Melbourne, VIC prepares for the impacts of extreme heat events with ClimaSens pilot
Melbourne will create a citywide map of heat vulnerability with the ClimaSens platform. ClimaSens uses historical weather data, future forecasts, and satellite images for visualizations of street-by-street risk levels. Heat risk and social vulnerability assessments allow city officials to create targeted responses for prolonged temperature spikes. These insights also support the expansion of cooling efforts including tree plantings and green roof adoption.
Melbourne, VIC
Australia
Cumbria County Council, GB assists vulnerable residents during emergencies with VIPER
VIPER - Vulnerable Indicators for Properties in Emergency Response - was built by the council on the low-code Liberty Create platform. This system uses social care, utilities, and other data to identify vulnerable households in the county. First responders from local and regional councils consult VIPER for targeted responses during emergency situations. Cumbria County Council received £139,000 from the Local Digital Fund to expand VIPER's capabilities and reach.
Cumbria County Council, GB
United Kingdom
London Borough of Barnet, GB introduces BarNet Zero campaign for a net-zero borough by 2042
BarNet Zero began with a five-week advertising campaign about co-design opportunities. An online portal, a Citizens' Assembly on climate change, and a newsletter continue community engagement on sustainability. Borough officials advanced Europe's largest air-source heat pump project for 6,700 new homes at the Brent Cross Town development. A £9 million Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, 510 new EV chargers, and council building improvements contribute to BarNet Zero's goals.
London Borough of Barnet, GB
United Kingdom
Dublin City Council, IE evaluates environmental impacts of housing retrofits with IES digital twin
Project partner IES developed a digital twin of three housing blocks on Dominick Street Lower. This model established energy and emissions baselines for each block. City officials sought simulations of four retrofit strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of houses dating back to the 1960s. Proposed strategies ranged from shallow retrofits to full renovations. The project identified deep retrofit as the most effective strategy for achieving emission reductions over 60 years.
Dublin City Council, IE
Ireland
East Devon District Council, GB tracks poverty reduction efforts with social resilience dashboard
The council's Poverty Reduction Strategy seeks data-driven decisions on council services. A social resilience team developed a dashboard with data ranging from housing benefits to council tax arrears. An interactive map shows localized hotspots for economic deprivation and a timeline identifies poverty changes during global events like COVID-19. East Devon District Council uses the dashboard for targeted services including a campaign to increase energy rebate scheme claims.
East Devon District Council, GB
United Kingdom
Worcestershire County Council, GB supports business sustainability with Climate Essentials portal
The county's partnership with Climax Community resulted in free platform access for businesses and non-profits. Participants inputted data about energy usage, supply chains, and waste for estimated carbon footprints. Climate Essentials produces a customized decarbonization plan for each user along with benchmarks for progress. Widespread participation resulted in a rich data pool used by the county council as it works toward emission reductions.
Worcestershire County Council, GB
United Kingdom
Ann Arbor, MI advances plans for a Sustainable Energy Utility following positive survey results
The proposed SEU creates a network of neighborhood microgrids based on solar energy. This utility would use on-bill financing, weatherization programs, and home energy waste reduction efforts for increased participation. A two-month survey found that 68% of the 1,867 respondents were interested in participation if SEU rates were at least equal to current utility rates. Ann Arbor submitted a U.S. Department of Energy grant application in February 2023 to fund microgrids in three neighborhoods.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Sacramento, CA empowers renters and single-family home owners with XeroHome energy estimator
Sacramento residents begin their XeroHome experience by entering their addresses. The first screen shows square footage, year built, and utility rates with an edit button in case of outdated information. XeroHome users are asked about their heating, cooling, and water heating methods. The estimated carbon footprint is divided into emission sources and compared to similarly sized homes. This tool projects carbon emissions and cost savings from available upgrades or retrofits.
Sacramento, CA
United States
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, GB works toward net-zero goals with Climate Essentials pilot
The one-year pilot assists 10 local businesses and charities with their sustainability efforts. Baseline evaluations of each organization's carbon footprint are completed on the Climate Essentials platform. Personalized coaching creates plans and metrics for reducing environmental impacts during and after the pilot. This trial complements green business resources from the council including a climate change toolkit and a planned green advice team.
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
Boulder County, CO and Flagstaff spur climate change innovations with 4 Corners Carbon Coalition
The founding governments approved funding for regional innovation challenges and business development related to climate change. Boulder County and Flagstaff were joined by Salt Lake City and Santa Fe prior to the coalition's first challenge. This initial challenge sought new ideas for reducing carbon emissions during the production, use, and reuse of concrete. Winning projects will receive catalytic grants for real-world applications of recycled concrete and low-emission manufacturing.
Boulder County, CO
United States
Flagstaff, AZ
United States
+2Park City, UT builds resiliency against droughts with waterwise landscaping incentive pilot
Participating properties convert at least 50% of grass lawns to drought-tolerant plants for improved irrigation. The one-year pilot offers $2 per square foot up to $10,000 per home or $50,000 per apartment complex and business. City officials approved $200,000 for the initial program with the potential for a second round of $200,000 in 2024. Park City seeks further gains in its efforts against drought following a three-year reduction in water consumption.
Park City, UT
United States
Mendoza, MZ turns carbon footprint reduction into a competition with the Carbon Challenge 2023
The year-long competition began with the random selection of 15 residents from all applicants. Participants are taught about climate change and how their actions create carbon footprints. Each participant's footprint was measured at the outset as a baseline for future comparisons. The project team gathers metrics like utility bills and transit use on a quarterly basis. Three participants with the largest emission reductions qualify for prizes including a new bike and composting supplies.
Mendoza, MZ
Argentina