JRC publishes technical annexes to support cities in developing SECAPs

Following the release of the Guide on How to Develop a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published five complementary technical documents. These annexes provide detailed guidance on key aspects of SECAP development, supporting local authorities in designing effective and comprehensive climate and energy strategies.

The new publications cover essential methodological and practical issues, ranging from emissions inventories to financial instruments:

• How to prepare a greenhouse gas emission inventory
  This guide explains how to prepare a GHG inventory under the Covenant of Mayors framework, including scope and boundary setting, methodological choices, and calculation approaches. It provides guidance on collecting and treating activity data, as well as potential data sources and alternatives. The annex helps cities establish a reliable baseline for planning and monitoring their emissions reductions.
• How to develop a risk and vulnerability assessment
  A guide supports municipalities in conducting a structured risk and vulnerability assessment (RVA) as a foundation for climate adaptation planning. It presents a step-by-step methodology aligned with the IPCC framework and grounded in scientific evidence. The document also highlights how to define adaptation goals that reflect local priorities and capacities.
• How to develop an energy poverty assessment
  This annex provides methodological support for assessing energy poverty within SECAPs. It outlines a strategic approach for setting targets, identifying vulnerable groups, and applying relevant indicators. The guidance helps municipalities plan effective measures to reduce energy poverty and promote social inclusion.
• How to plan mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty actions
  The document provides a structured approach to action planning, guiding municipalities in translating their SECAP goals on mitigation, adaptation, and energy poverty into concrete measures. It highlights the key roles that cities can play in driving climate and energy transitions and offers practical advice on prioritising the most impactful interventions. The guide also stresses the importance of integrated actions and introduces monitoring and evaluation schemes, supported by good practices and case studies to inspire local strategies.
• Financial instruments for mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty actions
  This annex explores financing options to support local climate and energy actions, from grants and soft loans to leasing schemes and innovative tools such as green bonds. It also discusses community-based approaches like energy cooperatives and crowdfunding. The guidance helps cities identify suitable instruments to mobilise resources and scale up their initiatives.

Although these annexes focus on the EU context, the current set of documents offers valuable insights into updated methodologies and practical solutions, helping CoM East signatories to strengthen their climate action planning.