During the second reporting period (M16–M33), NEUTRALPATH consolidated the transition from planning to implementation across its two main axes—citizen-driven climate neutrality governance and the deployment of Positive and Clean Energy Districts (PCEDs):
• All five CN-Labs (Zaragoza, Dresden, Ghent, Vantaa and Istanbul) remained active and strengthened their governance and coordination, updating their 2025 roadmaps through structured processes and holding an inter-lab workshop in Istanbul (M22) to exchange solutions on participatory approaches and governance/administrative challenges; in parallel, a shared data-collection tool was launched to track engagement KPIs and activity implementation.
• Citizen and stakeholder co-creation activities were expanded and systematised, using workshops, surveys and public events (e.g. Vantaa CN-Lab kickoff, Istanbul Open Day, Zaragoza participatory sessions), with citizen inputs (e.g. 209 survey responses in Vantaa) feeding into both PCED design choices and the Climate City Contract (CCC) development in each city.
• WP2 consolidated the transition from PCED design to implementation in the Lighthouse Cities (Zaragoza and Dresden), focusing on executive designs, tendering documentation, licensing/permits and coordination between technical and financial workstreams; draft deliverables supporting this implementation phase (D2.3 and D2.4) were prepared/submitted as requested in the first review report.
• Zaragoza: Phase I (envelope refurbishment) reached a key milestone with the executive project completed (June 2025) and permits under review, after a multi-phase public tendering sequence; Phase II preparation progressed, including a strategic shift from biomass-based solutions to geothermal + PV to ensure a fully-electric, carbon-neutral configuration.
• Dresden: tangible implementation advanced at Site A through continuation of the LowEx network pilot with decentralised smart heat stations and integration of small heat pumps, while Site B was adapted due to financing constraints into a planning/knowledge demonstrator (renewable potential and simulation-based urban planning) to preserve learning outcomes.
• Monitoring and evaluation moved from definition to operationalisation, with monitoring programmes defined for Zaragoza and Dresden (equipment distribution, data collection systems) and baseline data collection initiated in energy, social and environmental domains.
• Non-technical transferability and engagement tools were delivered and deployed, notably the multilingual Energize serious/board game (200 certified units in 6 languages) and interactive digital totems (3D maps, clickable technology showcases, educational diagrams), alongside Open Days in Dresden, Istanbul and Zaragoza to increase public understanding and participation around PCED concepts.
• Upscaling/replication and investment-readiness were significantly advanced, including mapping funding sources, conducting PESTEL + stakeholder analyses, developing a bankability methodology, and creating a modular, web-based digital Bankability Assessment Tool to help cities and investors assess financial viability and risk for PCED replication/upscaling; additionally, local context analyses and GIS/MCDA-informed area selection progressed for future PCEDs in Fellow Cities (Ghent, Vantaa, Istanbul).
