European City Calculator (EUCityCalc): Supporting the Public Sector on the Path to Climate Neutrality through a Forward-Looking Modelling Tool

Status: Realized projects

As part of the project, an online platform – the European City Calculator (EUCityCalc) – was implemented, allowing the development and analysis of various urban climate policy scenarios. This tool supports Riga in planning its path to climate neutrality, based on data analysis and modelling.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

In order for Riga to achieve its energy and climate goals, it is important to apply scientifically grounded methods to assess the effectiveness of various actions:
✔ Sustainable development – Riga needs innovative solutions to become a climate-neutral city;
✔ Effective decision-making – data and analysis help identify the best possible solutions;
✔ Resource optimization – reaching climate goals requires economically justified strategies. The project also promotes the knowledge and skills of municipal staff through training in modelling tools.

Target of the Project

To support public sector institutions in planning for climate neutrality by using the European City Calculator (EUCityCalc) to model energy and climate policy scenarios and facilitate informed decision-making.

Project Tasks

✔ Collecting and processing data to ensure accurate modelling;
✔ Adapting the online modelling tool to Riga’s specific context;
✔ Developing and assessing policy scenarios to identify optimal courses of action;
✔ Training municipal experts to ensure effective use of the tool;
✔ Strengthening collaboration with other municipalities and partners in the field of climate neutrality;
✔ Compiling data to develop practical action plans for the city.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Better climate policy planning based on data and analysis;
✔ More efficient energy use, potentially leading to lower costs;
✔ A more sustainable urban environment, contributing to improved quality of life.

Project Activities

✔ Data collection and analysis in cooperation with municipal departments;
✔ Tool adaptation and testing to ensure it meets Riga’s needs;
✔ Training sessions for municipal staff to enhance modelling competencies;
✔ Scenario modelling to evaluate possible development directions;
✔ Updating policy documents to incorporate new methods and solutions.

Project Results

✔ An adjusted modelling platform has been created to analyse urban energy and climate scenarios;
✔ Sectoral data relevant to Riga has been compiled to better understand the path to climate neutrality;
✔ The emission reduction action plan has been updated;
✔ A CO₂ emissions calculation manual has been developed to support better emissions management;
✔ The results have been integrated into the city’s planning by updating the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan 2030.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Horizon Europe 
Total project budget: EUR 1 999 691
Total budget for Riga: EUR 84 250 (100% EU funding)

Implementation period: 01.09.2021 – 30.08.2024

Project Partners: European Association of Energy Cities (France), Potsdam Institute for Climate Research (Germany), CLIMACT AS (Belgium), CARBON MARKET WATCH Association (Belgium), Environment Department of the Municipality of Mantova (Italy), Urban Ecology Department of the Metropolis of Dijon (France), Arabida Energy and Environment Agency (Portugal), Zdjár near Saasava (Czech Republic), Local Energy Association (Czech Republic), Regional Energy Agency of the North (Croatia)

Contact Information

Nika Kotoviča
EUCityCalc Project Coordinator
Riga Energy Agency
Email: nika.kotovica@riga.lv

Project Links

European City Calculator (EUCityCalc) – Riga Energy Agency
European City Calculator | Prospective modelling tool supporting public authorities in reaching climate neutrality