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: In progress

Status report on January 1, 2024

Key outcomes from the SPARCS project during the period:

(1) A roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050, focusing on eco-friendly 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.

Older status reports

Below you can find older status reports with information on the progress of the action since its inception (if you're using your phone, it's better to turn it sideways).
  Timing Progress description
  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. Efforts are underway to utilize the knowledge gained from both projects to inform future policies and requirements that the City will set for eco-friendlier construction and 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, efforts continued to strengthen domestic and international relations, such as with Nordic and European cities, B-part companies, various stakeholders, and interdisciplinary City departments through knowledge exchanges, round-table discussions, on-the-spot 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 large workshop was held on, among other things, a needs analysis related to the development of a transport hub with 25 stakeholders from the Department of Environment and Planning, the Public Roads Administration, Better Transport, Strætó, CityLine, and others. Experts from Germany, Finland, and Portugal provided inspiration and introduced their transport 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:

 

Reykjavík City departments: