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Intelligent Cities Challenge
The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This collection includes case studies and tools developed under ICC to inspire and support cities.

In this collection

Zaragoza case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Zaragoza, Spain related to:

  • Adapt Your Schoolyard: transforming schoolyards into greener spaces
  • Citizen Forest of Zaragoza: making the city greener and more resilient. 

Aalborg, Denmark case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Aalborg, Denmark related to:

  • The Aalborg Climate Alliance collaborative initiative between Aalborg Municipality and local companies

Aarhus, Denmark case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Aarhus, Denmark related to:

  • Climate Alliance Aarhus is a partnership between the local companies, institutions, and public workplaces to jointly achieve Aarhus' goal of CO2 neutrality in 2030.

Aarhus case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Aarhus related to:

  • Climate Alliance Aarhus is a partnership between the local companies, institutions, and public workplaces to jointly achieve Aarhus' goal of CO2 neutrality in 2030.

Alba Iulia, Romania case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Alba Iulia related to:

  • Changing the behaviour using local transport 
  • Data sharing framework among transport stakeholders
  • Developing local energy communities at local level
  • Developing and promoting sustainable tourism through Destination Management Organization
  • Urban energy management platforms
  • Improving the capacity and capability of local tourism

Alcoy, Spain case study - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Alcoy related to:

  • Sustainability practices and mitigation of risk of energy poverty

Almeria, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Almeria related to:

  • Local Green Deal: developing the blue economy within the double green and digital transition, contributing to the city's strategic sustainability frameworks
  • Sustainable construction and built environment

Antony, France case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Antony, France related to:

  • Citizen-led solar energy for public and private buildings
  • Collective citizen solar self-consumption

Arnsberg, Germany case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Arnsberg, Germany related to:

  • Local Green Deal with local businesses

Arteixo, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Arteixo, Spain related to:

  • Green infrastructure in the port area
  • Photovoltaic infrastructure 
  • Pact for sustainable mobility 

Green Guide for festivals and events: inspiration from North Jutland

In this guide, you can gain insights into how festivals and events can work on green transition in everything from their purchases and consumption to green transportation options, energy consumption, and communication. The guide aims to be both hands-on and practical, providing concrete examples of sustainability initiatives from event organizers throughout North Jutland.

Renovation wave in practice - Intelligent Cities Challenge

In October 2020, the European Commission (EC) launched the 'renovation wave', a comprehensive strategy and action plan with the objective of boosting renovation rates of buildings and delivering deeper renovation, while creating good jobs and improving quality of life for all.

This guide is a resource for all cities who wish to:

  • understand the key principles and priority actions of the Renovation Wave; 
  • understand how the Renovation Wave relates to the wider enabling environment of European Union (EU) policies, directives and standards; 
  • learn which role cities can play in accelerating the Renovation Wave at a local level through:
    • piloting
    • unlocking funding and finance
    • removing market barriers
    • developing partnerships
    • placing communities at the centre of the Renovation Wave;
    • be inspired from tangible and successful examples of renovation initiatives delivered or facilitated by local governments across Europe;
    • learn about novel instruments and technologies supporting renovation, such as transition funds and Product-as-a-Service.

A cities guide to reskilling the local workforce

An introduction to launching a local or regional skills partnership, this guide describes 5 phases that are crucially important for designing reskilling initiatives.

Originated from reskilling track in Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC), this guide proposes a step-to-step approach to developing a reskilling initiative, provides examples of the experiences of cities, key success factors and lessons learned. This guide includes:

  • Description of the phases
  • Tools and instruments where relevant
  • Key success factors
  • Funding models and opportunities
  • Lessons learned from 32 good practices

Local Green Deals: A blueprint for action

This guide has been developed as part of the European Commission’s Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC). It provides cities with a blueprint to develop Local Green Deals (LGDs), with good practice case studies, to support them with the implementation of the European Green Deal (EGD) at the local level.

Bacău, Romania case study - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Arteixo, Spain related to:

  • Voices for a greener future: promotes ecological education through music and community engagement

Bamberg, Germany case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Bamber, Germany related to:

  • Saving energy, tackling energy poverty

  • Integrating Carsharing in municipal practice

Benidorm, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Benidorm, Spain related to:

  • Local Green Deal – Water cycle

  • Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan 

  • Shopping tourism 

Braga, Portugal case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Braga, Portugal related to:

  • Local Ecological Pact for Sustainable Tourism in Braga

  • Local Green Deal for Construction

  • Local Ecological Pact for Culture and Creative Economy of Braga

Busto Arsizio, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Busto Arsizio, Italy related to:

  • Connecting the City with the industrial area

  • Green Last Mile: for a more liveable Limited Traffic Zone

  • Smart Mobility for EcoCommuting

  • Sustainable and Safe school mobility

Câmara de lobos, Portugal case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Câmara de lobos, Portugal related to:

  • Sustainable mobility 
  • Zero plastic party
  • Urban art festival 

Campobasso, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Campobasso, Italy related to:

  • Sustainable tourism 
  • Green House 2030 for energy efficiency
  • Sustainable mobility - bus shuttle plan

Castelldefels, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Castelldefels, Spain related to:

  • Local green deal: built environment, mobility, stakeholder engagement

Catanzaro, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Catanzaro, Italy related to:

  • Wake Up – ETS: culture for environmental protection

  • Sustainable tourism

Chalkida, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Chalkida, Greece related to:

  • Culture and climate change impact on everyday life
  • Sustainable tourism and outward-looking relations

Cluj Napoca, Romania case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Cluj Napoca, Romania related to:

  • Circular mobility innovation
  • Monitoring and optimising the efficiency of industrial processes
  • Green events capital  

Collado Villalba, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Cluj Napoca, Romania related to:

  • Guadarrama River Renaturation

Cork, Ireland case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Cluj Napoca, Romania related to:

  • Partnership with the banking and food sector, city chamber, sports venue, hotels, universities
  • Creation of a community association on home energy efficiency
  • Heat pump and chiller technology
  • Empowering disability services through Local Green Action

  • Plastic toy recycling

Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg related to:

  • Cargo bikes for local businesses
  • E-mobility for citizens and charging stations for electric vehicles
  • Heat pump and energy consulting
  • Measuring industrial pollutions and transparent communication to citizens
  • Photovoltaic solar plan

Florence, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Florence, Italy related to:

  • Digital platform for the alignment with the metropolitan agenda
  • Eco-mobility hub - green transport solutions
  • Slow and local tourism development
  • Sustainable and inclusive mobility

Galați, Romania case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Galați, Romania related to:

  • Eco-friendly taxi fleet
  • Green transit revolution: zero emissions public transport

Gdansk, Poland case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Gdansk, Poland related to:

  • Decarbonisation of the heating system and maintaining an energy-efficient heating system
  • Intelligent solutions to improve commuting in the city – parking data

Gelsenkirchen, Germany case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Gelsenkirchen, Germany related to:

  • Decarbonising operations with the banking sector and private sector
  • Overcoming structural mobility barriers in industrial zones through public-private cooperation

Gliwice, Poland - case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Gliwice, Poland related to:

  • District heating networks
  • Waste heat recovery from sewage

Granada, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Granada, Spain related to:

  • Green belt for climate resilience and community engagement

Guimarães, Portugal case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Guimarães, Portugal related to:

  • Cultural and Creative Industries (fashion, clothing and textile)
  • Collaboration with private sector to provide charging stations and decarbonise the company's fleet

Heidelberg, Germany - case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Heidelberg, Germany related to:

  • Corporate mobility management – sustainable commuting and traffic solutions

  • Fashion Revolution Weeks 2025 – raising awareness for sustainable fashion

  • Urban Innovation 2025 – co-creation for climate-neutral and inclusive neighbourhoods

  • Heidelberger Datenputz - campaign is the reduction of data storage on virtual drives and cloud storage

Helmond, Netherlands case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Helmond, Netherlands related to:

  • EV infrastructure and fossil-fuelled parking reduction 

  • Insulation for hard-to-reach households 

  • Paving the way towards car-free inner city

  • Urban strategy - digital twin

Heraklion, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from the city of Heraklion, Greecel related to:

  • Empowering green entrepreneurship: circular economy and green innovation 

  • Greening cultural events in Heraklion

Ibiza, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Ibiza related to:

  • Accessible Beach

  • Energy-Efficient Public Lighting

  • Photovoltaic solar energy, sustainable streetlighting, and decarbonized public transport

  • Local commerce promotion

  • Protecting underwater meadow

  • Sustainable water management

  • Urban gardens

  • Smart waste management

Kalamata, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Kalamata, Greece related to:

  • Promoting public transport among young people
  • Green square
  • Promote awareness of sustainability with the local football club
  • Reduce single-use plastic use and promote sustainable water consumption

Kavala, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Kavala, Greece related to:

  • Open Mall

Kozani, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Kozani, Greece related to:

  • Expansion of renewable energy

  • Sustainable and smart mobility

Larissa, Greece case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Kozani, Greece related to:

  • Installation of IoT-enabled eBike station

  • Water Eco-RefilL for Larissa: reduce plastic waste and promote clean, accessible drinking water

Larnaka, Cyprus case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Larnaka, Cyprus related to:

  • Decarbonising coastal shipping and promoting sustainable tourism

  • Connecting Larnaka’s urban and rural tourism through sustainable mobility and local experiences

Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain related to:

  • Engaging schools, traders and service providers

Legnano, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Legnano, Italy related to:

  • Energy audits for small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Plastic packaging waste management for small and medium-sized enterprises

Limerick, Ireland case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Limerick, Ireland related to:

  • Retrofitting of Council Buildings

Mannheim, Germany case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Mannheim, Germany related to:

  • Using cocoa shells as a biomass fuel to reduce CO2 emissions

  • Installing photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and other renewable energy technologies

Mantua, Italy case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Mantua, Italy related to:

  • One Stop Shop Energy and Climate

  • Manage the traffic and mobility in the Valdaro area in a sustainable way

Molina de Segura, Spain case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Molina de Segura, Spain related to:

  • Optimise the treatment, disposal, reduction, and the generation of associated by-products of industrial waste

  • improve mobility to reduce emissions by providing public transport and car-sharing facilities

Nicosia, Cyprus case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from Nicosia, Cyprus related to:

  • Empowering restaurant and hotel staff through waste management and energy reduction seminars

  • Empowering universities and canteens with composting solutions

  • Development of parking covers and installation of PV panels over them in open parking areas

  • Large Companies adopting sustainable mobility

North-West Ireland City Region case studies - Intelligent Cities Challenge

The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) is a European Commission initiative bringing together 136 cities to achieve intelligent, socially responsible and sustainable growth through advanced technologies. This resources includes case studies from North-West Ireland City Region related to:

  • Grow, eat, compost, repeat: Empowering communities in soil regeneration

  • Strabane’s Positive Energy District (PED)