SPARKLE

Presentation

The SPARKLE (Sustainable Planning and Resilience Knowledge Learning Environment) project is an innovative capacity-building program aimed at empowering over 600 Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) to drive clean energy and circular economy transitions. Through a combination of online and in-person learning opportunities, SPARKLE will provide the necessary skills, tools, and support for LRAs to develop and implement sustainable action plans. Key features of the project include:

  • A free, open-access online learning platform, available in six languages, offering essential knowledge on climate and energy planning.
  • Five in-person summer/winter schools for 150 policymakers and civil servants, focusing on governance, fossil-free districts, community energy, sustainable food systems, and resource-efficient economies.
  • Mentoring and peer-to-peer support to help participants put their learning into practice by drafting or updating Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and other local plans.

Project financed by the the LIFE 2023 CET Programme of the European Union, and the project will last from September 2024 to February 2028.

Activities

ACR+ will lead the design and implementation of the Capacity Building Program, working closely with lead cities, scholarship cities (with covered travel costs), and fellow cities (involved without additional funding). ACR+ will also coordinate the mentoring and peer-to-peer activities, helping cities draft, update, and improve their local sustainable plans.

Partners

The SPARKLE project is lead by ENC, Energy Cities (FR), and its project partners are:

  • ULT Associazione Urban Lab (IT)
  • CLIMACT CLIMACT SA (BE)
  • FED Fédération Européenne des Agences et des Régions pour l'Energie et l'Environnement (BE)
  • RESC RESCOOP EU ASBL (BE)
  • UVIC-UCC Fundacio Universitaria Balmes (ES)
  • ACR+ Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management (BE)
  • GUIMARAES Municipio de Guimaraes (PT)
  • LL Laboratorio de Paisagem de Guimaraes - Associação para a Promoção do Desenvolvimento Sustentavel (PT)
  • Amiestas Viesoji Istaiga 'Atnaujinkime Miesta' (LT)
  • POREC Grad Porec (HR)
  • ALBERTVILLE Commune d'Albertville (FR)
  • CALENZANO Comune di Calenzano (IT)
  • ANCI ANCI Toscana Associazione (IT)

Organisers / Managers