The way we heat today, by burning fossil fuels, is detrimental to our environment, our health, and our society. Fossil-fuelled heating, representing 72% of buildings’ heating in Europe today, contributes to climate change, energy insecurity and deteriorated air quality. There is no doubt: for a healthier and more secure future, our cities need a comprehensive cleansing of toxic heat sources.
Cities have the potential to make a big difference. Through effective heat planning and the expansion of collective solutions like decarbonised district heating, local governments can phase out gas in their heating on a large scale.
Join the movement of European cities detoxifying their heat, opting for a secure and healthy future for all.
Subscribe to the Campaign below!
Why the Cities Heat Detox?
In the global fight against climate change, detoxifying heating in cities is an essential step to achieving net-zero emissions in Europe by 2050.
For healthy cities
Safeguarding a city's health means steering clear of toxic heat sources.
To improve air quality and health in cities, especially dense urban areas, protecting your city’s environment and citizens’ wellbeing.
To support a more energy-efficient, modern, and circular economy, creating jobs in a new industry.
To ensure energy sovereignty and a just transition that combats energy poverty and mitigates climate change’s long-term effects on local communities.
Why are you detoxing heat?
If you have embarked on your city's heat detox, submit your story to get featured as part of the campaign!
What can cities do to detox heat?
To heat cities, there’s no need to burn and release toxins in the air.
Cities can detox heat on a large scale by massively shifting towards cleaner, more modern, efficient, and sustainable heating sources. Here’s how in 3 steps.
 The first step to any detox is to have a clear understanding of your system: your city’s heat sources, heat demand and potential alternatives. |  For a more impactful detox that reduces heating-related toxins on a large scale, consider a full-city approach. This means embracing decarbonised collective district heating (DHC) solutions. |  Rejuvenate your city’s heating system by feeding your district heating networks with clean, healthy heat sources that are most adapted to your territory. |
How cities are cities decarbonising their heat?
What is your city’s heat detox? Create your own detox mix using our interactive tool and share it on social media!
What do cities need to detox heat?
For a successful Cities Heat Detox, cities need specific conditions and all the support they can get.
Access to a database of existing building stock for municipalities’ heat planning and zoning
Local capacity and staff and long-term financial support to carry out heat planning, training new professionals and developing new infrastructures, energy advice to citizens, law enforcement, etc.
Legal possibilities to enforce energy zoning and heat planning, like an obligation to connect to district heating
Restriction or bans on fossil fuel boilers, supportive legislation to reduce gas demand
Removal of obligations to connect buildings to gas networks.
Clarity about heating systems, timelines and differentiation in subsidies, to establish investment security for business owners, utilities, etc.
Economic incentives: prices, taxes and subsidies to cushion investment costs
Incentives and financial support for exploitation of local heat potential
Encouraging heating system exchange in combination with renovation
Incentives and clear benefits for citizens to connect to district heating where available and participate in the heat transition
Leveraging Energy Service companies, from developing advisory desks to engaging with energy city-owned companies
A recently published EU tracker, which assesses the state of play of local heating and cooling planning across EU Member States, unfortunately shows that most countries lack appropriate regulatory and support frameworks for municipalities to start with this first and essential step of a successful heat detox.
What does your city need for a successful Heat Detox? Join the campaign for opportunities to showcase your story!
Subscribing to the campaign for updates and more information on how to get involved!
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