Introducing energy efficiency measures in cities can bring about many non-energy benefits, like emissions reduction, improved health, better air quality, and new employment opportunities. But how can cities assess and monitor these impacts? And how can they use knowledge about multiple energy impacts to develop more comprehensive and interdisciplinary local sustainability strategies?

ICLEI Members Vitoria Gasteiz (the Basque Country), Calvià (Spain) and Tartu (Estonia) have all joined a project to help co-develop and test a new online tool that estimates the multiple benefits of energy efficiency measures, and helps leaders make better, more informed decisions about energy-efficiency policies and investments.

The three cities will also host workshops with local stakeholders, engage in ongoing tool development discussions, and will network with one another via collaborative 'sprints' and coaching sessions to see how this new tool can be anchored in local policy processes.

This work is taking place in the context of the MICAT project, which aims to develop a comprehensive approach to estimate the multiple impacts of energy efficiency, by co-creating this free, easy-to-use, scientifically sound online tool (know as the MICATool). ICLEI Europe is pleased to be a partner in the project.

Vitoria Gasteiz, Calvià and Tartu are already working towards ambitious climate goals through energy efficiency projects, collecting data to monitor progress, and raising awareness among stakeholders and citizens. The first MICAT workshop will bring them together this summer to explore how, and to what extent, the MICATool can be embedded in local policy and planning processes.

For more information, and to follow the cities' and the tool's progress, click here, and follow MICAT on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.