  could  focus  on  improving  efficiency  in 
biomass  feedstock  selection,  upgrading  biogas  purification  technologies,  and  addressing 
logistical constraints in biogas distribution. Furthermore, stronger regulatory support is needed 
to streamline biogas integration into existing energy infrastructures and ensure its alignment 
with broader circular economy goals. 

4.1.5.  Climate Policy and Global Cooperation 

This  thematic  area  brings  together  seven  research  projects  focused  on  advancing  climate 
governance, scientific modelling, and international collaboration. These projects span from 2016 
to  2024,  involving  institutions  across  Europe,  including  Germany,  Austria,  Greece,  Spain,  and 
Norway, with global partnerships extending to Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast 
Asia  (e.g.,  Palestine,  Jordan,  Vietnam,  Thailand,  etc.).  They  explore  innovative  policy-science 
interfaces,  develop  decision-support  tools,  leverage  Earth  Observation  technologies,  analyse 
sustainability transitions, and assess regulatory environments related to climate action. 

As  shown  in  the  figure  below,  the  factsheets  highlight  each  project’s  core  objectives  and  main 
information. Collectively, these projects reflect a shared commitment to enhancing global climate 
governance through inclusive policymaking, interdisciplinary modelling, and collaborative research 
across  borders.  Projects  such  as  NAVIGATE,  ENGAGE  and  PARIS  REINFORCE  refine 
Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) to improve climate policy modelling and scenario-building, 
while  integrating  stakeholder-driven  approaches  to  climate  policymaking.  EIFFEL  explores  AI-
enhanced  Earth  Observation  systems  to  support  climate  adaptation,  and  5TOI_4EWAS 
investigates  the  Water-Energy-Food  (WEF)  Nexus  to  enhance  resilience  strategies.  GLOBUS 
critically assesses governance in international climate cooperation, emphasising justice-oriented 
perspectives, and SMART examines sustainability factors within trade, corporate governance, and 
regulatory environments, particularly concerning supply chain transparency.  

By  uncovering  the  technical,  economic,  and  institutional  factors  that  shape  climate  action  at 
different levels, these projects contribute to a more detailed understanding of climate governance. 
Through  empirical  research,  case  studies,  and  modelling,  they  highlight  the  challenges  of 
balancing  emissions  reductions  with  sustainable  economic  development,  energy  security,  and 
social equity. 

43 

 
 
NAVIGATE 

ENGAGE 

PARIS REINFORCE 

Title: Next generation of 
AdVanced InteGrated 
Assessment modelling to 
support climate policy making 
Duration: September 2019 – 
December 2023 
Coordinating Country: 
Germany 
Participating Countries: Italy, 
Austria, Netherlands, United 
Kingdom, Greece, France, 
Switzerland, Sweden, 
Germany, Norway, Poland, 
Brazil, China 
Objective: To improve 
Integrated Assessment Models 
(IAMs) for better climate policy 
design by enhancing their 
ability to model economic 
transitions and policy impacts. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
CLA-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Exploring National and 
Global Actions to reduce 
Greenhouse gas Emissions 
Duration: September 2019 – 
December 2023 
Coordinating Country: 
Austria 
Participating Countries: 
Netherlands, Austria, China, 
Germany, India, Italy, Japan, 
Poland, Greece, Hungary, 
Brazil, Russia, South Korea, 
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia 
Objective: To create 
advanced decarbonisation 
pathways integrating social 
science and IAMs to support 
Paris Agreement goals. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
CLA-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Delivering on the Paris 
Agreement: A demand-driven, 
integrated assessment 
modelling approach 
Duration: June 2019 – 
November 2022 
Coordinating Country: 
Greece 
Participating Countries: 
Brazil, Japan, India, Russia, 
China, Spain, Belgium, 
Norway, Greece, Austria, 
Belgium, France, Germany, 
Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, 
United Kingdom 
Objective: To develop a 
demand-driven IAM 
framework, enhance science-
policy integration, and create 
an open-access platform to 
support climate policy and 
Paris Agreement goals. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
CLA-2018-2019-2020 

Table 20 Climate Policy and Global Cooperation projects factsheet (part 1) 

44 

 
 
 
EIFFEL 

5TOI_4EWAS 

GLOBUS 

Title: Revealing the Role of 
GEOSS as the Default Digital 
Portal for Building Climate 
Change Adaptation & 
Mitigation Applications 
Duration: June 2021 – May 
2024 
Coordinating Country: 
Greece 
Participating Countries: 
Greece, Germany, Italy, 
Netherlands, Spain, United 
Kingdom, Lithuania, 
Switzerland, Finland 
Objective: To enhance 
GEOSS-based Earth 
Observation applications using 
AI-driven tools for data 
enrichment, supporting climate 
adaptation and mitigation 
across multiple societal benefit 
areas. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Sustainable Cities and Urban 
Planning 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.5. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Climate action, Environment, 
Resource Efficiency and Raw 
Materials  
Call for proposal: H2020-LC-
CLA-2018-2019-2020 

Title: Quintuple Helix 
Approach to Targeted Open 
Innovation in Energy, Water, 
Agriculture in the South 
Mediterranean Neighborhood 
Duration: May 2016 – April 
2019 
Coordinating Country: Spain 
Participating Countries: 
Algeria, Egypt, France, 
Germany, Italy, Jordan, 
Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, 
Turkey, Belgium, Greece, 
Palestine, Libya 
Objective: To foster open 
innovation in energy, water, 
and agriculture in the Southern 
Mediterranean through a 
quintuple helix approach, 
enhancing research capacity, 
regional cooperation, and 
socio-economic impact.  
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-INT-
2014-2015 

Title: Reconsidering European 
Contributions to Global Justice 
Duration: June 2016 – May 
2020 
Coordinating Country: 
Norway 
Participating Countries: 
Norway, Belgium, Germany, 
Ireland, Italy, South Africa, 
Brazil, India, China 
Objective: To analyse the 
EU’s role in global justice and 
assess its impact on climate, 
trade, and migration policies. 
Second Thematic Area: 
Environmental Justice and 
Social Inclusion 
Programme: H2020-EU.3.6. - 
SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - 
Europe In A Changing World - 
Inclusive, Innovative And 
Reflective Societies  
Call for proposal: H2020-INT-
2014-2015 

Table 21 Climate Policy and Global Cooperation projects factsheet (part 2) 

4.1.5.1.  Key objectives 

The main objectives identified across the 7 projects include: 

•  Advancing Climate Modelling and Policy Assessment: Projects such as NAVIGATE and 
ENGAGE  refine  Integrated  Assessment  Models  (IAMs) and  introduce  new scenario-building 
approaches that integrate socio-economic, technological, and environmental factors. 

•  Analysing  Climate  Governance  and  International  Cooperation:  GLOBUS  and  PARIS 
REINFORCE study global governance structures, assessing the effectiveness of climate justice 
frameworks in international negotiations. 

•  Applying Earth Observation and AI for Climate Adaptation: EIFFEL explores AI-enhanced 
Earth  Observation  applications,  improving  real-time  climate  risk  assessments  and  long-term 
environmental planning. 

•  Studying 

the  Water-Energy-Food 

(WEF)  Nexus  and  Resource  Management: 
5TOI_4EWAS  investigates  integrated  resource  management  approaches  that  balance 
economic and environmental priorities. 

45 

 
 
•  Examining  Sustainability  in  Trade  and  Market  Regulation:  SMART  evaluates  corporate 
governance,  regulatory  frameworks,  and  trade  policies  to  identify  sustainability  gaps  and 
promote accountability. 

•  Exploring Participatory Approaches in Climate Policy: PARIS REINFORCE incorporates 
stakeholder  engagement  and  multi-actor  collaboration  in  climate  modelling,  while  GLOBUS 
evaluates representation and justice in climate governance 

•  Assessing  Social  and  Equity  Dimensions  of  Climate  Action:  Many  of  these  projects 
incorporate  justice  and  equity  considerations,  ensuring  the  socio-economic  implications  of 
climate policies are fully explored, particularly for vulnerable communities. 

Through their diverse research contributions, these projects enhance interdisciplinary knowledge 
on climate governance, social aspects of technological applications, and sustainability transitions, 
providing scientific foundations for more effective and inclusive climate action strategies. 

4.1.5.2.  Key results and contribution to knowledge   

The  implementation  of  these  projects  has  generated  new  knowledge,  methodologies,  and 
analytical  tools  that  contribute  to  understanding  climate  governance,  policy  innovation,  and 
sustainability transitions. Through advancements in scientific modelling, interdisciplinary research, 
and  stakeholder  engagement,  these  projects  have  refined  approaches  to  energy  transition, 
emissions  reduction,  and  climate  adaptation.  Their  findings  provide  empirical  insights  into  the 
technical, economic, and social dimensions of decarbonisation, helping to address uncertainties 
and trade-offs in long-term climate strategies. 

The projects have contributed to both theoretical and practical advancements in climate research 
by testing new modelling techniques, refining uncertainty analysis, and incorporating behavioural 
and  socio-economic  factors  into  energy  transition  studies.  Their  findings  enhance  the 
understanding  of  systemic  interactions  between  energy,  the  economy,  and  the  environment, 
shaping future sustainability research. By clustering key results under Climate Policy and Global 
Cooperation, the projects highlight progress in computational modelling, governance analysis, and 
stakeholder-driven  decision-making.  Collectively,  they  offer  critical  insights  into  the  adequacy, 
scalability, feasibility, and trade-offs of different decarbonisation pathways, helping to inform future 
climate strategies.   

The key results and areas of impact are discussed below. 

•  Advanced Climate Modelling and Policy Insights 

Projects such as NAVIGATE and ENGAGE have enhanced Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) 
to  better  inform  climate  policymaking,  ensuring 
that  models  account  for  technological 
transformations, behavioural changes, and social justice concerns. NAVIGATE developed the IAM 
Navigator,  improving  accessibility  and  usability  for  policymakers,  while  ENGAGE  created  a 
Scenario  Explorer  to  visualise  global  and  national  decarbonisation  pathways.  These  tools  have 
directly contributed to shaping global mitigation strategies in alignment with the Paris Agreement 
and EU Green Deal objectives. 

•  Stakeholder-Driven Governance and International Cooperation 

Projects  such  as  PARIS  REINFORCE  have  strengthened  science-policy  interfaces  through 
demand-driven  IAM  frameworks  that  incorporate  stakeholder  insights  into  climate  models.  The 
project facilitated over 15 co-creation workshops engaging policymakers and industry leaders to 
address  carbon  pricing,  energy  transition  strategies,  and  the  feasibility  of  national  energy  and 
climate  plans  (NECPs).  Additionally,  5TOI_4EWAS  fostered  cooperation  between  the  EU  and 
Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs), integrating climate resilience into governance through 
the Joint Action Plan (JAP) and Nexus Think Tank (NTT). 

46 

 
 
•  Energy Transition and Energy Equity Contributions 

NAVIGATE  and  ENGAGE  have  demonstrated  how  ambitious  climate  policies  can  significantly 
reduce  EU  oil  and  gas  imports  by  60%  by  2040,  enhancing  energy  security  while  accelerating 
renewable  energy  adoption.  PARIS  REINFORCE  further  explored  hydrogen  deployment  and 
offshore wind  expansion,  providing  detailed  simulations that  contributed  to  EU-wide  "Fit  for 55" 
climate targets. 

•  Social Inclusion and Climate Justice 

Projects such as GLOBUS and SMART have explored the intersection between climate policy and 
global justice, analysing how the EU's climate diplomacy impacts developing countries. GLOBUS 
developed  a  conceptual  framework  for  climate  justice,  distinguishing  between  non-dominance, 
impartiality, and mutual recognition as approaches for equitable climate governance. Meanwhile, 
SMART assessed how EU trade and corporate sustainability policies align with global climate and 
development goals, identifying gaps in regulatory coherence that impact emerging economies. 

•  Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing 

ENGAGE  and  5TOI_4EWAS  played  a  pivotal  role  in  training  over  200  researchers  and 
policymakers in climate mitigation strategies, just transition frameworks, and integrated climate-
energy-water governance. ENGAGE’s research exchange program facilitated collaborations with 
institutions  in  Brazil,  India,  and  Europe,  ensuring  knowledge  transfer  across  different  policy 
landscapes. 5TOI_4EWAS focused on youth and gender inclusivity, ensuring that at least 50% of 
innovation voucher recipients were women, promoting equitable participation in climate innovation. 

•  Sustainable Markets and Trade Policies for Climate Action 

SMART  and  PARIS  REINFORCE  investigated  how  carbon  border  adjustments  (CBAs)  and 
sustainable trade policies can mitigate carbon leakage while ensuring fair transitions for developing 
economies.  SMART’s  analysis  of  EU  supply  chains  and  corporate  responsibility  led  to  policy 
recommendations  that  integrate  climate  mitigation  with  fair  trade  regulations,  while  PARIS 
REINFORCE’s assessment of CBAs projected a potential 25% reduction in carbon leakage. 

•  Contributions to Climate Diplomacy and Global Agreements 

NAVIGATE and ENGAGE made substantial contributions to IPCC reports and COP26 & COP27 
discussions,  providing  over  500  scenarios  for  limiting  global  warming  to  1.5°C.  PARIS 
REINFORCE engaged with  the Global Stocktake process, ensuring that climate action remains 
evidence-based and aligned with equity considerations. 

The  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation  research  projects  have  collectively  advanced 
interdisciplinary  knowledge  on  climate  governance,  equity,  and  sustainability  transitions.  By 
combining  quantitative  modelling,  empirical  research,  and  stakeholder  engagement,  they  have 
deepened  the  understanding  of  the  systemic  and  cross-sectoral  dynamics  that  shape  climate 
action.  Their  contributions  span  the  refinement  of  Integrated  Assessment  Models,  analysis  of 
international cooperation, urban resilience, environmental justice, and industrial decarbonisation. 
Together, these projects provide a comprehensive evidence-base that presents the complexity of 
implementing just and effective climate strategies across diverse policy and regional contexts. 

47 

 
 
Global 
Climate 
Policy 
Leadership 

• NAVIGATE developed the IAM Navigator, expanding access to 1,000+ policy 

scenarios used in international climate assessments. 

• ENGAGE contributed 500+ decarbonisation scenarios to the IPCC AR6, shaping 

global climate strategies. 

• PARIS REINFORCE supported the Global Stocktake process and developed 

science-based mitigation pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement. 

Stakeholder 
Driven 
Governance 
and 
International 
Cooperation 

• PARIS REINFORCE hosted 15+ co-creation workshops, engaging 300+ 

policymakers and industry leaders to inform climate policy. 

• GLOBUS introduced a justice-based climate governance framework, influencing 

10+ EU and global policy dialogues on equitable climate action. 

• 5TOI_4EWAS trained 90+ researchers and policymakers in Mediterranean 

Partner Countries, strengthening international cooperation on climate adaptation. 

National and 
Regional 
Policy 
Integration 

• PARIS REINFORCE analysed 27 national energy and climate plans (NECPs), 
identifying a 15% policy gap in achieving EU renewable and energy efficiency 
targets. 

• NAVIGATE and ENGAGE explored carbon dividends and equitable burden-
sharing, demonstrating that redistributive policies can reduce climate policy 
resistance. 

Sustainable 
Trade and 
Economic 
Policy for 
Climate 
Action 

• SMART assessed the sustainability impact of EU trade policies on 2 major global 

supply chains (garments & electronics), informing regulations for sustainable 
corporate practices. 

• PARIS REINFORCE modelled the impact of carbon border adjustments (CBAs), 
showing a potential 25% reduction in carbon leakage while minimising economic 
disruption. 

Capacity 
Building and 
Knowledge 
Sharing 

• ENGAGE facilitated knowledge exchange through research partnerships in 50+ 
countries, ensuring that climate mitigation strategies are globally applicable. 
• 5TOI_4EWAS promoted local participation, ensuring 50% of innovation voucher 

recipients were women, supporting equitable access to climate solutions. 

Table 22  Key Results: Climate Policy and Global Cooperation 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1.5.3.  Contribution to secondary thematic areas 

The  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation  projects  have  also  contributed  significantly  to 
secondary thematic areas, expanding knowledge on the interactions between climate governance, 
urban resilience, energy transitions, circular economy, and social equity. Their findings provide a 
scientific 
feasibility,  and 
interdisciplinary linkages between sustainability domains. 

for  understanding  decarbonisation  pathways,  policy 

foundation 

One major secondary area of contribution is Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion, where 
several projects have analysed the distributional impacts of climate mitigation policies, governance 
mechanisms, and the role of justice in global climate strategies. NAVIGATE assessed how carbon 
pricing and redistribution policies affect different socioeconomic groups, offering insights into the 
challenges of ensuring equity in carbon taxation frameworks. ENGAGE explored the social and 
political  feasibility  of  deep  decarbonisation,  identifying  barriers  to  climate  action  that  arise  from 
institutional  and  economic  inequalities.  Additionally,  GLOBUS  examined  the  role  of  justice 
frameworks  in  climate  governance,  critically  assessing  how  different  interpretations  of  fairness 
influence international cooperation on emissions reductions. These findings expand the evidence 
base on climate justice, providing insights into how climate strategies can be more inclusive and 
socially responsive. 

The projects have also advanced research in Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning, particularly 
in how climate mitigation and adaptation strategies can be integrated at the urban level.  PARIS 
REINFORCE  analysed  city-scale  decarbonisation  models,  demonstrating  the  role  of  urban 
electrification,  land-use  planning,  and  mobility  transitions  in  achieving  climate  goals.  ENGAGE 
investigated urban adaptation measures, evaluating governance approaches that ensure equitable 
access to resources amid climate-induced risks. EIFFEL focused on data-driven urban planning, 
leveraging  AI-enhanced  climate  models  to  optimise  climate  adaptation  in  cities.  These  projects 
contribute to understanding multi-level governance in climate action, informing future research on 
how cities can integrate climate resilience into planning and infrastructure development. 

In the field of Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, several projects have explored the intersection 
between climate mitigation, resource efficiency, and sustainable production models. NAVIGATE 
integrated  circular  economy  principles  into  IAMs,  assessing  how  bio-based  alternatives  and 
material efficiency contribute to long-term emissions reductions. SMART examined the impacts of 
circular  economy  policies  on  international  trade  and  sustainable  supply  chains,  identifying 
challenges and opportunities for decarbonising global production systems. PARIS REINFORCE 
provided an empirical assessment of emissions trading schemes and carbon pricing mechanisms, 
exploring  how  policy  instruments  can  drive  material  efficiency.  These  findings  strengthen 
knowledge  on  the  synergies  between  climate  mitigation  policies  and  resource  sustainability, 
offering insights into how circular economy strategies align with climate objectives. 

In Energy Transition and Energy Equity, the projects have contributed technical, economic, and 
governance  insights  into  the  transition  to  low-carbon  energy  systems.  PARIS  REINFORCE 
assessed the economic feasibility of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAs), estimating 
their  potential  to  reduce  carbon  leakage  by  25%  while  maintaining  trade  stability.  ENGAGE 
analysed fossil fuel phase-out scenarios, identifying conditions under which coal transitions can 
occur with minimal socio-economic disruption. 5TOI_4EWAS examined decentralised renewable 
energy models in the Mediterranean region, highlighting the role of community-led energy projects 
in  enhancing  energy  security  and  equity.  These  projects  advance  research  on  energy  justice, 
governance  frameworks,  and  market-based  mechanisms,  deepening  understanding  of  how 
different energy transition models can address systemic inequalities. 

Through  these  contributions,  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation  projects  have  advanced 
research  on  climate  governance,  sustainable  urban  planning,  energy  transitions,  and  circular 
economy integration, providing insights into the complex interactions between policy, technology, 

49 

 
and social equity. Their findings expand the scientific knowledge base on the feasibility, scalability, 
and  trade-offs  in  decarbonisation  strategies,  offering  a  critical  foundation  for  interdisciplinary 
research on sustainability transitions. 

4.1.5.4.  Areas to Work on for the Future 

While  the  Climate  Policy  and  Global  Cooperation  projects  have  advanced  research  on  climate 
governance, decarbonisation pathways, and international collaboration, several areas have been 
identified  by  the  projects  as  requiring  further  attention  to  enhance  methodological  rigor, 
interdisciplinary integration, and applicability across diverse socio-economic and political contexts: 

•  Strengthening  the  Representation  of  Social  and  Behavioural  Dimensions  in  Climate 

Models 

Projects such as NAVIGATE and ENGAGE have highlighted the limited integration of behavioural, 
cultural,  and  social  feasibility  factors  in  Integrated  Assessment  Models  (IAMs).  While  existing 
models  account  for technological  and  economic  transformations,  the  role  of  societal  behaviour, 
lifestyle  changes,  and  political  constraints  remains  underrepresented.  These  projects  call  for 
improved  approaches  to  incorporate  public  acceptance,  behavioural  responses  and  policy 
implementation constraints into model frameworks, including the development of methodologies 
to assess social and political feasibility alongside technological scenarios. 

•  Expanding Regional and Sectoral-Specific Climate Pathways 

Findings from PARIS REINFORCE and ENGAGE emphasise the need for greater granularity in 
IAMs.  While  IAMs  deliver  global-level  insights,  regional  differentiation  particularly  for  emerging 
economies  –  and  sectoral  modelling  for  hard-to-abate  industries  such  as  aviation,  shipping, 
cement, and steel remain challenging. These sectors remain difficult to decarbonise due to cost 
and technological constraints and improve climate modelling for emerging economies and lower-
income regions, which face distinct policy and infrastructure limitations that are often overlooked 
in global models. 

•  Deepening Research on Climate Justice and Equitable Transitions 

Projects  such  as  GLOBUS  and  5TOI_4EWAS  have  contributed  to  understanding  the  justice 
implications of climate policies, particularly from a governance perspective. While existing models 
focus  on  emissions  reductions,  equity  considerations  in  adaptation  and  resilience  strategies 
remain  underexplored.  Key  areas  for  future  research  include  development  of  justice-oriented 
conceptual 
improving  strategic  coordination,  capacity-building,  and  regional 
inclusivity in science, technology, and innovation governance.  

frameworks, 

• 

Improving Economic Instruments for Climate Action 

Several  projects,  including  SMART  and  PARIS  REINFORCE,  highlight  gaps  in  economic 
mechanisms and the need for more rigorous assessments of carbon pricing, border adjustment 
mechanisms, and green finance models. Identified gaps include the long-term effects of carbon 
pricing and emissions trading schemes, particularly their economic feasibility in different market 
conditions. These projects also discuss the importance of improving the alignment of finance with 
long-term sustainability and resilience objectives. 

• 

Improving Data Transparency and Accessibility in Climate Research 

Projects  such  as  NAVIGATE  and  ENGAGE  stress  the  importance  of  open-access  data  and 
transparency  in  climate  modelling,  yet  accessibility  remains  a  challenge,  particularly  in  lower-
income regions. Project recommendations include the development of standardised platforms for 
climate  data  integration,  ensuring  that  models,  datasets,  and  research  findings  are  easily 
accessible  for  policymakers  and  stakeholders  and  expanded  capacity-building  programmes  to 
enhance data literacy, equipping researchers and policymakers - especially in the Global South - 
with tools for climate analysis. 

•  Strengthening the Integration of Climate Adaptation in Climate Models 

50 

 
•  The  EIFFEL  and  ENGAGE  projects  point  to  the  need  for  more  comprehensive  modelling  of 
adaptation alongside mitigation. This includes the incorporation of climate risk impacts such as 
drought,  biodiversity loss,  and  extreme  weather  into  long-term  planning.  EIFFEL  specifically 
focuses on adaptation modelling improvements using Earth Observation data, while ENGAGE 
has identified gaps in how adaptation options are addressed within IAM frameworks. 

•  Advancing Participatory Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration 

Several  projects,  including  GLOBUS  and  5TOI_4EWAS,  have  highlighted  the  importance  of 
stakeholder  engagement  in  climate  governance.  Their  findings  underscore  the  importance  of 
participatory processes but also point to methodological and institutional challenges in effectively 
integrating multi-actor perspectives into decision-making. These projects recommend advancing 
research  into  co-creation  processes  and  transdisciplinary  collaboration  models  to support more 
inclusive and legitimate governance outcomes. 

5. Key findings and insights 

Findings  from  the  research  projects  highlight  opportunities  to  further  strengthen  sustainability 
governance, investment strategies, and climate action mechanisms.  These findings confirm that 
justice and equity need to be at the core of climate, energy, urban, and circular economy policies. 
Ensuring  that  vulnerable  communities  actively  benefit  from  transition  measures  is  essential  for 
long-term sustainability and public trust. Based on the analysis, the following insights emerge: 

1.  Strengthen Interdisciplinary Research and Knowledge Integration: Supporting cross-
sectoral  research  collaboration  and  multi-disciplinary  methodologies  enables  a  more 
holistic approach to sustainability challenges. Future research could benefit from deeper 
integration  of  social  sciences,  justice  frameworks,  and  behavioural  insights  to  design 
fairer, more inclusive transition pathways 

2.  Expand  Mechanisms  for  Community-Driven  Sustainability  Transitions:  Research 
confirms that public participation, inclusion and transparency in financial decisions, and 
governance  are  key  to  successful  sustainability  transitions,  expanding  community-led 
funding  models  and  participatory  decision-making  frameworks,  especially  in  under-
resourced regions, remains important. 

3.  Enhance Policy Coherence and Data-Driven Decision-Making: Fragmentation across 
sectors,  urban,  climate,  energy,  and  circular  economy,  undermines  just  transition 
outcomes. Strengthening regulatory alignment, supported by inclusive data platforms and 
shared  indicators,  can  make  policies  not  only  more  effective  but  also  fairer.  Expanding 
open-data infrastructure and improving interoperability would further support transparent, 
evidence-based implementation. 

4.  Develop  Scalable  and  Adaptable  Financial  Mechanisms:  To  deliver  justice-oriented 
sustainability  outcomes,  financial  instruments  such  as  green  bonds,  impact  investing 
models, and circular economy financial tools should be further developed to ensure long-
term investment alignment with sustainability goals. This includes expanding community 
ownership models, ethical finance and inclusive investment practices that prioritise equity 
across territories and groups. 

5.  Advancing Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation: More efforts are 

needed for supporting the integration of indigenous and local knowledge into climate 
resilience frameworks, including through digital knowledge-sharing platforms. Research 
also identifies the need for strengthening AI-driven climate adaptation tools, citizen 
science platforms, and climate risk assessment models. 

6.  Mainstreaming  Circular  Economy  and  Bioeconomy  Strategies:  Harmonised 
regulatory  frameworks  are  needed  for  facilitating  circular  resource  use  and  waste-to-

51 

 
energy integration across EU regions, while ensuring that the advantages, such as jobs, 
skills,  and  innovation,  reach  rural  communities,  as  well  as  vulnerable  groups. 
Strengthening  urban-rural  linkages  and  enhancing  market  incentives  for  bio-based 
products would help address regional disparities and foster inclusive, sustainable value 
chains.  

7.  Advance Research on Social Equity and Fostering Data-Driven Policymaking and 
Long-Term Impact Assessment: Tracking justice outcomes requires transparent, open-
access  platforms  for  climate,  energy,  and  circular  economy  data  to  support  evidence-
based policymaking and improve transparency. Establishing shared tools allows tracking 
the  effectiveness  of  policies  in  achieving  a  just  green  transition,  ensuring  continuous 
evaluation  and  improvement.  In  parallel,  the  projects  analysed  in  this  report  revealed 
significant disparities in access to sustainability benefits. To address these gaps, future 
research could focus on developing equity metrics and governance models that embed 
social  justice  into  climate,  energy,  and  bioeconomy  transitions.  This  integration  of 
research  and  data  infrastructures  could  create  long-term  impact  assessment  with  the 
principles of fairness and inclusivity. 

By  leveraging  research  findings  and  refining  transition  strategies,  sustainability  initiatives  can 
enhance inclusivity, increase policy coherence, and ensure systemic impact at scale.  

52 

 
 
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and 

fields, 

inclusive 

engaging 

is  socially 

to 
participatory 

including  climate  action, 
circular 

This  report  presents  a  selection  of  55  EU-funded  research 
projects hat  examine  key  dimensions  of  a  just  green  transition, 
offering valuable  perspectives  on  how  to  shape  this  transition  in a 
manner  that 
from  a  global 
fair  and 
perspective.  The  projects  explore  how  principles  of  fairness, 
equity,  and  inclusion  can  be  meaningfully  embedded  across 
sustainable  urban 
diverse 
bio-based  economies,  energy 
development, 
innovative 
systems, and environmental governance. They assess 
approaches 
communities, 
and  strengthening 
enabling 
they  critically  highlight 
social  resilience.  At 
persistent  barriers  such  as  structural 
inequalities, regulatory 
fragmentation, and limited access to decision-making for vulnerable 
groups.  Insights  from  the  projects  reveal  the  importance  of 
integrated  governance,  inclusive  financing  models,  and  citizen-led 
report 
initiatives 
emphasises  that  a 
than 
technological  solutions, 
innovation,  policy 
coherence,  and  global  cooperation.  By  analysing  these  projects, 
the  report  contributes  to  a  deeper  understanding  of  how  climate 
and  sustainability  policies  can  become  more  inclusive,  equitable, 
and effective. 

long-term  sustainability.  The 

transition  requires  more 

it  demands  social 

decision-making, 

marginalised 

in  building 

just  green 

the  same 

time, 

Studies and reports 

doi 10.2777/6222808 
ISBN 978-92-68-28967-9