Futureproofed Talk: key takeaways from our 12th annual climate event

This year's Futureproofed Talk centered on bridging the gap between climate goals and tangible action, with a deep dive into climate financing solutions. Through keynotes and a panel discussion, the event explored diverse pathways for local governments to secure funding for impactful climate initiatives.

The panel experts offered three key insights

During the panel on financing climate initiatives, our experts offered insights from three distinct perspectives, highlighting diverse pathways for public authorities to secure climate funding.

1. Fedra Vanhuyse emphasized the strength of place-based climate financing, tapping into local, community-driven funding sources.
2. Piet Colruyt explained the potential of partnering with impact investors who align with a city's climate goals.
3. Filip Coenen showcased the success of mission-focused financing models like Leuven 2030, which provides stable, targeted support for climate action.

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These insights highlighted that innovative climate financing can take many forms, from local collaboration to structured funding organizations.

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To end the panel, we asked each panelist for their top piece of advice on climate financing:

• Fedra Vanhuyse: “I’d like to share a quote from Doris Lessing, Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 2007: ‘Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.’ So, don’t wait—just start acting.”
• Piet Colruyt: “My takeaway is to be aware that there are different silos of capital, all looking for good projects. And if you add impact into the equation, much more is possible. Capital is available; sometimes you just have to look for it.”
• Filip Coenen: "If I put this into my context of finance: look for business models. You will find something that can return value in some way, and it can be used as leverage to create other things.”

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Geodata: A Game-Changer for Greener, More Biodiverse Cities

During the Futureproofed Talk keynote, Bas Aumer and Lout Kuiper revealed how geodata is revolutionizing urban planning for more sustainable, nature-friendly cities. By harnessing the power of geospatial data, cities can:

• Map green spaces and biodiversity hotspots
• Identify prime areas for improvement
• Integrate geospatial analysis directly into urban planning
• Design strategies to boost biodiversity
• Optimize green infrastructure for maximum impact
• Continuously monitor the results of their interventions

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This geodata-driven approach empowers cities to create thriving urban ecosystems that benefit both people and nature. Integrating these powerful insights unlocks a future-proof path to greener, more biodiverse communities.

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Insights from the workshops

Alongside inspiring words from Serge de Gheldere, a user-focused feedback round with product designer Rafaël Martins, keynotes from Piet Colruyt, Bas Aumer and Lout Kuiper and the engaging panel discussion, Futureproofed Talk once again brought attendees directly into the action with interactive workshops. Each session encouraged participants to dive into practical challenges, collaborate on solutions, and exchange insights.

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These hands-on sessions were designed not just to spark new ideas, but to equip attendees with the tools and know-how needed to drive impactful climate initiatives in their communities. By working through real-world scenarios, participants left the event armed with the insights and resources to turn climate plans into tangible progress.

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A toolbox for adaptation planning

Municipalities have access to a wide array of tools and data to support climate adaptation, though navigating these resources can be complex and time-intensive. The Climate Adaptation Scan, developed by the Flemish Environmental Agency, is specifically designed to simplify this process for smaller cities and communities that may lack specialized expertise. This tool helps local governments anticipate future climate impacts, plan for potential changes, and guide adaptation strategies.

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Within the Climate Adaptation Scan, the Plan tool offers seven scenarios with recommended measures, while the Project tool allows users to visualize critical elements—such as trees, buildings, and traffic—on a map. The focus remains on adaptation: adjusting to the impacts of climate change.

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Three key climate parameters are addressed:

• Drought: The tool identifies at-risk natural areas, including vulnerable agricultural zones. Managing an increase in drought days is also a priority.
• Heat: Evaluations include minimum and maximum perceived temperatures, factoring in urban density and layout. Heat stress thresholds are set to ensure that at least 50% of city areas remain within a safe temperature range.
• Water: Metrics include average water depth and the proportion of buildings at risk of flooding, with thresholds tailored to each city’s specific needs.

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With city-specific indicators, the goal is to significantly reduce the projected climate impact by 2050, supporting municipalities in developing effective, targeted adaptation plans. The Climate Adaptation Scan tool helps visualize the actions needed to enhance climate resilience.

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A best practice for local governments is to actively involve neighborhoods in co-creating climate-adaptive designs. This can be done using visual elements, such as the example shown below, featuring 3D-printed models of buildings and cards that represent climate adaptation measures like wadis, de-paving, underground infiltration, infiltration basins, weirs, green roofs, and natural heat shields.

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Local long-term renovation strategy for private housing

At this workshop, experts emphasized the critical role of local governments in addressing climate change through targeted renovation strategies for private housing. Buildings are responsible for approximately 36% of the EU's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and consume about 40% of its energy. Achieving the EU's climate-neutrality goal by 2050 necessitates substantial reductions in these emissions.

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However, municipalities often face challenges due to a lack of structured tools and strategies to effectively tackle this issue. This gap underscores the urgent need for a Local Long-Term Renovation Strategy (LLTRS), providing municipalities with a structured, actionable pathway toward sustainable housing.

The five-step roadmap to a strong local long-term renovation strategy for private housing

The workshop outlined a five-step roadmap to guide municipalities in creating a long-term renovation strategy that aligns with both EU and local goals:

1. Screening: Assess the current state of local housing, integrating socio-economic and energy data, to build a 2050 vision.
2. Backcasting: Using the 2050 target as the end goal, set a clear pathway of milestones, year by year, to track and drive progress.
3. Local tasks: Translate the overall goals into specific local policy tasks—whether city-wide, focused on certain housing types, or targeted by neighborhood.
4. Measures: Identify and implement actionable measures, such as regulatory support, financial incentives, and direct guidance for homeowners, to break down common barriers to renovation.
5. Anchoring and iteration: Embed the strategy within local policy plans and establish periodic evaluations to adjust and improve the approach over time.

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Participants also discussed innovative approaches, like “Design-Build-Finance-Maintain” models, to overcome financial hurdles and enhance energy efficiency in multi-residential buildings.

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Why a local long-term renovation strategy for private housing matters

This workshop highlighted that while regional and national policies are crucial, local governments are uniquely positioned to understand and act on community needs. A well-developed LLTRS enables cities and municipalities to drive renovations effectively, supporting homeowners through tailored policies that make sustainable living more accessible and impactful.

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As climate officers and municipal partners look to advance these strategies, they’re not just contributing to emissions reductions—they’re building more resilient, livable communities in the process.

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Water in urban areas: the strength of blue-green corridors

In this workshop, participants explored the potential of blue-green corridors as an integrated approach to managing water, mitigating heat, and supporting biodiversity in urban areas. Amid growing water stress and shifting rainfall patterns due to climate change, blue-green corridors present nature-based solutions to urban challenges. These corridors integrate water management with green infrastructure to address flood risks, improve urban cooling, and create ecological networks that support local biodiversity.

Participants reviewed 10 guiding principles for designing effective blue-green corridors. These included making water visible, restoring lost habitats, and using historical and climate projections to guide planning. Project examples, like the redevelopment of Hoboken’s industrial site and Turnhout’s blue-green urban plan, highlighted real-world applications and the importance of collaboration, long-term vision, and flexible design.

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During a practical exercise, participants applied the principles to two sites—Walhain, focusing on flood mitigation, and Vilvoorde, addressing heat stress and water retention. Using maps to identify flood-prone areas, urban heat islands, and fragmented habitats, participants designed strategies incorporating rain gardens, green corridors, and tree planting to reduce runoff and enhance urban cooling.

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This workshop emphasized that blue-green corridors require a multidisciplinary approach and long-term planning to effectively adapt urban spaces to climate challenges, fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

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A transition approach for industrial parks and economic districts

This workshop examined how industrial parks and economic districts can be transformed to support sustainable development. Participants, including urban planners, climate officers, and architects, explored practical approaches to creating greener, more resilient business spaces through a phased transition strategy.

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Key insights and steps for transitioning industrial parks included:

• ‍Phase 1: Economic and stakeholder assessment
  ‍The first step is identifying economic opportunities within industrial zones and engaging relevant stakeholders, such as companies, municipalities, and community groups. This phase focuses on aligning economic growth with sustainable practices through collaboration and integrated planning.‍
• Phase 2: Integrated spatial strategies
  ‍Using multi-layered spatial planning, including water, soil, mobility, and energy considerations, this phase emphasizes strategies like economic interweaving and resource management. Case studies, such as the Oosteroever Circular District and Wommelgem-Ranst, provided examples of how mixed-use planning can benefit both industrial activities and local communities.
• ‍Phase 3: Action planning
  ‍Developing a concrete action plan involves selecting effective instruments for implementing sustainable practices, such as water management systems, green corridors, and renewable energy networks. Collaborative energy and resource sharing among companies within industrial zones were also highlighted as key goals.

The workshop underscored that transitioning industrial zones is a complex, long-term process, requiring coordinated effort, strong governance, and early-stage engagement with both local government and industry stakeholders. Participants agreed that dismantling the traditional “silos” within planning and encouraging cross-sector collaboration are essential for achieving resilient, future-proofed industrial zones.

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The workshop underscored that transitioning industrial zones is a complex, long-term process, requiring coordinated effort, strong governance, and early-stage engagement with both local government and industry stakeholders. Participants agreed that dismantling the traditional “silos” within planning and encouraging cross-sector collaboration are essential for achieving resilient, future-proofed industrial zones.

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Driving sustainable mobility for climate-resilient communities

The "Sustainable Mobility Innovation Sprint" workshop focused on actionable steps that municipalities can take to build climate-resilient transportation systems, using the Futureproofed platform for guidance. Participants explored practical approaches like water canals to reduce road traffic, cycling highways, and mobility hubs while navigating challenges of local vs. regional implementation.

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Key insights emerged

1. Regional vs. local oversight: Large-scale projects, such as cycling highways and mobility hubs, require regional or national management to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens on individual municipalities.
2. Data for stakeholder buy-in: Success hinges on data-backed advocacy. By presenting clear outcomes through pilot projects and case studies, municipalities can more effectively secure support from higher authorities and local communities.
3. Community engagement: Incremental, step-by-step engagement fosters community buy-in, gradually overcoming resistance and encouraging local support for sustainable mobility initiatives.

Next steps for municipalities

• Push for regional support: Municipalities should advocate for higher-level involvement in ambitious projects, emphasizing the need for appropriate funding.
• Keep mobility on the agenda: Regular discussions can maintain momentum and awareness in council and community meetings.
• Design flexible projects: Adaptable frameworks can address varying local challenges and community needs.

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The workshop underscored that while sustainable mobility requires coordinated action, local governments are key to shaping solutions that resonate with community-specific needs.

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Looking ahead: turning ideas into climate action

As we close another successful edition of Futureproofed Talk, the energy and enthusiasm from this year's event continue to fuel our commitment to practical, scalable climate solutions. We hope the insights, workshops, and networking moments have empowered participants to turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s actions.

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From financing climate initiatives and developing adaptive infrastructure to fostering sustainable mobility and transforming industrial zones, it’s clear that innovative, collaborative approaches are key to tackling the climate crisis. Thank you to everyone who joined us in driving forward the mission of building a resilient, sustainable future. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Futureproofed Talk for more impactful discussions, insights, and action plans!

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