The Local Community of Practice (LCoP) is a structured forum for dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation. It brings together stakeholders with relevant responsibilities, expertise or interests in local energy, heating and cooling, including:
- public authorities and local government organisations;
- energy providers and energy-network operators;
- businesses and large commercial or industrial consumers;
- representatives of consumers and vulnerable social groups;
- energy communities;
- scientific, technical and professional organisations.
The LCoP supports the Municipality in developing the Sustainable Local Heating and Cooling Plan (SLHCP), ensuring that the plan is based on reliable evidence, local needs and the meaningful involvement of relevant stakeholders.
Policy and legislative framework
Directive (EU) 2023/1791 on energy efficiency provides for the preparation of local heating and cooling plans by the competent regional and local authorities, particularly in municipalities with a population of more than 45,000 inhabitants. Under Article 25(6), such plans should, among other things:
- be developed with the involvement of relevant regional and local stakeholders and ensure the participation of the general public;
- take into account the existing energy infrastructure;
- consider the common needs of neighbouring local or regional administrative units;
- assess the role of energy communities and other consumer-led initiatives;
- explore opportunities for cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, with a view to promoting joint investments and improving cost-effectiveness.
The LCoP is the main mechanism through which the Plan4COLD project supports the implementation of this participatory approach. Its operation is not limited to a one-off consultation; rather, it seeks to establish a continuous framework for cooperation and stakeholder dialogue.
Scope and contribution
The LCoP:
- identifies local needs and challenges in the heating and cooling sector;
- highlights technical, social, economic and institutional barriers;
- examines feasible solutions and good practices;
- contributes to the establishment of common priorities;
- strengthens cooperation among local and regional stakeholders;
- supports the development and subsequent implementation of the SLHCP.
The active involvement of stakeholders from the early stages of the planning process strengthens the plan’s evidence base, transparency and social acceptance. It also facilitates the development of realistic and implementable actions that can benefit citizens, businesses and the local economy.
Information and participation
Participation in the LCoP takes place by invitation to relevant and interested organisations, with a view to ensuring a representative and balanced composition, as well as meaningful contributions from its members. The wider public can follow the progress of the work and access relevant outcomes through the project website.
To express your interest in joining the Local Community of Practice of your Municipality, please complete the expression-of-interest form found in the greek page.
References
European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2023). Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of 13 September 2023 on energy efficiency and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955. Official Journal of the European Union, L 231, Article 25(6). EUR-Lex.
European Commission. (2023). New Energy Efficiency Directive published. Directorate-General for Energy. Energy Efficiency Directive.
European Commission. (2026). Energy communities. Directorate-General for Energy. Energy communities.
Terminology note
For consistency and clarity, the terms “Local Community of Practice” and “Sustainable Local Heating and Cooling Plan” are used throughout the text. The wording concerning the Directive reflects Article 25(6), which provides for the involvement of relevant stakeholders and the general public in the preparation of local heating and cooling plans.