SCALE-UP In Action
Newsletter Issue #3-2024
SCALE-UP In Action is the quarterly e-Newsletter of the EU-funded SCALE-UP Innovation Action, sharing news on the progress of the project activities.
Join the Urban Nodes Platform Event in Antwerp, Belgium: “Moving People and the Economy Across the EU & in Cities”
On 13 November 2024, join us and our sister project MOVE21 for the Urban Nodes Platform event, “Moving People and the Economy Across the EU & in Cities,” organised by Eurocities and the City of Antwerp, two SCALE-UP project partners at Lindner Hotel Antwerp – JDV by Hyatt in Antwerp, Belgium. The event will focus on various aspects of the role of urban nodes in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), with a specific emphasis on Urban Nodes governance and the funding of transport investments. Find the final programme and the registration link in the article.
The SCALE-UP Project Invites You to Celebrate European Mobility Week in Madrid, Spain
From 16 to 22 September 2024, the City of Madrid, along with the other two SCALE-UP Urban nodes, is celebrating the European Mobility Week. A special event is hosted under the theme "Shared Public Space" and the motto "Combine and Move".
On Sunday, 22 September 2024, from 11:00 to 18:00 CET, the Paseo del Prado, stretching from the iconic Atocha train station to the Colón square, will host dozens of activities promoting sustainable, healthy, and safe mobility as part of the Madrid 360 campaign. Read the article for more information and discover the final programme.
SCALE-UP Project Reaches Global Audience: Highlights from GITSS 2024
From 16 to 18 August 2024, the SCALE-UP project participated in the 15th International Conference on Green Intelligent Transportation Systems and Safety (GITSS 2024) that was held in Harbin, China.
Mr Jorge Alfonso Kurano, Researcher at the Visual Telecommunications Application Group (GATV) Research Group of the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), highlighted the project's success in enhancing mobility measures in Madrid and showcased the innovative solutions already implemented. He was also invited as a guest lecturer at the School of Mechanical Engineering of the Beijing Institute of Technology, where he presented SCALE-UP as an example of the challenges of data management in multi-stakeholder environments.
Overview of SCALE-UP Progress at Interim Review Meeting
On 19 June 2024, the Project Management Board (PMB) of the SCALE-UP project met at the Den Bell offices of the Project Coordinator City of Antwerp, in Antwerp (Belgium) for the second Interim Review meeting with the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Mr Yannick Bousse, Project Officer at CINEA, attended the meeting in person and interacted with Work Package (WP) leaders. They showcased the significant progress made so far in fostering sustainable and inclusive mobility measures in the three Urban Nodes: Antwerp (Belgium), Madrid (Spain), and Turku (Finland). The meeting marked another milestone and inaugurated the 4th and final year of the project.
Can the City of Turku Achieve Emission-free Construction Sites?
The City of Turku is working towards zero-emission construction sites as part of SCALE-UP, aiming for 50% of its construction sites to be fossil fuel-free by 2030.
Two students from Turku University of Applied Sciences, have completed theses on reducing construction site emissions. Mrs Nelli Kontturi explored sustainable traffic and mobility at Kuntec Oy, while Mr Eino Tähkäpääresearched replacing internal combustion engines with electric machinery. Both studies demonstrate that achieving nearly zero emissions is possible but requires overcoming challenges in procurement, awareness, and attitudes.
News of Interest
New European Coordinators Appointed to Drive Completion of Europe’s Trans-European Transport Network
On 9 September 2024, the European Commission announced that nine new European Coordinators have been designed to help complete the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), a vast infrastructure networkof railways, roads, and inland waterways connecting the European Union.
The new appointed coordinators will collaborate with Member States, cities, regions, and infrastructure managers at local, regional, national, and European levels to facilitate the realisation of the project.
Madrid to Ban E-Scooter Rental Over Safety Concerns
The City Council of Madrid has initiated the process to revoke the authorisations of three major rental scooter companies - Lime, Dott, and Tier Mobility - as the companies have failed to comply with key obligations. This decision will effectively remove all rental scooters from the city's streets by October 2024.
This marks a significant shift in Madrid's approach to urban mobility, with the City Council prioritising citizen safety and the proper regulation of public spaces.
Turku Is Changing Mindsets for a Climate-Positive City
The City of Turku plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2029, ahead of EU and global targets. Through the "1.5-Degree City" project, the city focuses on reducing emissions and changing citizen behaviour. Key achievements include a climate-neutral district heating system and significant renewable energy use. However, challenges remain in reducing emissions from transport and consumer habits.
Turku’s efforts involve collaboration with businesses, citizens, and universities to foster sustainable lifestyles. By 2029, the city hopes to reach net-zero emissions, with aspirations to become climate-positive in the future.