Energy efficiency is high on the European agenda. One of the goals of the European Union’s 20-20-20 plan is to
improve energy efficiency by 20% in 2020. However, holistic knowledge about energy efficiency potentials in cities is far from complete. Currently, a variety of individual strategies and approaches by different stakeholders tackling separate key aspects hinders strategic energy efficiency planning.

For this reason, PLEEC project – “Planning for Energy Efficient Cities” – funded by the EU Seventh Framework
Programme uses an integrative approach to achieve the sustainable, energy–efficient, smart city. By coordinating
strategies and combining best practices, PLEEC will develop a general model for energy efficiency and sustainable city planning.

By connecting scientific excellence and innovative enterprises in the energy sector with ambitious and well-organized cities, the project aims to reduce energy use in Europe in the near future and will therefore be an important tool contributing to the EU’s 20-20-20 targets.