1. The greenest city in the making: Vilnius decarbonising its district heating (EN)

How is a European capital transforming its entire heating system to become climate-neutral by 2030? This article tells the story of Vilnius and its ambitious modernisation programme: pipeline upgrades, shift to biomass, waste-heat recovery and the installation of a large-scale absorption heat pump. It details the investments made, the innovations deployed, and the results achieved in terms of cost reduction, CO₂ emissions and energy security. A concrete and inspiring case study for any city looking to move forward on district heating decarbonisation.

2. The Cities Heat Detox (EN)

This page, hosted on the EU Mayors platform, brings together a curated collection of municipal guidelines and real-life examples from across Europe showing how cities are breaking their dependence on fossil-fuel heating and cooling systems. It covers a range of approaches and contexts, making it an accessible and practical entry point for local authorities at any stage of their decarbonisation journey, whether looking for strategic inspiration or concrete implementation models.

What you will find on this website:

• City stories and best practices: Real examples of European cities that have already embarked on their heat detox, submitted directly by municipalities and displayed on an interactive map.
• The Heat Detox Kit: A comprehensive digital toolbox packed with practical guidance, tools and publications to support local authorities at every stage of their heating decarbonisation journey.
• Latest insights and news: A regularly updated feed of articles, reports and analyses on district heating decarbonisation, district cooling and related topics.

3. How can cities decarbonise heating and cooling? (EN)

This report serves as a comprehensive toolbox for local authorities tackling the decarbonisation of heating and cooling. It is structured around four progressive action stages: Commitment and Mobilisation, Mapping, Scenario Analysis and Planning, and Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation. At each stage, it maps the key resources, tools and frameworks available, helping decision-makers navigate a complex field and build a coherent, long-term strategy. An essential reference to move from ambition to action.

4. Guide to Heat Mapping (EN)

This report provides a step-by-step framework for carrying out heat-demand and heat-supply mapping across a territory. It explains how to collect and use spatial data, analyse building types and heat-demand density, and assess existing infrastructure to identify the best opportunities for district heating deployment or expansion. Designed as a foundational tool, it equips local authorities and planners with the methodology needed before embarking on any district heating strategy or network upgrade.

5. Guidelines on Community Heating and Cooling (EN)

Published by REScoop, this report provides a thorough introduction to renewable, citizen-led heating and cooling systems, explaining how they work and what makes them viable. Drawing on research from several European countries, it identifies the main drivers and barriers for community district heating and cooling, and translates these findings into practical guidance for both municipalities and citizen groups. A solid reference for understanding the landscape and building the right conditions for success.