The STEP UP project (Strategies Towards Energy Performance and Urban Planning), coordinated by the Institute for Future Cities at the University of Strathclyde, is an energy and sustainable city planning project funded by the EU 7th Framework Programme, bringing together expertise in energy planning from four European cities: Glasgow, Gothenburg, Ghent and Riga. By working together with research and commercial partners, the four cities have developed enhanced Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) and have sought to create a coherent, easy-to-use model for energy planning which is transferable to cities across Europe.
Recently, the project partners hosted two events as part of EU Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels on June 18, sharing key outputs and achievements from the partners and the project’s wider learning network of cities. EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is an initiative of the European Commission, showcasing activities dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. It is designed to spread best practices, inspire new ideas and build alliances to help meet the EU's energy and climate goals.
STEP UP’s first event, 'Sustainable Energy Planning in Action: Experiences from the STEP UP project' was delivered as part of EU SEW's high level policy conference, sharing best practice approaches and new ideas based on the actions and outcomes of the STEP UP project, from partner cities and the wider learning network.
The project partners also hosted an informal networking event following the conference session, offering opportunities for more in depth discussion with STEP UP partners.