Climate, smart city and sustainable development

In this research area, we combine international experience with local needs, offering knowledge-based support to countries, municipalities, companies and communities in alleviating and adjusting to climate change. We offer advice on smart city and sustainable urban space initiatives; study the impact of technological and social innovations and governance methods on sustainable development; and explore ways of actually alleviating environmental problems. Our strength is combining science-based solutions with the real needs of people and communities. 

We have participated in pilot projects, supported large-scale engagement processes and studies in energy-efficiency (SmartEnCity, oPEN Lab), climate adaptation (Food Forest, ClimaGen), mobility (BSR Electric, Cities Multimodal, HEAT), and urban space (ClimaGen, drOp). We have developed replication models for encouraging the uptake of renewable energy (SmartEnCity, drOp), and created impact assessments and policy recommendations for local governments to accelerate the transition to energy-efficiency and renewable energy.  

Important components of this activity area are co-creation and engaging people and communities. We have led engagement processes related to creating development plans (e.g. The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan of Tartu), written instructional materials to guide engagement (e.g. GreenSAM) and helped create frameworks for assessing the impact of engagement and co-creation in sustainable innovation processes (e.g. ClimaGen, Increase, Herit4Ages). 

RELATED PROJECTS

In progress:    

• ClimaGen
• Food Forest
• INCREASE
• RETIME 
• Herit4Ages 
• oPEN Lab  
• drOp  
• Smart Cities Marketplace  
• SUMPS for BSR    

Completed: 

• BSR ELECTRIC  
• SmartEnCity  
• AllThingsBio.PRO  
• An Analysis of Potential Energy Savings and Implementing Renewable Energy Solutions in Local Governments With the Goal of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions  
• Green Silver Age Mobility (GreenSAM)  
• Participatory urban planning for healthier urban communities (HEAT)  
• Cities multimodal – urban transport systems in transition towards low carbon mobility