Although local authorities directly produce only about 4.8% of total greenhouse-gas emissions within their territories, they play a crucial role in leading the transition to clean energy. They can engage citizens and businesses and effectively connect policy with practical solutions. The main challenge lies in translating decarbonisation objectives into inclusive, collaborative, and actionable local measures to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to clean energy.
With climate targets on the horizon, emissions from residential and commercial buildings remain largely unaddressed. That is why cities and municipalities are taking targeted steps to engage residents, businesses, and schools in meaningful and lasting change. Effective public participation in building decarbonisation is essential for meeting national climate commitments. The basis for this effort is clear, consistent communication – ranging from public workshops and school partnerships to direct outreach and social-media campaigns.
In recent months, five pilot municipalities in Central and Eastern Europe – located in the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Latvia and Lithuania – have begun establishing specialised Clean Energy Transition Assistance Centres (CETACs). These centres are not mere information desks, but act as vital bridges between local governments and communities. As part of the pilot project, the centres will implement and evaluate diverse activities designed to help municipalities engage citizens and local businesses, thereby strengthening efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
The proposed services include:
- Social services providing advice to vulnerable households on how to reduce their energy costs.
- Housing departments assisting tenants with energy-saving measures.
- Strategic teams guiding citizens to subsidies and financing opportunities, while communication specialists raise awareness and improve access to energy-saving solutions.
- Comprehensive training for municipal employees to ensure the long-term sustainability of pilot projects and integrate CETAC services into day-to-day practice.
The goal is simple yet ambitious: to advance the decarbonisation of all sectors – from households and schools to businesses – by building a culture of cooperation. Practical services such as lists of certified energy experts, ambassador programmes, and public events are being developed with the active participation of those they are intended to serve. Removing barriers and providing targeted support are essential steps towards successful decarbonisation at the local level.
These initiatives do not stand alone – they are part of a growing movement that makes sustainability a shared mission. Behind this effort is the CETAC project, which helps municipalities transform policy into partnership and emissions into opportunities. The goal is to create a replicable model that cities throughout the European Union can adopt to implement their energy and climate plans successfully.
Fernanda Ramirez-Reyes, Václav Šebek vaclav.sebek @ svn.cz
