The project will provide systematic support for urban transformation and community engagement in two Lighthouse Cities - Espoo (Finland) and Leipzig (Germany). The solutions developed in the Lighthouse Cities will be closely followed in five Fellow Cities: Maia (Portugal), Kifissia (Greece), Reykjavik (Iceland), Kladno (Czech Republic) and Lviv (Ukraine) with the aim of further replication.

SPARCS is set to trigger urban transformation while keeping a high quality of life for citizens in the 7 cities. The 5-year project will support the participating cities in developing a shared bold City Vision 2050, with a focus on digitalisation, sustainable energy, improved air quality, electro-mobility solutions, and a framework for performance monitoring of the developed solutions. A top priority will be to set up inclusive management and planning models as well as ecosystems and processes together with companies, city planning and technical departments, research organisations, and most importantly, work together with the citizens. In SPARCS, citizens are at the centre of the decision-making process and the project ensures that citizens are aware of all the activities.

“By enabling, informing and supporting efficient urban transformation in the Lighthouse Cities, we anticipate that the SPARCS project will have a major positive impact on driving forward the sustainable energy and zero carbon agenda, and generate targeted and effective solutions that can be replicated across and beyond Europe,” said Project Coordinator Francesco Reda.

The Fraunhofer IMW Contribution

Fraunhofer IMW supports the participating cities in the development of a guide with tools and procedures to foster social empowerment of citizens and relevant stakeholders for the development and implementation of SPARCS solutions. As a member of the Leipzig consortium, the institute accompanies the City of Leipzig during the implementation of energy transformation actions within the project. Moreover, Fraunhofer IMW provides a methodological framework to develop a City Vision 2050 for urban transformation and energy transition, piloting in Leipzig, and supporting other participating cities by presenting the lessons learned. We are looking forward to the cooperation in the Leipzig consortium.

*SPARCS consortium members

SPARCS brings together a wide expertise group to implement integrated solutions for energy positive building blocks and districts in the Lighthouse Cities while also initiating implementation of solutions in five Fellow Cities:

For more information:

Dr. Francesco REDA
Project coordinator, VTT
Francesco.Reda@vtt.fi

Veronika CERNA
Communications Leader, GOPA Com.
Veronika.Cerna@gopacom.eu

© European Union, 2019
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 864242.
Responsibility for the information and views set out in this press release lies entirely with the authors. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.