Program
Levers for change
Across Europe, cities are coming together to rethink urban life and build a more sustainable future. In Cluj, Zona Metropolitană Cluj (ZMC) is actively contributing to this movement as a proud partner of the “Blueprint for Net-Zero Apartment-block Neighborhoods” project. A key part of this initiative involves bringing climate conversations closer to citizens by organizing events that engage communities and spark local climate action.
To make this happen, ZMC launched the Metropolitan NetZero Caravan, an extended version of the original NetZero Caravan concept, designed to connect directly with people in different neighborhoods across the Cluj metropolitan area. The caravan’s mission is to inspire, inform, and involve residents in shaping a greener future, starting with the buildings they live in.
The caravan made its first stop on December 18, in Poligon Park, Florești, at the inviting venue of “Hambar.” This public event marked the final gathering in ZMC’s 2024 calendar and set the tone for what future caravans will offer.
Representatives from the project’s key partners — Cluj-Napoca City Hall, TREC (Transylvania Energy Cluster), UTCN (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca), Transilvania IT Cluster, and IRCEN (National Institute for Energy Research) — joined the event to share expertise and answer questions from the public.
Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to hear directly from experts and partners involved in the Blueprint for Net-Zero Apartment-block Neighborhoods project. Speakers shared insights on how we can reimagine and modernize the apartment blocks that shape much of the metropolitan landscape. From retrofitting aging buildings into smart, energy-efficient homes to introducing innovative strategies for cutting carbon emissions, the presentations blended inspiration with actionable advice.
A central theme of the day was the vision of a more sustainable and livable urban future – one that balances the needs of both people and the planet. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, voice their opinions, and consider how they could contribute to building a greener community. Whether through everyday actions or by supporting broader urban initiatives, the message was clear: everyone has a part to play in driving meaningful change.
Beyond the technical talks, the caravan also created a space for imagination and play. A group of 45 primary school pupils from the „Dumitru Tăuțan” High School in Florești joined the event and brought fresh energy to the day.
Through a creative workshop, the children shared what a “clean future” means to them – their drawings and ideas reminded everyone why climate action matters. To celebrate their involvement, Santa Claus made a surprise appearance and handed out small gifts to the young participants.
The Metropolitan NetZero Caravan will continue its journey in 2025, stopping in other neighborhoods across the Cluj metropolitan area. Each stop will be an opportunity to bring people together, share knowledge, and co-create solutions for more resilient, eco-friendly communities.
We encourage residents to get involved, whether by attending future events, participating in discussions, or taking small steps at home. Together, we can transform the places we live into cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable homes for everyone.
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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.
