We envision a world where energy is a communal resource.
Serving as a catalyst for individuals to positively transform their communities.
We embrace Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) as engines for transforming energy production, distribution, and consumption, offering potential improvements to neighborhoods and progress in decarbonization. Effective changes require technical, economic, social and spatial knowledge as well as input from the energy system stakeholders. We advocate for the co-creation process, considering it a distinctive opportunity to extract and integrate the best elements from every project stage.
Our commitment lies in bringing together diverse perspectives, therefore turning the complexity of PEDs into our greatest strength and source of innovative solutions. The PED4ALL project will develop inclusive strategies through a collaborative approach for public, private, and third sector organizations, engaging with the general public in Belgium, Italy and Turkey.
At PED4ALL, our mission is simple.
We want to start a conversation and set out pathways to create energy projects that everyone can benefit from, right in the heart of our cities’ neighbourhoods. The goal is not to define a singular, universal approach to PEDs. We want to work on paradigmatic cases (in Brussels, Rome and Istanbul) where crucial socio-spatial and governance challenges can be addressed. These can serve as hands-on models for a just, inclusive and balanced urban transition in Europe.
The best part? We’re not doing it alone. We’re working with people from all walks of life, from different fields and backgrounds. PED4ALL will take advantage of PEDs as bounded, multi-actor, real-world interventions and provide co-created ways to bring together formal and informal expertise as well as theoretical and practical insights. It will develop inclusive strategies through a collaborative approach for public, private, and third sector organisations, engaging with the general public in Belgium, Italy and Turkey.
Our methodology extends beyond a mere step-by-step guide – it embodies a philosophy.
Embark on a three-year journey with us! We will engage an action-oriented network of PED and neighborhood stakeholders in Belgium, Italy, and Turkey. Together, we will apply a shared co-productive methodology to define a set of energy, policy and regulatory, governance and social, spatial, and design strategies for urban transition and innovation, to test and replicate them.
The consortium will engage in a series of online and in-person activities to co-produce a range of practical tools to build a community of practice, and position Europe as a global role model for urban energy transformations. Join us in shaping urban transition and innovation as we test and replicate these strategies.
Introduction to the case studies
Introduction to Cureghem and Abattoir, Brussels
Cureghem, an integral part of Brussels, embraces the spirit of diversity and resilience. Abattoir, a former...
Introduction to Ostiense, Italy
Ostiense is the historic “energy neighbourhood” of Rome, characterized by many energy infrastructures today as part of an urban heritage. Among...
Introduction to Kızılay Boluvard, Kartal-Istanbul
Situated in Kartal, Istanbul, Kızılay Boulevard stands out as a dynamic district seamlessly...
Partner overview
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Belgium
The university’s Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research transforms knowledge into local action.
The Brussels Centre for Urban Studies at VUB supports over 20 research groups. The research group Cosmopolis engages policymakers, governments, and citizen networks to translate knowledge into action.
Cultureghem
Belgium
Cultureghem reclaims public spaces with mutual aid and inclusiveness supporting a more human cityof Brussels.
Cultureghem provides a welcoming public space that encouragesmutual aid and creativity for a sustainable urban future. It serves as a laboratory to equip, inspire, and co-create with Brussels residents.
Confluences ASBL
Belgium
Confluences ASBL develops and implements different forms of co-creative processes.
Confluences drives co-creative processes, fostering innovative citizen involvement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. They guide projects and project participants to situate themselves in a broader, systemic approach towards urban resilience.
DUSS BV
Belgium
DUSS strives for a sustainable society by transforming the way we conceive and build our neighbourhoods.
DUSS strives for a sustainable society, reshaping neighborhood development. They offer guidance in strategy, master planning, sustainable development, execution, and certification, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and inspired action in urban projects.
Roma TRE
Italy
The Department of Architecture follows educational and research activities recognizable in the three pillars of architectural design, urban design, and restoration design by a humanistic and technical-scientific perspective. The Department of Law is characterized by the internationalization and interdisciplinarity of legal studies focusing in the fields of Law, Legal Services Science, Legal Science in Banking and Finance, and innovative strands such as Law and New Technologies and Law & Social Change.
Istanbul Technical University
Turkey
The ITU Energy Institute engages in cutting-edge research, provides high-quality education, and offers valuable guidance on energy-related matters through insightful analyses.
Energy Institute’s graduate-level teaching and research programs are applied and interdisciplinary, encompassing students, faculty, staff, and off-campus individuals from the fields of Science, Engineering, and Architecture.
Municipality of Kartal
Turkey
Istanbul’s vibrant district of 500,000 residents seamlessly blends modernity, history, and dynamic urban development initiatives.
Kartal, one of the largest districts of the Anatolian side of İstanbul, is rapidly progressing to become the most important central business area and culture and art center of İstanbul.
İGDAŞ
Turkey
The company delivers safe, sustainable natural gas services, innovatively adding value to the environment and people.
Initially established to save Istanbul from polluted air, today İGDAŞ meets Istanbul’s fuel needs with natural gas, the economical and environmentally friendly energy source.
Arup
Turkey
Our mission is to make the built environment safer, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable for the communities.
Arup is an independent firm of multidisciplinary designers, engineers, architects, planners, and technical specialists working across every aspect of the built and natural environment and many economic sectors and industries. Arup is committed to socially responsible and sustainable development.
Meet the ped4all team
Victoria De Brabandere
Brussels
Role within the project: Coordination field work & technical support
Organisation: Cultureghem
