SPARCS
Description of the action and objectives
Green Deal action
SPARCS (Sustainable energy Positive & zero cARbon CommunitieS) is a large-scale energy transition and climate project supported by the EU. The project promotes the cooperation between cities in Europe in search of better solutions, with the goal of transforming cities into self-sustainable, carbon-neutral ecosystems that enhance residents' quality of life. As a collaboration platform for 31 diverse participants, the project creates new opportunities for learning about and practicing carbon neutrality in cities. The project enables the Reykjavík City to implement the Green Deal and participate in European collaboration in carbon-neutral and smart cities.
Implementation period
Planned completion in the second half of 2024
Status report on July 1, 2025
The European project SPARCS formally concluded at the end of 2024. A summary book was subsequently published featuring key lessons and results from the project, with Reykjavík playing a prominent role throughout. The book is available at sparcs.info.
Older status reports
| Timeline | Progress description | |
| July 2024 |
Reports analyzing implementation, investment, barriers and recommendations for Green Housing of the Future and Hlemmur transport hub were submitted to the European Commission. The documents are now being reviewed by SPARCS advisors from BABLE SmartCities and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research institute. The SPARCS project manager gave a presentation and participated in panel discussions at European Sustainable Energy Week, held at European Commission headquarters in Brussels. |
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| January 2024 |
Key outcomes from the SPARCS project during the period: (1) A roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050 focusing on green transportation, green housing and climate-friendly urban development; (2) A report on the pilot projects – Hlemmur and the Green Housing of the Future, from concept to implementation; (3) A detailed analysis of the aforementioned pilot projects regarding financial investment, environmental impact, metrics, risk management, and feedback from key stakeholders during the development and construction stages. |
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| July 2023 | SPARCS has continued to track the development of both pilot projects within SPARCS; Green Housing of the Future and the redesign and rebuilding of Hlemmur. We are working to apply knowledge gathered from both projects to inform policy development and future requirements the city will establish for greener construction practices, as well as the development of future transportation hubs. Both projects share the common goal of developing new methods and solutions in the pursuit of sustainable outcomes. The City's journey toward a sustainable society and carbon neutrality by 2050 was mapped in collaboration with key stakeholders within and outside the City. The project included regular consultation with entities within the European Union and other partners such as Climate-KIC, Scalable Cities, City Coordinator Group, the Icelandic Center for Research (Rannís), and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) to enhance the City's research and innovation ecosystem. | |
| January 2023 | Work was done on the SPARCS pilot project; the transit hub at Hlemmur which is currently under construction, and the Green Future Housing where the first plot contracts have been signed. In relation to the Green Future Housing, Reykjavík City was invited to partake in the project management of We Build a Greener Future, which is run by the Housing and Construction Authority. Additionally, ideas were sought regarding the overall plan of the old Meteorological Office site where three winning teams from the Green Future Housing were invited to participate. Through the SPARCS project, work continued to strengthen domestic and international networks with Nordic and European cities, Section B entities, various stakeholders, and interdisciplinary city departments through knowledge sharing, panel discussions, site visits, conferences and various presentations. SPARCS was also a key contact point in various innovations plans on behalf of the EU such as Climate-KIC and the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), with the goal to boost Reykjavík's innovation ecosystem. | |
| July 2022 | Work continued to further formalize the SPARCS project for Reykjavík City, focusing on the transport hub related to the CityLine (Borgarlína) and Green Housing of the Future. A major workshop on needs assessment for transportation hubs was held with 25 participants from the Department of Environment & Planning, the Road Administration, Transport for the Capital Area, Strætó Public Transport, CityLine and others, where experts from Germany, Finland and Portugal provided inspiration and presented their transportation projects and methodologies. A report on the status of Reykjavík City in climate and environmental matters was also submitted to the European Union. |
Connection of action to Reykjavík City's policies:
Related actions
Environmental goals
- 1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions | Green Deal Carbon-neutral city by 2040 and adaptation to climate change.
- 2. Increased carbon sequestration and enhancement of green areas | Green Deal Increased cultivation, utilization, and connection between green spaces.
- 3. The City is adapted to the impacts of climate change | Green Deal Combating climate change and adapting to it.
- 4. Improved access to healthy outdoor recreational options and food | Green Deal Emphasis on public health objectives and increased urban living.
- 5. Sustainable transportation | Green Deal Investment in transport infrastructure based on green and diverse principles.