Spatial planning is a powerful tool municipalities, cities and region have with which they can define and enforce the development of infrastructure, real estate and services within their borders. It is inherently an interdisciplinary practice, however it is often limited to the definition of zones and land use types without considering the full picture of the needs and goals locally and nationally.

The integration of energy and climate with spatial planning can enable local and regional governments to both develop, implement and enforce their vision and integrate local, regional and national plans and strategies into a coherent and holistic development plan. This practice is being used in some European cities and regions but it is not fully regulated or recognised at national or EU levels.