Climate Districts Transition Guide – Social Neighborhoods
Photo Credit: Departement Omgeving
In this study, we explore innovative strategies to transform social neighborhoods into climate-neutral and climate-resilient living environments. Sweco, in collaboration with SuMa Consulting, conducted the research on behalf of the Department of Environment.
This collaboration focuses on developing sustainable solutions that not only reduce the ecological footprint but also significantly improve the livability and resilience of these neighborhoods. With a focus on integrated approaches and community participation, this study promises to make a significant contribution to the future of urban development.
Katrien Geussens, Senior Project Leader at Sweco: “This research demonstrates how we can transform social housing neighborhoods into climate-resilient and equitable communities through collaboration and innovation. By engaging in discussions with experts and practitioners, transition plans have been developed for two social housing neighborhoods. These plans are compiled in a comprehensive transition guide that provides concrete tools for a neighborhood-oriented approach.”
Climate Neighborhoods: From Learning Path to Practice
This research trajectory builds on the learning path for climate neighborhoods in Kortrijk, Leuven, and Mechelen, established by the Department of Environment in 2020 and completed in 2023 (see also Projects Climate Neighborhoods). In this trajectory, two long-term ambitions of the Flemish government are translated into renovation and redevelopment projects at the block or neighborhood level: on one hand, the energy transition, and on the other hand, the need for quality core strengthening and densification.
Previous studies show that the neighborhood level is the ideal scale to jointly tackle challenges related to energy, space, and climate adaptation. This also provides the opportunity to develop very concrete and tangible solutions together with the residents of the neighborhood. Within the study trajectory related to social neighborhoods, two social neighborhoods, one in Bruges and one in Eeklo, were examined as cases to illustrate and substantiate the general recommendations and conclusions.
Challenges and Solutions for Social Housing Neighborhoods in Flanders
Social housing neighborhoods in Flanders face a range of complex challenges. Although these homes often perform better in energy efficiency compared to private homes, there is still much work to be done to make them energy-efficient and connect them to renewable energy sources. Additionally, energy poverty is an urgent issue in these neighborhoods.
This transition guide aims to outline a new methodology applicable in social neighborhoods throughout Flanders. We base this on experiences from parallel trajectories and neighborhood-oriented research in the Sint-Pietersmolen neighborhood in Bruges and the Wilgenpark in Eeklo.
Faster Towards Sustainable, Inclusive Neighborhoods with a Joint Transition Path
The joint transition path is central to this study. By adopting a collective approach to all challenges and collaborating with various actors, it plays a crucial role in neighborhood transformation. The path comprises three phases and five milestones, defining the necessary steps to achieve the transformation.
First, collective ambitions are established, and a shared vision for the future is defined, allowing all involved parties to pursue a common goal. Next, the plans are concretized, and physical changes in the neighborhood occur during the implementation phase. Finally, the operational phase focuses on managing, ensuring continuity, and evaluating the transformation.
Six Levers Keep the Transition Going
The joint transition path is a theoretical framework. To practically implement it and maintain momentum in the transition, more is needed than just that. We identify six levers to keep the transition moving, the most essential and decisive elements for a successful transition.
To begin with, the transition needs an engine. These are the first three levers, which are closely linked to the substantive process. The engine of neighborhood transition is formed by:
- Taking a joint initiative: kicking off the transition together;
- Seeking an integrated vision for the future: establishing a common goal to work towards;
- Planning for an operational climate neighborhood: ensuring that the desired solutions are feasible in practice.
An engine can’t run without fuel. In neighborhood transition, the main fuels are the people and resources that make the transition possible. The other three levers pertain to this:
- Establish a clear collaboration structure and role distribution, so everyone knows their responsibilities and there is a clear leader;
- Integrate funding channels, ensuring that all projects have the necessary financial resources;
- Involve residents in a fair and supported transition, making it a story for and with the neighborhood.
Recommendations for the Flemish Government
Local actors in social housing neighborhoods cannot realize the climate transition alone. It is essential for the Flemish government to take action and support them in this challenge.
To begin with, the Flemish government must ensure regional planning and organization of social neighborhoods. A long-term vision up to 2050 is needed to achieve the transition in a structured and sustainable manner. The Flemish government can play an active role in collaboration with local authorities and housing associations. It can provide frameworks that promote the launch of joint and integrated trajectories, for example, by making capacity and resources available and linking benefits to starting projects from an integrated vision for the future. Promoting innovation and sharing knowledge among housing associations is also a crucial role for the government.
The present transition guide is the result of an extensive process in which input from a diverse and broad group of stakeholders has contributed to a highly applicable and accessible manual for housing associations and local authorities. This manual assists in the transition of social housing neighborhoods to more climate-neutral and climate-resilient neighborhoods. The guide provides concrete instructions and suggestions to break this long-term process into manageable parts. In addition to this step-by-step plan at the local level, obstacles at the Flemish level have also been mapped out to facilitate this complex process.
It is now essential to work on this transition guide at the neighborhood level, municipal level, and Flemish level to actually realize the shift.
