SPARCS Final Conference: Paving the Way for Sustainable Urban Transformation

The SPARCS Final Conference, held on September 11-12 in Espoo, Finland, marked the culmination of a five-year journey towards sustainable urban innovation and climate neutrality. During this time, over 400 people have contributed to the project, it has generated over 25 scientific publications, organised over 1,000 events and implemented 43 interventions in demonstration districts in the SPARCS lighthouse and fellow cities. The final event brought together experts, city representatives, and stakeholders to reflect on these achievements, share insights, and chart the future of urban transformation.

After a welcoming address from Mervi Heinaro, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Sports and Culture, City of Espoo, the SPARCS final conference opened by putting the SPARCS cities in the spotlight, with a session at which they shared their journeys from the past five years, as they worked towards positive energy districts (PED), energy transition and smart city development. This set the scene for two days in which the lessons learned by the SPARCS cities were put in sharp focus.