Across ten European countries, over 500,000 people have participated in a test of their carbon footprints and daily lifestyle choices through the Lifestyle Test - creating a dataset of more than 50,000 personal action plans. Supported by ICLEI Europe, it is now the largest citizen-generated dataset on sustainable living in Europe, freely available through the Lifestyle EU Data platform.

Unlike projections or models, this dataset reflects real preferences, habits and barriers voiced by citizens directly, with results where citizens are most open to make changes in their lives, such as to switch to a sustainable bank or eat vegetarian regularly. For local governments, this is a unique evidence base to meet citizens where they are at by designing and targeting policies more effectively. The dataset allows to not only pinpoint actions where communities are already ready to act, but also those where systemic support, infrastructure and incentives are needed to make sustainable choices more attractive.

Workshops across eight countries, followed by an EU-level dialogue in May 2025, distilled three clear lessons:

• Tailor action to local culture and everyday needs
• Make sustainable options the default and easiest choice
• Build trust with transparent, citizen-driven data

With this resource, cities and municipalities can shape food, housing and transport policies that resonate with citizens, turning ambition into action and accelerating Europe’s green transition.

Explore the Lifestyle Data platform here. Learn more about the project here.