Introduction
Context and Challenge
Cities must both decarbonize their building stock and align these efforts at the district scale to achieve systemic impact. Most digital tools focus only on individual buildings. They fail to scale across neighborhoods or districts. Despite advances in digital tech and AI, applications remain fragmented. Energy data is scattered, siloed, and lacks interoperability. This blocks integration of renewables, demand response, and flexibility across the built environment. UPCHANGE strategically addresses this integration gap between buildings and district-level systems. It deploys advanced AI-driven forecasting, data analytics, and optimization tools. These enable precise demand prediction, optimized renewable use, and enhanced flexibility. The result is rational, data-driven urban energy management that improves efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. UPCHANGE turns isolated actions into scalable, replicable energy solutions and accelerates the shift toward positive energy districts.
What is UpChange
Urban Positive Clean neigHborhood energy trAnsition: driving innovative solutions for reNovation, diGitalisation and energy Efficiency
UPCHANGE is a three-year European research and innovation project funded under the CETPartnership Joint Call 2023 (Clean Energy Transition Partnership). Running for 36 months, untill 2027, the project brings together leading universities, three companies, and one municipality from across Europe. The project delivers seven integrated, AI-powered solutions - spanning energy flexibility, digitalization, resilience, and eco-design - that bridge the gap between buildings and districts. UPCHANGE aims to transform how cities manage energy, accelerating the shift toward efficient, flexible, and resilient urban energy systems.