SPARKLE Vilnius School – Fossil-free districts and buildings
Decarbonising buildings and energy districts for the benefit of all: how cities can drive the change
Fossil-free citiesAbout
Where should a city begin its journey toward climate neutrality?
Building renovation should be a top priority for municipalities, as this is one of the most energy-intensive sectors, with space heating alone accounting for over 60% of household energy consumption in the EU. But how can energy systems be decarbonised while actively engaging citizens and stakeholders?
Building renovation can be both sustainable and socially responsible, as Vilnius, European Green Capital 2025 and “the greenest city in the making”, proves. On 27-28 May, the SPARKLE School Decarbonising buildings and energy districts for the benefit of all: how cities can drive the change invites you to discover how the Lithuanian capital is transforming its neighbourhoods, buildings, and energy systems, while keeping people at the heart of the transition.
Over two inspiring days, you will explore the twin challenges of large-scale renovation and district decarbonisation. You will learn from leading European experts, exchange experiences with municipal peers, take part in hands-on workshops, and visit pioneering projects across Vilnius, including major renovation programmes and renewable-powered heating and cooling systems.
Day 1 – Building renovation
On the first day, we will focus on how cities can scale up building renovation while ensuring affordability, quality, and social acceptance. You will examine innovative renovation strategies, renewable energy integration, and financing mechanisms that support long-term investment.
The day will start with lessons learned from the evolution of Lithuania’s national renovation policies. Then, Amiestas, the One-Stop Shop hosting the school, will share its experience in supporting home renovation in Vilnius, demonstrating how local services can guide citizens through complex renovation processes. Additionally, you will also learn how community-led initiatives can drive change from the ground up, drawing on inspiring examples from Ireland.
An interactive afternoon workshop will explore citizen engagement and communication, equipping you with practical tools to strengthen public participation and build trust. A study visit to flagship renovation projects, offering direct insights into successful implementation, will conclude the first day.
Day 2 – Decarbonising heating and cooling systems
The second day focuses to the transformation of urban energy systems, with a focus on integrated planning, district heating and cooling, and effective governance for fossil-free neighbourhoods.
You will learn from the Covenant of Mayors’ experience, explore how nature-based solutions can enhance urban cooling strategies, and examine decision pathways for climate-adaptive cities. These sessions are complemented by insights into Vilnius’s approach to renewable heat and power generation, demonstrating how infrastructure investment can align with climate objectives.
Finally, we will visit Vilnius’s heat and power plant to discover how an integrated approach can drive the clean energy transition.
How to apply
To join us, you need to apply by 18 March 2026. You can either join as a self-funded participant, or – if you are a local/regional authority that meets all the eligibility criteria – we will cover your travel expenses up to € 1,400. To apply for the fully funded programme, you need to:
- Complete the SPARKLE free e-learning Integrated energy and climate transition planning course and at least one among Data for a clean energy transition and Transition management.
- Fill out the application form and indicate the school (first and second choice) you would like to attend.
- Provide a Letter of Commitment demonstrating your municipality’s ambition to develop or improve a SECAP or similar plans and to participate in the chosen SPARKLE school.
- Indicate 2 representatives (one technical and one political delegate) to join the selected school.
Selected participants will be notified by 13 April 2026.
Click on the button below to discover the selection process and learn more about the other schools!
