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Capacity Building Programme
Module 1 – Smart and Sustainable Urban Planning

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Structure and design of the module

The module is part of the PLENTY-Life Capacity Building Programme, which supports small and medium-sized cities in planning and monitoring clean energy transition strategies. The module 1 “Smart and Sustainable Urban Planning” is divided into four parts, each addressing different levels of urban planning (high, intermediate, local, and transversal) ensuring a comprehensive and multi-scalar learning approach:

1. Unit 1: High level – Focuses on the European framework, highlighting the role of EU legislation, policies, and research programmes in shaping national urban planning systems and promoting innovation.

2. Unit 2: Intermediate level – Introduces strategic urban planning, theories, tools, and best practices, with practical insights from European projects showcasing innovative approaches.

3. Unit 3: Local level – Examines land use planning, implementation practices, and assessment methodologies, integrating technical solutions and case studies from real projects.

4. Unit 4: Transversal level – Explores governance issues across scales, including horizontal and vertical coordination, and integrates cross-cutting concepts such as mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

Material and methods provided for the module

Each part consists of lectures and seminars (online, max. 1h with Q&A), delivered in English or Native language by different experts and supported by all project partners.

Attendees of the capacity building program can:

1. Enhance knowledge of technical concepts linked to smart and sustainable urban planning;
2. Increase awareness of the importance of interrelationship between different administration levels in smart and sustainable urban planning;
3. Discuss the role of smart cities in sustainable urban planning;
4. Explore the integration of smart technologies into urban planning;
5. Acquire valuable insights from real-world applications of research and innovation in urban development from existing European projects;
6. Gain information about research and innovation funding programmes, including Horizon Europe, LIFE, Interreg, etc.

Part1: High level

Module part 1 outlines the contextual framework. In particular, the role of EU legislation, policies and discourse in shaping national urban planning systems and the importance of innovation in promoting smart and sustainable practices for urban areas.
The following is a concise list outlining the topics that will be discussed:

You can find the following material in the download section below:
• Presentation slides (English language only)
• Lecture script (English language only)

Alternatively, you can use the pre-recorded video of the lecture.

Part 2: Intermediate level

Module part 2 focus on theories, tools and best practices of strategic urban planning and it provides some insights from European projects to showcase innovative approaches.
The following is a concise list outlining the topics that will be discussed:

You can find the following material in the download section below:
• Presentation slides (English language only)
• Lecture script (English language only)

Alternatively, you can use the pre-recorded video of the lecture.

Part 3: Local level

Module part 3 focus on theories, tools and best practices of land use planning and it provides some insights from European projects to showcase innovative approaches.
The following is a concise list outlining the topics that will be discussed:

You can find the following material in the download section below:
• Presentation slides (English language only)
• Lecture script (English language only)

Alternatively, you can use the pre-recorded video of the lecture.

Part 4: Transversal level

Module part 4 delves into horizontal/vertical governance and other transversal concepts like climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
The following is a concise list outlining the topics that will be discussed:

You can find the following material in the download section below:
• Presentation slides (English language only)
• Lecture script (English language only)

Alternatively, you can use the pre-recorded video of the lecture.

Further information

  • The training materials are part of the LIFE21-CET-LOCAL-PLENTY-LIFE project (2022–2025), coordinated by Universität für Bodenkultur Wien.
  • The module is one of three in the programme (together with Integrated Energy Planning and Integrated Spatial and Energy Planning).
  • It is designed to:
      • Strengthen knowledge on smart and sustainable planning.
      • Promote cross-sectoral collaboration at different administrative levels.
      • Provide insights from EU-funded projects and funding opportunities for municipalities.

Attachements

  • List Item #1

text? link list? downloads?