Source: KNAPHE
Author: Maiara Biscaro Uliana (TNO)
Collaborating and engaging stakeholders to reach climate neutrality
Eindhoven and Helmond, two Dutch cities, have joined forces to achieve climate neutrality through a collaborative and integrative approach. By engaging with companies, knowledge institutions, organizations, and residents, they developed a joint plan to support their Climate Mission. This initiative links city themes to mission pathways, fostering a more circular and resilient urban environment.
In response to 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities mission, Eindhoven and Helmond recognised the urgency to address climate change and urban sustainability. Facing several challenges, both cities launched a collaborative effort to leverage joint resources, knowledge, and innovations, enhancing their ability to implement effective solutions.
Impact on climate neutrality:
- Reducing CO2 emissions by promoting sustainable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency.
- Implementing circular economy principles to minimize waste and optimize resource use.
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructures to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Source: KNAPHE
An innovative approach
Eindhoven and Helmond adopted a participatory governance model that actively involves a wide range of stakeholders and citizen engagement in decision-making. First, they defined four city themes: Vital Inner City, Liveable Neighbourhoods, Robust Region, and Sustainable Business Activity. Each theme is linked to specific mission pathways, ensuring structured and goal-oriented action, fostering collaboration across sectors and preventing work in silos.
A key component of this initiative is citizen engagement, implemented through:
- Consultation groups composed of individuals providing direct input.
- Organised citizen networks already active in local initiatives, such as neighbourhood organisations.
- Matchmaking initiatives that connect citizens groups with companies (e.g. medical services partnering with repair cafés to host repair events for people with special needs).
So far, the engagement process included three thematic Labs and two climate conferences, bringing together stakeholders at various decision-making levels. The success of these sessions has let to plans for more labs, co-creation workshops, and working sessions in the future.
Main positive lessons
- Collaborative Governance: Engaging multiple stakeholders, including residents, business, and knowledge institutions, enhances the impact and acceptance of the initiatives.
- Citizen Accountability: Repeated engagement sessions keep citizens involved and ensure ongoing support for the climate neutrality mission.
- Regional Cooperation: Collaboration between neighbourhood cities strengthens impact and presents a unified commitment to climate goals.
Main barriers found
- Managing Diverse Engagement Initiatives: Coordinating three different types of citizen engagement requires significant time and resources.
- Sustaining Stakeholder Participation: Maintaining long-term commitment from all stakeholders can be difficult.
- Policy Alignment: Harmonizing policies and regulations across municipalities requires ongoing negotiation and flexibility.
Potential for reaplication and scale-up
The Eindhoven-Helmond integrative and participatory approach offers a replicable model for cities aiming for climate neutrality and enhancing citizen participation. Key aspects such as collaborative governance, thematic structuring, and regional cooperation can be adapted to different local contexts.