SPARKLE

A thriving city is one where community wealth flourishes. For every euro invested in community energy projects, 2 to 8 euros are generated for local economies. Energy communities are not only a climate solution, but also a driver of social cohesion — and they make strong economic sense. From repurposing vacant municipal lots and parking spaces into collective solar projects to setting up energy One-Stop Shops and joining energy communities, local authorities can work hand in hand with citizens to shape their energy future. 

This two-day summer school is tailored for you to better understand and activate your role in the development of energy communities. The programme will cover legal frameworks, financing mechanisms, models for effective cooperation between municipalities and energy communities, and inclusive strategies for community engagement. 

Enroll to gain both strategic insights and practical tools to take meaningful action — with real-world examples such as Strasbourg’s public approach to procurement and the Sunny Office in Poreč — and participate in interactive sessions to foster peer learning and inspire transformative action. 

Apply by 20 December 2025

Would you like to future-proof local governance to deliver stronger, more resilient climate strategies in your city?

Join us in the beautiful city of Guimarães to explore how citizen engagement, integrated planning, and multi-level governance can make climate and energy planning more impactful and better supported.

With Guimarães showcasing its pioneering approach – combining participatory governance, innovation, and sustainable resource management – you’ll gain practical insights to strengthen resilience, empower citizens, unlock funding, and build long-term capacity in your municipality. The two-day event includes a study visit to a neighbourhood where citizens and SMEs are actively involved, as well as free entrance to Energy Cities’ Annual Forum, where governance will be explored further, and you can share experiences and ideas with over 100 European municipalities.

Apply by 17 February 2026.

How can the circular economy help your city achieve its local climate goals?

Join us in Tuscany to explore how circular economy principles can be implemented in your local context and get inspired by the experiences of other European cities!

The SPARKLE Calenzano School is designed to deepen your understanding of how circular economy principles can be effectively integrated into SECAPs, particularly in the context of urban regeneration processes.

Through a combination of interactive sessions, case studies, and a field trip, you will discover innovative approaches to transform the built environment, with a focus on resource efficiency, soil health, and climate adaptation. You will also learn about local policy tools that support the integration of circular principles into energy and climate plans.

While the role of local and regional authorities in waste prevention and in adopting practical initiatives to support reuse and repair is crucial, citizen engagement is key to driving the green transition.

Through hands-on workshops and collaborative group work, the summer school promotes peer learning, creativity, and critical thinking — empowering you to imagine and co-create circular futures for cities like Calenzano and beyond.

Apply by 25 February 2026.

How can cities turn ambition into action on decarbonised buildings and districts?

As a city, where do you start to become climate-neutral? Home renovation is a good place to begin, as residential buildings are among the most energy-intensive sectors, with space heating alone accounting for over 60% of household energy consumption in the European Union.

How can home renovation be sustainable while ensuring people live in healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes? And how can you decarbonise the energy system by actively engaging citizens and stakeholders?

Vilnius is showing the way. Over two days, you will explore the twin challenges of building renovation and district decarbonisation. You will learn from European experts, exchange ideas with municipal peers, engage in hands-on workshops, and visit pioneering Vilnius projects, including large-scale renovation schemes and renewable-powered heating and cooling systems.

This is not just a training: it’s a space to connect with peers, test new ideas, and take home practical tools that can turn ambition into action. By seeing real projects in practice and learning from Europe-wide best practices, you will strengthen your ability to shape healthier, more resilient communities.

Are you ready to spark the transition to decarbonised buildings and districts? Join us in Vilnius!

Apply by 18 March 2026.

How can cities design sustainable, local food systems that are resilient to climate change and accessible to all?

Discover inspiring food system experiences and success stories from across Europe in the French Alpine city of Albertville.

At the SPARKLE Albertville School, you will gain the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability, food production, and healthy nutrition in your city.

On the first day, you will explore how urban and peri-urban food production can enhance the resilience of local food systems and support livelihoods, while helping to prevent and adapt to climate change.

On the second day, you will focus on promoting healthier and more sustainable diets. You will discover how cities can reduce food-related emissions, improve public health, and foster more equitable and sustainable urban communities.

Join us to learn practical strategies, get inspired by examples from other European cities, and connect with peers who are just as committed as you are to future-proofing urban food systems.

Apply by 26 March 2026.