Uncovering potential benefits of SECAPs in small municipalities in Europe

This publication examines the potential of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans to act as a multipurpose planning tool for small municipalities in Europe.

Focusing on local authorities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, the study looks at how SECAPs can bring additional benefits beyond expected energy and climate outcomes. It assesses their potential contribution across three perspectives: social, environmental, and urban and territorial management.

The findings highlight the challenges of isolating the social and environmental effects of SECAPs, while supporting their role in helping small municipalities innovate and strengthen their local planning frameworks. The study also underlines the importance of the EU Covenant of Mayors framework in supporting small municipalities with limited technical and financial capacity.