NEUTRALPATH is a European project working with five cities to test how Positive and Clean Energy Districts (PCEDs) can contribute to climate neutrality. Its two “Lighthouse Cities,” Zaragoza, Spain, and Dresden, Germany, are developing and implementing district-scale measures, while Istanbul, Ghent and Vantaa are fellow cities designing approaches they can adapt locally. The project is part of the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission.34
The work combines technical interventions with citizen participation and changes to local governance. In Zaragoza, the project focuses on reducing heating demand in the Actur Rey Fernando district through façade renovation, window replacement and insulation in two residential and four public buildings. In Dresden, it is developing district-heating measures using geothermal and waste heat across two areas involving 17 buildings. 4 Climate-Neutral Labs in the five cities are intended to bring residents and other stakeholders into the design of solutions; the project also aims to improve governance and make approaches replicable elsewhere.4
NEUTRALPATH’s stated objectives include implementing two PCEDs in Zaragoza and Dresden, supporting three PCED designs in the fellow cities, and establishing five Climate-Neutral Labs. 3 The project is funded through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and runs from January 2023 to December 2027. Fundación CARTIF coordinates the project; the 25-partner consortium includes city authorities, research organisations, businesses and Eurocities. 4511 The project’s results are still in development: its planned demonstrations and evaluations extend through the project period. 24