Identifying Best Practices in Achieving Carbon Neutrality in European Cities

Abstract

Introduction
In 2022 the European Union (EU) launched the EU 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities (EU 100) program with the goals to (Q&A: Selection of 100 Cities for EU Mission):
•    Deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030; and
•    Ensure that these cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs to enable all European cities to follow suit by 2050. 
Achieving carbon neutrality requires a drastic reduction in carbon emissions, which is challenging in urban areas, where most of the energy consumption and carbon emissions occur and changes of long established and densely built structures will be needed. Therefore, it is crucial to identify best practices for achieving carbon neutrality in European cities to meet the EU's carbon neutrality target. This study is a comparative analysis of selected European cities to identify best practices for achieving carbon neutrality.

The study identifies a set of case study cities that show the key progress indicators towards achieving climate neutrality to serve as exemplars.  Each city is subject to an in-depth case study to illuminate the complexity and nuance of policy development and implementation. Of particular focus are policy instruments especially climate action plans (CAPs) (see Boswell, Greve, & Seale 2019; Salvia, Reckien, et.al. (2021)). Preparation of a climate action plan has become a common practice for cities that want to address the problem of climate change. This study builds most directly on the work of Bassett & Shandas (2010); Huang-Lachmann & Lovett (2016); Boswell, Greve, Seale (2019); Liao, Warner & Homsy (2020); and, Salvia, Reckien, et.al. (2021). 

Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to identify best practices for achieving carbon neutrality in European cities. The following are the specific objectives of the study:

•    Identify the challenges faced by European cities in achieving carbon neutrality.
•    Analyze the policies and strategies adopted by selected European cities to achieve carbon neutrality.
•    Compare the effectiveness and transferability of the policies and strategies adopted by selected European cities in achieving carbon neutrality.
•    Develop recommendations for cities to achieve carbon neutrality based on the best practices identified in this study.

Methods
This study uses a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, content analysis of selected CAPs, and interviews. 

We are interested in cities that show current progress towards climate neutrality, policy innovation, and usefulness of policies for other cities in the program. We selected 10 cities as a purposeful sample that also respects geographical diversity; the study is not based on a random sample. Initial screening was conducted by examining the list of cities in the EU 100 program (https://eurocities.eu/latest/the-100-climate-neutral-and-smart-cities-by-2030/) and identifying which of them have a climate action plan. 

The CAP content analysis captures three types of data: basic CAP information; summary of policies, with focus on policies that close the gap on residual (“last 20%”) emissions; and, policy implementation “robustness” score. The interviews are conducted with municipal staff in charge of the climate action and carbon neutrality programs. 

Data Analysis
Data analysis involves a comparative analysis of the policies and strategies adopted by the selected cities. The effectiveness of the policies and strategies is evaluated based on their impact on carbon emissions reduction, cost-effectiveness, equity, and other standard policy evaluation criteria. The findings are analyzed using statistical tools and qualitative analysis techniques.

Results
Achieving carbon neutrality in 100 European cities by 2030 is an ambitious goal that if achieved will provide lessons for cities around the globe. The intent is that results of the study will be reported in a useful manner to guide policymakers, city officials, and other stakeholders in developing effective policies and strategies.