City of Cluj-Napoca Team
Cluj-Napoca city is the pilot city in the URBREATH project, the role of which is to test and demonstrate the use of NBS's. Through the Integrated Urban Development Strategy and other policy frameworks, Cluj-Napoca charts a course towards a more sustainable future, guiding the URBREATH project with clarity and purpose. Through participatory processes such as co-design, consultation, and involvement in decision-making, the city ensures that the project resonates with the needs and aspirations of its inhabitants. Cluj-Napoca assumes a pivotal role in the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) and sustainable infrastructure. From the regeneration of the Blue-Green corridor along the Someș River to the development of eco-friendly mobility solutions, the city leverages its expertise and resources to realize tangible improvements in urban livability and environmental quality. The URBREATH project in Cluj-Napoca builds upon previous strategies and plans to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to reconnect urban residential and industrial areas using Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and eco-based technologies, fostering a network and corridor effect. Secondly, it establishes a participatory Living Lab to engage local groups, stakeholders, and citizens in scenario building, planning, and monitoring processes, leveraging digital technologies. Thirdly, URBREATH tests NBS to improve local micro-climate and environmental quality, addressing post-Covid19 challenges and enhancing social cohesion, wellbeing, and health.
Participation in the project enables Cluj-Napoca to advance its sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally-friendly practices. By involving local stakeholders in the project, Cluj-Napoca fosters community engagement and empowerment, ensuring that the initiatives align with the needs and priorities of its residents. Participation in the project facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices with other cities and project partners, enhancing Cluj-Napoca's capacity for sustainable urban development. Also, Cluj-Napoca can anticipate the revitalization of key urban areas, enhancing the overall livability and attractiveness of the city. Overall, participation in the URBREATH project aligns with Cluj-Napoca's vision for sustainable growth and provides opportunities for enhancing the city's environmental, social, and economic well-being.
Cluj-Napoca has been selected as one of the 100 Mission cities. As such, it is committing to accelerate efforts to achieve climate neutrality and serve as an example for other urban areas to follow. Already in the Integrated Urban Development Strategy 2021-2030-2050, adopted in early 2022, Cluj-Napoca has committed to becoming a Net Zero City by 2030 and has already set up several ambitious areas of intervention, milestones, and timeline. Moreover, following the Covid-19 crisis, the City of Cluj-Napoca has also prepared a Resilience Plan, which tackles issues ranging from demographic decline and aging, to sound urban planning, urban food logistics, health issues, climate change, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion. Other relevant strategic documents include the 2022-2030 Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) (currently available for public consultation), the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan 2021-2030, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (updated each year), and the 2020-2024 Air Quality Improvement Plan. Also Cluj-Napoca 2030 Climate Neutrality Action Plan is part of our CCC -Climate City Contract and it is a validated document by the European Commission, being awarded with the EU Label - smart & climate-neutral cities. The document is a green transition strategy that states our envisioned path towards decarbonization, which is informed by our obligation as a holder of the Mission Label to generate systemic innovations and transformative actions in all emission domains, capitalizing on all our available systems. To accomplish this objective, we seek the support of both entities and citizens, whom we intend to keep engaged throughout the implementation of the Action Plan via our Cluj-Napoca 2030 Net Zero Coalition.