Eskisehir and Budapest: Joint Steps towards climate neutrality

Esin Kahraman

Eskişehir was paired with Budapest as part of the Twin Cities Learning Program of the Net Zero Cities Project launched by the European Union to strengthen the climate action of cities. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality made technical visits to Hungary to learn about the Budapest Cares Project and to examine the renovated buildings.

Similarities and Learning Opportunities

Dr. Vural Yıldırım, a data scientist from Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Climate Change and Zero Waste, talked about the technical visit as follows: “The cities of Eskişehir and Budapest show great similarities in terms of structure and lifestyle. The cities are similar in many ways in terms of their settlement patterns, number of buildings, carbon emissions, and social structures. Both cities take great care in preserving their history.

Energy Efficiency and Social Services in Budapest

We looked at the social service building in Budapest, which houses people in need and is an example of energy efficiency. The building is insulated and has solar panels on the roof, which contribute to electricity. Budapest is planning to establish a climate agency in the near future to advance energy efficiency. This agency will evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings based on technical, social, and financial parameters.

Evaluating Energy Efficiency

For technical parameters, we look at the insulation of the building, the condition of the windows, and the efficiency of the building after renovation. For social parameters, people’s income status is taken into account. For financial parameters, it is determined how much grants should be allocated for buildings that require renovation.”

Inspiration and Future Plans

Budapest’s work towards the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050 has also been a source of inspiration for Eskişehir. In September, the technical team from Budapest will visit Eskişehir. Eskişehir aims to cooperate with Budapest on other projects, not limited to this one.

Overcoming Challenges in Energy Efficiency

Eskişehir officials have seen how effective planned work can be in achieving energy efficiency and this has encouraged them. Budapest’s systematic work plays a big role in achieving its climate neutrality targets based on certain parameters. Eskisehir plans to build on this example.

Addressing Financial Challenges

The biggest problem in the field of energy efficiency is financing. Eskişehir follows European Union grants and applies for them as they become available. Symposiums and events organized to increase energy efficiency also aim to raise awareness. The “Climate Summit” organized in recent months and energy efficiency activities for children at the April 23rd Children’s Festival are part of these efforts. These events raise children’s awareness of energy saving and environmental awareness.

Future Cooperation and Information Sharing

As part of the Net Zero Cities program, Eskişehir’s visit to Budapest was an important step in terms of information sharing and cooperation between cities. Following this visit, Eskişehir aims to accelerate its energy efficiency efforts and looks to the future with more hope by benefiting from Budapest’s experiences. This cooperation will enable Eskişehir to take faster and more effective steps in the field of energy efficiency and sustainability.