The SPARCS’ PED Business Ecosystem and Stakeholder Engagement Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), launched on the first day of the SPARCS Final Conference, held in Espoo, Finland on September 11-12, offers a comprehensive learning resource tailored to the needs of European cities and sustainability projects. This transformative course, developed in collaboration with the ATELIER project, will equip cities with vital knowledge on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), business ecosystems, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Let’s take a closer look.

The PED Business Ecosystem and Stakeholder Engagement MOOC recognises the growing urgency of addressing climate change and the critical role cities play in mitigating its effects. As Europe seeks to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, PEDs are seen as a pivotal element in the energy transition. PEDs refer to urban areas that produce more energy than they consume, and they represent a key component of cities’ evolution toward climate neutrality. These districts foster energy transformation by creating integrated, sustainable energy solutions at the local level.

A Deep Dive into PEDs

The free course, designed for city planners, urban developers, and sustainability enthusiasts, offers an intermediate-level learning experience spread across 12 hours. It provides a structured approach to understanding PEDs and the surrounding ecosystem.

Key topics include:

• Anchoring PEDs in City Development Strategies: Participants learn how PEDs can be embedded in broader city development plans, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to economic and spatial planning. The course outlines the role of urban orchestrators and the economic drivers that fuel PED projects.
• Understanding and Engaging Local Stakeholders: A core element of PED implementation is stakeholder engagement. The course covers methods for identifying and interacting with various stakeholders, from government officials and businesses to citizens and energy communities. One of the highlights is a discussion of the SPARCS Espoo co-creation model, which provides a framework for sustainable urban development through stakeholder collaboration.
• Business Models for PED Projects: The module delves into business models that support the successful implementation of PEDs. Learners explore practical tools such as the business model canvas and real-world examples, such as Maia’s PED with its energy community and the Leipzig Energy Map. The BABLE platform is also introduced as a resource for presenting business cases to stakeholders.
• Economic Feasibility of PEDs: Participants are equipped with methods and tools to assess the economic viability of PED projects. This section emphasises planning under uncertainty, reconciling conflicting interests, and conducting cost-benefit analyses with a focus on social and environmental impacts.

The massive open online course provides a wealth of supporting materials, including the “How to PED Cookbook,” a “Solution Booklet,” and other resources designed to make the theoretical aspects of PED implementation more practical and accessible. These resources offer step-by-step guidance, case studies, and insights from SPARCS’ work across seven European cities.

A Valuable Tool for Transformative Change

The launch of the SPARCS’ PED Business Ecosystem and Stakeholder Engagement MOOC underscores SPARCS’ commitment to empowering cities and urban stakeholders in their transition toward climate neutrality. As cities across Europe and the world grapple with the challenges of sustainable energy systems, this course provides a valuable tool for those who are ready to lead transformative change in their communities. The knowledge shared through this course will help city planners, developers, and other stakeholders align their efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information on the course, visit the official website.