A Reference Methodology for Local Authorities to Plan, Implement & Monitor Robust Climate and Energy Strategies
The EU Covenant of Mayors provides a well-established, widely adopted methodology that serves as a common reference for local climate and energy planning across Europe and beyond.
This approach is grounded in five key principles:
- Alignment with EU Policy – Ensuring that local ambitions are in step with EU climate targets and broader policy objectives.
- Consistency and Transparency – Offering a unified energy and climate framework, along with methodological guidance to better equip local authorities.
- Flexibility and Adaptability – Allowing the framework to be tailored to local contexts and specific needs.
- Science-Based Decision Making – Using guidelines and data assessed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre to inform robust, evidence-driven strategies.
- Integrated and Inclusive Approach – Encouraging a holistic and long-term view of climate action that combines mitigation, adaptation, and energy poverty, while enabling local authorities to incorporate specific priority areas into their plans based on citizen engagement.
The EU Covenant of Mayors and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre have developed essential guidance materials to help local authorities plan and monitor their journey following the EU Covenant methodology.
Guidebooks
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Main document
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Complementary document 1
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Complementary document 2
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Complementary document 3
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Complementary document 4
Covenant of Mayors Guidebook - Complementary document 5
Quick reference guides
 | Joint Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan |
 | Monitoring SECAP implementation |
 | Embedding Equity into SECAP process |
 | Regional SECAPs Assessment framework |
Questions on developing an action plan? Our FAQ answers the most frequently asked questions.