Social Innovation
July 4, 2024

The Net Zero Caravan: Engaging Communities for Climate Action

Change starts here, in the heart of our neighborhoods. The Net Zero Caravan is an initiative that bridges the gap between citizens and climate action, creating a space for learning, collaboration, and meaningful discussions about sustainability. It’s a traveling hub where neighbors can connect, share ideas, and explore practical solutions for a greener future.

Whether you are a curious citizen or a dedicated advocate, the caravan invites you to be part of the change, starting now.

The Mission of the Net Zero Caravan

The Net Zero Caravan has the mission to establish direct contact between the citizens of the neighborhood and the concerns and research undertaken by the partners of this project. 

Across four planned stages (or stops), temporary camps will be set up to encourage community interaction, knowledge-sharing, and active participation. With each stop, the caravan will remain four days available to the general public, offering a variety of presentations, workshops, and discussions focused on climate change adaptation. The sessions will be accompanied by performances, workshops for children, and a relaxing atmosphere specific to the Urban Living Room. 

Building the Caravan: A Sustainable Foundation

The construction of the Net Zero Caravan exemplifies sustainability and innovation. Designed from the ground up with recycled materials, it serves as a physical representation of the principles it advocates.

The journey began with sourcing pallets used by accredited waste collectors. These pallets were disassembled into individual boards, which were then cleaned, treated, and repurposed into functional furniture and structural elements. Using precise designs, the project team crafted modular benches, tables, and decorative features, ensuring that each piece was durable, adaptable, and visually appealing.

Prototypes were built and tested to optimize the construction process, and the final assembly integrated all components into a cohesive and portable structure. This meticulous approach not only minimized waste but also highlighted how everyday materials can be transformed into valuable resources.

A Tour of Climate Action: The Caravan’s Stops

The Net Zero Caravan is set to visit several areas from Mănăștur, activating green spaces and other public places as hubs for education and engagement. Locations include Primăverii Park, Colina Park, Rozelor Park, and “La Terenuri” Sport Base. These sites were chosen for their accessibility, potential to attract diverse audiences, and suitability for creating meaningful community interactions.

By transforming these spaces into vibrant activity centres, the caravan reinforces the importance of using urban environments as platforms for sustainability initiatives.

The Launch Event: A Glimpse into the Caravan’s Impact

The  was launched on March 28. Held over three days, the launch event introduced the caravan’s features and programming to the public. 

Citizens were invited to explore the caravan’s innovative design and participate in workshops and activities emphasising sustainability. Children participated in artistic creation workshops, blending creativity with environmental learning, while other participants attended the Food Print Workshop to explore ways to make more sustainable decisions.

Experts in urbanism, environmental science, and community engagement came together for a round table discussion, providing valuable insights into how cities can transition toward climate neutrality. This exchange of ideas underscored the importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The Road Ahead for the Net Zero Caravan

As the caravan travels through our neighborhood, it brings ideas and solutions to challenges we all face, like adapting to climate change and making our communities greener and stronger.

Citizens are invited to visit, participate, and share their ideas in this important conversation. The caravan empowers us to take small, collective steps that create a big impact. Together, we can make a difference.

We look forward to welcoming you to the next stop of our caravan.

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The grant is funded by Horizon 2020, the EU framework programme for research and innovation preceding the current Horizon Europe programme. The funding will complement the support provided already by the City Advisors and the Consortium partners of NetZeroCities. The Pilot Cities Programme is a crucial part of accomplishing the objectives of the EU 100 Cities Mission, which aims for these cities to accelerate climate-neutrality by 2030.