This auditing solution, developed collaboratively by our technical partners, is being tested in four pilot locations: the city centre neighborhoods of Karlovac, Palmanova, Zamosc, and Quedlinburg. The solution comprises three key elements: the joint methodology on zero-emission neighborhoods’ energy data collection, the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures transitioning from zero-emission buildings to zero-emission neighborhoods, and optimizing these measures for zero-emission neighborhoods. These elements are derived from pilot actions conducted in the four neighborhoods, with three involving concrete pilot investments as part of our small-scale demonstration initiatives. The solution will be further developed and refined through these tests. It will be upscaled by presenting it to relevant public authorities and energy professionals, helping to promote sustainable urban development across Europe.

Based on the pilot investments tested in the neighborhoods of the City of Karlovac, the City of Palmanova, and the City of Zamość—focused on the Solar Energy Community in Palmanova, optimizing thermal insulation in historic tenement houses in Zamość, and the green and digital neighborhood transformation in Karlovac—a joint solution will be developed to monitor, report, and verify the implemented energy efficiency and renewable energy measures for achieving zero emission neighborhoods. This solution is being developed with support from all technical partners. It will be further refined and upscaled by presenting it to relevant public authorities and professionals in the energy sector.

This jointly developed strategy, based on the experiences of the four pilot locations—the City of Karlovac, the City of Palmanova, the City of Zamość, and the City of Quedlinburg—has been created with the support of technical partners. The strategy focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy investments specifically targeted at cultural heritage sites within neighborhoods while respecting UNESCO restrictions. Representatives of the pilot neighborhoods will formally adopt this strategy by signing a letter of intent. The plan is designed to be applicable to a broader range of neighborhoods beyond the pilot sites.

All technical partners will work together to develop a solution tested in the four pilot locations—the City of Karlovac, the City of Palmanova, the City of Zamość, and the City of Quedlinburg—on creating a digital twin of a neighborhood aiming to optimize energy flows and achieve the zero-emission neighborhood standard. This solution will be developed by integrating the results of specific project activities focused on digital modeling and energy management. The digital twin will be a key tool for neighborhoods to plan and implement effective energy efficiency measures.

Four action plans, jointly developed for the pilot neighborhoods in the City of Karlovac, the City of Palmanova, the City of Zamość, and the City of Quedlinburg, translate the existing strategy into concrete actions. These action plans are based on energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies tailored to each neighborhood. Representatives of the pilot neighborhoods will formally adopt these plans by signing a letter of intent. The action plans will compile the results of all activities implemented throughout the project and will be presented spatially in a virtual reality (VR) online environment, enhancing engagement and visualization.

All technical partners will collaborate to develop a solution, tested in four pilot locations—the City of Karlovac, the City of Palmanova, the City of Zamość, and the City of Quedlinburg—on using virtual reality technology to visualize actions outlined in energy action plans. This innovative solution will be upscaled by presenting it to relevant public authorities and professionals in the energy planning field. The development of this solution will integrate the findings from specific project activities, providing a cutting-edge tool for effective energy planning and decision-making.