NetZeroCities is expanding online and peer-learning opportunities to all cities that are interested in accelerating their climate action, beyond the EU Mission, 112 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities. This includes the launch of the NetZeroCities Tool Training Series, a dedicated programme designed to provide in-depth insights on the tools available on the NetZeroCities Portal, as well as of key partner organisations.
Each session includes:
- Comprehensive presentation of the tool(s)
- Interactive discussion and Q&A opportunities
- Real-world insights from Mission Cities where relevant.
- Main target group: Mission Minded Cities and Mission Cities
Format: Online + recorded
Duration of each session: 1.5 hrs
Language: English
Frequency: This programme will be delivered in series to maximise learning continuity and engagement.
- February 2025 - June 2025, held bi-monthly.
- October 2025 - November 2025, held monthly.
Sessions in detail
1. Discover the right funding and financing opportunities for your climate projects: An introduction to finance and funding tools for European cities
This session served as the kickoff for the Tool Training series and provided an overview of the finance tool on the NetZeroCities portal, along with projects involving external partners.
Date: 26 February 2025; 13:00 - 14:30
Presenter: Sylwia Slomiak, Ryan McManus, Charline Mougin
Main focus:
- Introduction to less traditional financing instruments for energy transition and climate action
- How to choose the right financing options and assess project readiness: free tools for cities
- Further opportunities to improve project bankability and secure funding: Smart Cities Marketplace
Session resources:
- Slide deck (to be uploaded)
2. Assess and enhance your climate action plan using NetZeroPlanner
This session in the Tool Training Series focused on the NetZeroPlanner, an online climate investment planning tool that helps cities evaluate emissions reductions and the financial impacts of investments. The tool assigns costs and benefits to various sectors and stakeholders, and provides annual performance reports to track progress, enabling cities to make informed adjustments.
Date: 17 April 2025; 14:00 – 15:30
Presenter: Silvia Gugu, Sean Murray, Ryan McManus, Charline Mougin
Main focus:
- Climate Action Planning & NetZeroPlanner: A Reality Check:
- Integrating SECAPs and other sectoral plans into your city’s climate action plan
- Using NetZeroPlanner for scenario analysis and validation of climate action plans and investment plans
- NetZeroPlanner Walkthrough: Features & Functionality:
- Live demonstration of the tool
- Key capabilities for emissions and financial impact assessment
- Understanding the Funding Gap: First Steps to Financial Planning
- Linking climate action planning with financial architecture
- Connecting to the Capital Hub for funding insights
Session resources:
- Slide deck (to be uploaded)
3. Explore Mission Cities’ pathways to climate neutrality with the NetZeroCities Barometer
This session explored Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks and their critical role in supporting the effective implementation of Climate Action Plans, with particular emphasis on the NetZeroCities Barometer - a tool that tracks the progress of the 112 Mission Cities in the EU’s Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission. By integrating data from Climate City Contracts, existing reporting platforms, and public sources, the Barometer highlights cities’ ambitions, actions, and progress toward climate neutrality. Its interactive dashboards allow users to filter by region, country, or city, offering tailored insights and periodic updates as data quality and comparability improve.
Date: 19 June 2025; 14:00 - 15:15
Presenter: Thijn Verburg, Mira Conci, Charline Mougin
Main focus:
- Examples of MEL Frameworks implemented by Mission Cities, and how they support the implementation of Climate City Contracts.
- How the NetZeroCities Barometer provides data on Mission Cities’ progress toward climate neutrality, including GHG reductions, stakeholder engagement, and action planning.
- The role of co-benefits indicators in enhancing MEL, especially in stakeholder engagement. We'll share insights from Climate City Contracts and highlight frameworks that work in practice.
Session resources:
- Slide deck (to be uploaded)