🌍 SDG-BASED Workshops in Cluj-Napoca: Advancing Energy Communities and Sustainable Urban Futures

On April 20–21, 2026, URBASOFIA, together with the Cluj Metropolitan Area Intercommunity Development Association, hosted two consecutive workshops in Cluj-Napoca as part of the European project SDG-BASED. The city is one of the project’s pilot areas in Romania, alongside partners from Italy and Sweden.

The two-day event brought together a wide range of participants—representatives from public authorities, academia, research institutions, and local stakeholders—creating a dynamic space for exchange on sustainable energy transitions and urban innovation 🌱🏙️⚡

📍 Workshop 1 — Introduction to Energy Communities (April 20, 2026)

The first workshop focused on introducing the SDG-BASED framework and exploring how energy communities can support the development of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs).

The session featured contributions from several experts:

• Irina Alexandra Panait (URBASOFIA) presented the SDG-BASED project and its evaluation framework for PEDs, outlining how indicators can support sustainable urban transformation 📊

• Olimpia Nicolae (URBASOFIA & Coaliția Energie Comunitară) introduced the concept of energy communities and explained how citizens and local actors can participate in shared energy initiatives ⚡

• Ștefan Dragoș CÎRSTEA (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) discussed the role of stakeholders in scaling and implementing PEDs across urban areas 🏗️

• Tania Rus (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) highlighted the potential of educational campuses as drivers of energy transition and innovation 🎓

• Alexandru Mureșan (Renergia) presented “Energy Advisor,” an AI-based platform designed to support smart energy management and act as a virtual energy manager 🤖

The session concluded with a lively Q&A and networking lunch, fostering direct dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and local stakeholders.

📍 Workshop 2 — Community Visit & Energy Awareness in Apahida (April 21, 2026)

The second day shifted the focus from institutional discussion to real-life community engagement in Apahida 📍.

Together with local residents, the team explored everyday energy consumption habits and discussed how behavioural changes at household level can contribute to:

• Lower energy consumption ⚡

• Reduced energy bills 💶

• More sustainable living practices 🌱

The open discussions emphasized simple, practical actions that individuals can take, while also highlighting the importance of making energy transition concepts understandable and relevant at community level.

This field activity reinforced a key message of the project: sustainability is not only about technology, but also about people, habits, and daily decisions 👥

🤝 A Shared Step Toward Energy Transition

Across both days, the workshops demonstrated the strong value of collaboration between experts, institutions, and local communities. The discussions confirmed that successful energy transition depends on combining technical solutions with social engagement and real community needs.

We thank all participants for their active involvement and contributions. Their input is helping shape a more inclusive, participatory, and sustainable energy future for European cities 🌍✨