AT LAST

See concept diagram below on AT LAST’s programme goals. AT LAST will build capacities in 25 local governments in four pilot networks in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden, on how to plan and implement local energy and climate action strategies. Additionally, the project will extend networking and support opportunities to a hundred municipalities through Communities of Practice (CoP) across Europe, bolstering their capabilities for future cycles of planning and implementation.

What is SEI’s role?

SEI contributes its extensive research expertise in climate planning to provide the scientific and conceptual basis for the project. Specializing in collaborations with local authorities, SEI leads the development of methodologies and strategic frameworks that support effective climate action planning. Additionally, SEI plays a pivotal role in the Swedish Pilot Community, applying its research-backed approaches to facilitate practical climate solutions at the local level. This involvement ensures that the project’s strategies are both scientifically sound and practically applicable.

Background – Support and training of local authorities to boost the energy transition

The production and use of energy account for more than 75% of the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the EU’s energy system is therefore critical to reaching the 2030 climate objectives and the EU’s long-term strategy of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, set in the EU Green Deal.  

Cities are crucial actors in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This is particularly the case in Europe, where approximately 74% of the population lives in urban areas. Cities can play a key role in developing and implementing climate change programs because they connect local efforts with national and international commitments for adapting to and reducing climate change.

Local authorities have reacted to the climate policies and targets set at the EU level by developing climate plans, often under the umbrella of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Energy and Climate (GCoM). The European Commission also developed a set of missions to support the uptake of these policies. However, they mostly reach a small number of forerunners – normally cities with more than 500 000 inhabitants, and challenges remain. Midsize and smaller cities find more difficult the implementation and follow-up of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAP). Here is where AT LAST plays its role in building the capacities of local authorities.