SECAP: A KEY TOOL FOR A SUSTAINABLE URBAN FUTURE

It has been several years since the Covenant of Mayors offered cities the opportunity to actively engage in the fight against climate change through the SECAP (Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan) tool.

SECAP highlights:

• Comprehensive analysis of the current situation of the city
• Setting specific targets for reducing emissions
• Climate Change Adaptation Plan
• Possibility to benefit from European subsidies and support

How does SECAP affect cities and their development?

Positive aspects:

• SECAP gives cities a clear picture of their energy consumption and emissions.
• Thanks to the plan, cities can effectively reduce emissions and save energy costs.
• Membership of the Covenant of Mayors opens the door to European subsidies.
• SECAP helps cities better prepare for the impacts of climate change.
• The document promotes citizen engagement on climate issues.

Negative aspects:

Although SECAP is a very practical tool, its implementation can present some challenges:

• Municipalities are likely to need external assistance from consultants to develop the SECAP.
• Some cities may see SECAP as a formality, not a practical tool.
• Need for regular updates: in order to remain an effective tool, SECAP needs to be regularly updated and evaluated.
• Budgetary constraints: some of the proposed measures may require significant investment.

Identifying the right measures to achieve the SECAP objective

In order to achieve the goals set out in the SECAP, it is crucial that municipalities and cities choose the most effective and meaningful measures at each stage.

For most municipalities, this can be quite a challenge. The complexity of SECAPs, lack of resources, uncertainty about the effectiveness of different measures, and the challenge of collecting relevant data… These are just some of the challenges that local governments face in selecting appropriate measures for their SECAPs.

European City Calculator: an urban planning tool

The European City Calculator was developed to overcome these challenges. It is a web-based tool that supports local authorities in planning for the transition to carbon neutrality. This predictive modelling tool, based on the European Calculator, was developed within the EUCityCalc project funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme.

Main benefits of the tool:

1. It allows local authorities and other stakeholders to compare the impact of different measures on emissions.
2. It offers the creation of multiple scenarios to help communities identify the most effective strategies to achieve SECAP goals.
3. As of April 2023, it contains 24 measures, each with several levels of implementation, giving a total of 70 possible combinations.

Careful selection of the SECAP preparer is crucial. The document will set the direction of the city for decades to come. The experience, references and expertise of the preparer are essential.

At ASITIS s.r.o. we are ready to help with the complete SECAP preparation – from the initial emission inventory through the design of measures to the implementation and monitoring part. We also offer support in joining the Covenant of Mayors. So when you are addressing the sustainable future of your city, get in touch. Improvisation in this area does not pay.