futureproofed talk keynote tom osdoba net zero cities
7 November – Brussels
annual climate event

Empowering cities for a sustainable future

Thank you for attending the 12th edition of Futureproofed Talk, the annual climate event, empowering cities for a sustainable future. A day filled with interactive workshops, expert talks and networking opportunities.

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about What is Futureproofed Talk?

A yearly climate event, organised by Futureproofed. This year's edition will focus on overcoming obstacles in the implementation of climate plans, transforming challenges into opportunities for progress. Expert panel discussions will address key issues such as budgeting, innovative financing, and aligning local and national priorities. Interactive workshops will provide practical tools and strategies on topics like sustainable and circular business parks, green urban corridors, and sustainable mobility.

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keynotes & panelThese were the inspiring sessions during Futureproofed Talk 12

The time is now to start rethinking your city's journey

– Serge de Gheldere, Futureproofed

Discover how cities can lead the charge toward a more sustainable future by rethinking their urban journey today. This keynote will explore innovative strategies for transforming society in harmony with the planet.

How can cities finance climate action?

– Piet Colruyt, Impact investor

Lets talk about ‘the elephant in the room’: how can cities finance much-needed climate action at a time when they are often struggling financially? Piet Colruyt will explain how investors and funds, such as Impact Finance Belgium, can contribute to the energy transition by investing in projects with both CO2 reduction, economic added value and other co-benefits.

Panel discussion: huge capital needs for turning climate plans into actionable projects

With many cities struggling financially, we’ll dive into practical, actionable insights on how to overcome this impasse. Meet our panelists:
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- Piet Colruyt, impact investor and keynote speaker. Piet will share his personal journey and discuss how finance can and should be a force for good in driving climate action.
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- Fedra Vanhuyse, Head of Division: Societies, Climate and Policy Support at the Stockholm Environment Institute. Fedra brings valuable insights on unlocking climate finance and policy support for urban initiatives.
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- Filip Coenen, financial architect of Leuven 2030. Filip has hands-on experience designing financial strategies for sustainable city transformation and will share practical solutions from his work.

workshops These were the interactive workshops during Futureproofed Talk 12

Renovation strategy
Adaptation
Shaping Futureproofed
Blue-green corridors
Business parks
Mobility
Coming soon ...

How to set-up a long-term renovation strategy (morning workshop)

This workshop focuses on the long-term renovation strategy, a step-by-step plan that supports cities and municipalities in developing a renovation policy plan to future-proof the housing stock in their own territory.

Toolbox for adaptation planning (morning workshop)

This workshop offers an updated overview of tools and approaches for climate risk and vulnerability assessments and it’s practical use in specific cases.

Participants will gain practical insights into identifying key risks and planning effective adaptation measures.

Coming soon ...

Shaping the ideal futureproofed platform & services (morning workshop)

In this workshop you will share your experiences and ideas to help shape the future of the Futureproofed platform and services around it.

Together, we’ll explore how the platform can evolve to better address current challenges in climate plan management, target setting, monitoring, and reporting. This to increase efficiency for climate teams in cities and accelerate climate action to achieve a sustainable world.

Coming soon ...
Coming soon ...

Water in urban areas: the strength of blue-green corridors (in NL & FR)

How can we address water challenges in our cities while enhancing biodiversity, health, and climate resilience? In this session, we’ll explore how water management forms the foundation for integrated solutions, using blue-green corridors to tackle issues like flooding and drought.How do we turn vision into action?

We’ll discuss the specific water challenges in Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia and how these relate to heat, biodiversity, and well-being. Through projects, we’ll illustrate how water can drive a blue-green transition, creating healthier, more resilient cities.

A transition approach for industrial parks and other economic districts

In this workshop we will explore how to structure a collective vision for a future-proofed rehabilitation of economic districts.

We will be sharing our experiences and methodological approach, from the necessary steps during the process, towards an integrated set of strategies and instruments that can support a long-term vision.

Coming soon ...

Driving sustainable mobility for climate-resilient communities

This workshop explores the key challenges of sustainable mobility and offers practical insights to tackle climate-related issues. Participants will gain actionable strategies and be inspired by best practices to implement within their territories.

Through interactive discussions, attendees will formulate tailored action plans while learning from experts and peers. Whether you are from a bigger city or a more rural one, leave this workshop with concrete steps to advance sustainable mobility in your city.

Coming soon ...
Futureproofed homes

This workshop explores the challenges linked to the renovation of apartment buildings, considering electrification and flexibility, focusing on the role of local governments in neighbourhood networks and legislation.

Toolbox for adaptation planning

This workshop offers an updated overview of tools and approaches for climate risk and vulnerability assessments and it’s practical use in specific cases. Participants will gain practical insights into identifying key risks and planning effective adaptation measures.

Green corridors in urban areas

This workshop explores strategies for integrating green corridors into urban environments, focusing on the intersection of biodiversity and the built environment.

Participants will gain insights into translating regional visions into concrete local projects, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities for municipalities in enhancing urban biodiversity.

A transition approach for industrial parks and other economic districts

In this workshop we will explore how to structure a collective vision for a future-proofed rehabilitation of economic districts.

We will be sharing our experiences and methodological approach, from the necessary steps during the process, towards an integrated set of strategies and instruments that can support a long-term vision.

Achieving sustainable mobility in your city

Join this workshop to explore practical strategies for developing and implementing a sustainable mobility plan, guided by experts in mobility planning, process management, and technical solutions.

Whether you represent a large city or a rural municipality, you’ll leave with valuable insights and actionable steps to advance your mobility goals.

PM
Pascal Moons
Expert klimaatbeleid, Vilvoorde

“By networking with other cities and colleagues, you learn from each other. Both from mistakes and from things that are going well.”

video Relive previous editions

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With our SaaS platform, your city has all the tools you need to accelerate to net-zero. Calculate your carbon footprint and build, manage, and share your climate plan with ease and confidence.

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