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Project abstract 

Integrated urban regeneration programmes can be powerful tools for advanced replication strategies for PEDs and building blocks for climate-neutral cities. However, their effectiveness and efficacy for climate-neutrality should be strengthened to ensure that nobody is left behind. At present, their actual contribution for PED transition is not clear nor are their equity impacts, especially in disadvantaged neighbourhoods with increasing risks of green gentrification, unequal access to transition gains, energy poverty.

 

PED-oriented urban regeneration: Tailored strategies for JUST energy transition in disadvantaged neighbourhoods (PED-JUST) will develop, through a co-creation approach in Living Labs, PED-oriented urban regeneration strategies able to reduce inequity risks connected to energy transition in selected disadvantaged neighbourhoods in three cities: Bari (Italy), Aalborg (Denmark) and Wroclaw (Poland).

 

Strategies will be based on the results of an analytical model, specifically developed to characterise different types of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and to correlate them with energy-related inequity risks and key barriers and levers for just transition.

 

Additionally, strategies will be based on the potential for renewable local energy and existing good practice in urban regeneration programmes. Learning and Action Alliances will be developed for the advanced replication of PED-oriented urban regeneration of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and their better integration within metropolitan strategies for sustainability transition.

 

Finally, monitoring tools will be developed for the assessment of their effectiveness and efficacy, including social impact, cost-effectiveness of measures and equity access to benefits.

 

Expected outcome and impact

PED-JUST will increase cities’ capacity to become innovation hubs for climate-neutrality and to enhance energy justice.​

This will come from:​

  • The increased capacity of urban regeneration public policies to support PED development and just transition.​
  • The stronger coordination and synergies among energy transition, urban regeneration and wider urban strategies for sustainability transition.​
  • The mainstreaming of the Living Lab approach to tackle city challenges and develop urban strategies.​
  • The establishment of long-term Learning and Action Alliances for urban strategy and just transition pathway development.​

PED-JUST Team

Coordinator

Partners

 

Project activites

The PED-JUST project is structured around seven interrelated Work Packages (WPs), each contributing to the project’s overarching goal: to develop inclusive and place-based strategies for Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. These WPs cover the entire process — from analysing existing policies and identifying risks and success factors, to designing tailored strategies through Living Labs, supporting replication at the city level, and ensuring robust communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy impact.

 

Each Work Package is designed with clear tasks, deliverables, and milestones to ensure smooth coordination, timely implementation, and measurable outcomes. Together, the WPs form an integrated framework that blends technical, social, and governance dimensions of energy transition, while keeping equity and just transition at the core.

State-of-the art of PED goals in urban regeneration

WP1 examines how recent urban regeneration programmes in disadvantaged areas have integrated energy-related goals and supported broader transition priorities. The analysis is based on policy review and stakeholder interviews across three partner countries.

Learning from success and failure

WP2 will improve the understanding of potential inequity risks and positive outcomes related to energy transition in disadvantaged neighbourhoods as a result of implementation projects for urban regeneration, as well as their potential drivers. The analysis will be carried out in the three partner countries within two steps.

Model for just transition in disadvantaged neighbourhoods

WP3 develops a characterisation model linking neighbourhood typologies with energy-related risks, barriers, and enablers for a just transition. Using multivariate analysis techniques, it uncovers correlations and hidden patterns in complex datasets.

Co-creation of tailored strategies in selected neighbourhoods

WP4 will co-create, through Living Labs, tailored strategies for PED-oriented urban regeneration in three disadvantaged neighbourhoods (one in each partner city). The activity will be performed within four tasks.

Pathway for advanced replication

WP5 builds on the Living Lab approach to establish Learning and Action Alliances (LAAs) in each partner city. These alliances bring key stakeholders together to co-create strategies for PED-oriented urban regeneration using transition management methods, aiming to accelerate climate-neutral pathways and strengthen links to broader urban sustainability goals.

Communication, Dissemination and Policy Advocacy

WP6 ensures project results reach relevant stakeholders and the wider public through a targeted communication and dissemination strategy. It also develops the stakeholder engagement plan and establishes a Dissemination Committee to coordinate outreach across partner networks.

Project management

WP7 ensures smooth and effective project implementation through a dedicated Coordination and Management Structure. This includes a Steering Committee for strategic oversight and quality monitoring, and Work Package Leaders supporting day-to-day execution and alignment.

Project funding

The project period runs from January 2025 to December 2027.

 

This project has been funded by MUR, IFD and NCBR under the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership, which has been co-funded by the European Union. 

 

 

              

 

Driving Urban Transitions and the European Union

 

Do you have a question?

For more information about the PED-JUST project or to get involved, please contact us. We welcome questions, collaboration ideas, and stakeholder interest across all partner countries.

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