City-zen : make things happen!

We all know that running innovation is not “a long calm river”. New challenges and impacts from external factors may disturb the original framework. And as we do with climate change, we need to adapt. City-zen can’t escape from this rule and an amendment is being submitted which includes smaller and larger changes compared to what was planned years ago when the project was set up. All changes are working together towards a more innovative result. We are determined to reach a high level of innovation together, that’s what this 4th City-zen newsletter illustrates !

This spring, the launch of Mur|Mur 2 in Grenoble is an important step for City-zen retrofitting ambition. The local energy agency ALEC starts working with co-owners to reach high energy efficiency: a long and tough job to win this race against the time. To benefit from City-zen fundings, refurbishments must be finished in less than 2 years. On Amsterdam side, home-owners are sought too: inspiring and innovative projects are wanted !

Unique and linked, City-zen partners use every opportunity to work together “live”. For example, in March, WP4, WP8 and WP9 partners gathered in Grenoble to intensively discuss and plan the next steps, a field-visit in Bornholm (Denmark) gathered 6 members of City-zen, and the webinars organized during the EUSEW by My Smart City District illustrate that cooperation is sought beyond project borders. Continuous improvements of the website should showcase this dynamic process. At this point in the City-zen project, all actions are becoming more tangible.