Sustainable Peri-Urban framework for Climate Neutral development

Objective

The SpurUP project brings together 34 partners from 11 EU countries, including universities and research institutions, technology providers, local authorities, industries and NGOs. This diverse and experienced team will work together to create resilient, climate-neutral peri-urban regions that enhance the sustainability and well-being of communities, addressing the challenges under the domains of industry and governance. SpurUP aims to integrate net-zero technologies and foster participatory governance to tackle environmental pressures and fragmented governance in these regions. The project will establish Local Green Deals (LGDs) to unite public and private sectors in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting social equity and sustainability. Implemented through 3 Living Labs in Thessaloniki, Greece; Aalborg, Denmark; and Jesi, Italy, SpurUP will test innovative technologies and digital tools tailored to each region's needs. Key objectives include decarbonization, circular economy practices, and enhanced governance and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, 3 replication sites in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; Tulcea, Romania; and Bristol, UK will further demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of the solutions. SpurUP aims to significantly reduce GHG emissions, improve energy efficiency, and increase the deployment of renewable energy technologies. The project will promote sustainable industrial practices and better integrate peri-urban areas into planning processes. The project employs a three-tier strategy to maximize impact and scalability. The first tier involves testing and validating solutions in the Living Labs. The second tier engages an external group of stakeholders, including regional and local authorities, to provide feedback and validate the solutions. The third tier focuses on scaling and replicating successful solutions across additional regions and local authorities in Europe and globally.