In the four years of LOCALISED, the consortium achieved the following:
(1) A methodology for downscaling national data to NUTS3/LAU: The methodology utilises public data sources, including Corine Land Cover, Hotmaps, and Eurostat, to derive spatial proxies and applies machine learning techniques for data disaggregation. Operationally, a Python-based workflow around a Postgres-database was implemented and an API developed in order to facilitate data access; with this LOCALISED Data Sharing Platform (DSP) is public.
(2) The ETHOS.MIDAS model: This model is based on the Integrated Database of Adaptation and Mitigation Measures in Europe established during the first project phase, which is publicly available. A validation framework was applied to address the challenge of determining the feasibility of thousands of individual decarbonisation plans.
(3) The list of Sustainable Oriented Indicators (SOIs): The list of SOIs is the basis for providing the information required to semi-automatically report the SECAP instruments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compliance for any NUTS3 or Local Administrative Units (LAU) location in Europe.
(4) The Citizen Engager (CE). The guide was developed based on in-depth evaluation of a participatory process in Vienna, previous projects and engagement activities of the involved partners, as well as further desktop research. Extensive collaboration took place with the city partners in the consortium, who organised and conducted case studies to test the CE through engagement actions in different countries for evaluation. Continuous consultation took place on the integration of the Citizen Engager into the CAST which was successfully implemented.
(5) A consistent methodology for identifying vulnerable groups. It helps to identify those people exposed to energy poverty due to changes in their lifestyles and integrating regional exposure and social vulnerability components.
(6) A deep-in-detail analysis of business models on adaptation to climate change, mainly for key sectors (transport, agriculture, and construction). As a result, the Sustainable Business Model Canvas has been developed, that includes decarbonization and adaptation measures, as well as the link to SDG compliance at the business level.
(7) Structured stakeholder engagement. Different groups were involved in the co-design of the tool.
(8) The Climate Adaptation Strategiser (CAST) was released and presented to potential users in two European Conferences and several regional events in Austria, Poland and Austria.
(9) The Net-Zero Business Consultant (NZBC) has been released, and presented to businesses.
(10) Communication to different target groups was realised by videos on the topic of decarbonisation planning aimed at local authorities. In addition, first scientific publications were published, and more were submitted for review. In terms of transfer and sustainability of results, LOCALISED participated in the Horizon Booster Service for the CAST. A number of European as well as regional and local upscaling events were organised by the project partners in Austria, Spain and Poland, in order to reach out to local/regional public authorities and businesses, present the developed tools and encourage scalability and replication in future, through face-to-face and online demonstration activities.
(11) LOCALISED showed for the first time that detailed regional planning is feasible and the regional differences are substantial enough to justify region-specific policy action. The differences in feasibility in implementing decarbonisation in the individual regions are stark. The biggest challenge of the project was data quality. For robust policy decisions additional resources and an improved regional data infrastructure will be necessary, for example by expanding the mission of Eurostat.
