Step Up Smart Cities

In the STEP UP project, Ghent, Glasgow, Gothenburg and Riga have all developed enhanced Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs). Part of the process of developing these enhanced SEAPs has been to review current policies, programmes and energy related actions from each city’s original SEAP, allowing the identification of strengths, gaps, issues and opportunities. Partner cities have also explored the relevance of other city strategies and plans within which the SEAPs sit, as well as the wider context of regional, national and EU policies.

This analysis has been conducted to ensure that the enhanced SEAPs are built on a better understanding of the city itself, aligning with other strategic documents and ensuring that future city plans contribute to wider EU climate, energy and smart cities goals

The gap and issue analyses conducted in STEP UP cities have led to a number of key recommendations for other cities who are looking to review their existing SEAPs or develop an enhanced SEAP for their city. 

1. Data availability. It is important for cities to ensure sufficient data is available from the start, with measurable actions and resources allocated for the regular monitoring of progress.
2. Stakeholders. Stakeholders should be engaged throughout the development and implementation of the SEAP, to maximise impact and ownership.
3. Political commitment. Securing political commitment and will for the actions and targets set for a city is integral to a successful SEAP.
4. Integration. To be effective, the SEAP should be fully integrated with existing plans, strategies and visions in the city, and aligned with the aims of wider EU smart city policies.
5. Robust and Effective Planning. Cities should ensure SEAP actions are fully planned and financed to ensure implementation and the realisation of carbon reductions targets. To be robust, the SEAP should also be flexible in the face of changing circumstances.