Communities of practice
At the core of ASCEND lie our six Solution Packages. Building upon the successful approach implemented by previous SCC projects like SPARCS and Sharing Cities, we propose smart solutions as a comprehensive system consisting of integrated technical, social, infrastructure, business-related, and governance modules. When combined, these modules create a package that facilitates the implementation, replication, and scaling-up of solutions across diverse European cities.
Each Solution Package will be developed under the guidance of a coordinating entity:
- SP1 focuses on digital infrastructures and ICT tools supporting flexible energy systems and PCED;
- SP2 involves the deployment of energy communities and prosumer services;
- SP3 focuses on energy-efficient buildings integrating renewable energy sources and storage, including frugal solutions;
- SP4 centres around decarbonised mobility and freight, including frugal solutions;
- SP5 emphasises citizen-centred solutions and co-creation throughout the governance chain;
- SP6 involves the role of the urban orchestrator.
SP1: Digital infrastructures and ICT tools to support flexible energy systems and PCED
With Solution Package 1, ASCEND cities will employ advanced digital tools, such as digital twins, to design and replicate PCEDs, as well as create a digital infrastructure and interface for energy communities.
- Design of the PCED with digital tools
- Use of District Energy Management Systems
SP2: Deployment of Energy Communities & Prosumers
Welcome to the ASCEND's Community of Practice on Deployment of Energy Communities and Prosumers! This course provides a dedicated platform for practitioners and implementers from the 8 ASCEND Cities, focusing on Solution Pacage 2.
- Share practical experiences, lessons learned, and success stories among CoP participants involved in the deployment of Energy Communities and Prosumer initiatives.
- Engage in peer-driven discussions and workshops on shared challenges, opportunities and potential solutions across the ASCEND cities.
SP3: Energy-efficient buildings integrating RES, storage and frugal solutions
With solution Package 3, ASCEND will target existing and new buildings, using advanced technologies and building solutions to reduce their energy needs, integrate RES to produce heat and electricity, implement heat and electricity storage systems, and collect rainwater for reuse.
- Reduction of building energy needs Connection of buildings to the heating network Production of heat from renewable energy sources Production of electricity from renewables within the PCED Implementation of heat and electricity storage systems Collection and use of rainwater.
SP4: Decarbonization of mobility and freight logistics, including frugal solutions
ASCEND’s Mobility approach not only leads to a decrease in carbon emissions, but it will improve living conditions, reduce cost, noise and pollution. In embracing clean mobility, ASCEND's vision extends beyond transportation to encompass the broader goal of enhancing the overall quality of life within Positive Clean Energy Districts.
- Enhancing Micro-Mobility in Public Spaces
- Advocating Car-Sharing and Electromobility
- Sharing public spaces with “nature”
SP5: Citizen-centric solutions and co-creation along the governance chain
The SP5 Community of Practice (CoP) gathers implementers and experts working on ASCEND's Solution Package 5 - Citizen-centric Solutions and Co-creation along the Governance Chain
- Online citizen participation
- Energy savings from increased awareness and frugal behaviour
SP6: Urban orchestrator for PCED as an umbrella solution
The SP6 Community of Practice (CoP) gathers implementers and experts working on ASCEND's Solution Package 6 - Urban Developer for PCED as an Umbrella Solution
- Becoming an "urban orchestrator"