On 23 May, ICLEI Member Cascais (Portugal), together with partners from the THERMOS project, launched a City Interest and Ambassador Group, as well as the second edition of a capacity-building Train-the-Trainer Programme.

Both initiatives aim to support a faster upgrade, refurbishment and expansion of existing energy infrastructure and the development of new low-carbon heating and cooling systems. This is accomplished by building up the capacity and knowledge of local energy planners, and by enabling them to use THERMOS energy planning software. This makes cost-effective, low-carbon local energy planning simpler, and ensures the process is in-line with local climate and energy action plans.

The THERMOS Ambassador group is open to all institutions involved in sustainable thermal energy planning and the development of local sustainable action plans. In bringing together energy stakeholders, the group supports knowledge-exchange and provides exclusive access to solutions, tools and materials developed collaboratively. Trainers participating in the free online Train-the-Trainer Programme provide guidance on how to apply the software, and on district energy technology and financing options. In this way, the group further supports a successful local energy transition.

The launch of both programmes was preceded by an exclusive test of an updated version of the THERMOS software, and followed by a site visit to ICLEI Member Lisbon (Portugal)’s Climaespaço district heating and cooling plant.

To learn more about the initiatives, click here or contact: Alexandra.Pfohl@iclei.org.