NetZeroDéifferdeng 2030

Differdange stands at the forefront of an extraordinary movement. With over 70% of global CO2 emissions originating from urban areas, and cities being the living space of most EU citizens, the role of cities like ours in tackling climate change is undeniable.

Differdange is more than just a city; it’s a hub of economic activity, knowledge, and innovation. Historically, cities have been the birthplace of significant changes and advancements. In this tradition, Differdange is ready to lead the charge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering equitable decarbonisation, and enhancing the well-being of our community.

EU policies in action: Differdange’s path to climate neutrality

The European Union, recognizing the crucial role of cities in climate action, has set ambitious targets through initiatives like the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe research programs, as well as the European Green Deal. These initiatives aim for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Differdange’s mission: becoming a climate-neutral and smart city

In alignment with the EU’s Horizon Europe program, Differdange joins the ambitious ‘100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030’ mission. This initiative positions Differdange as a leader and innovator, with the goal of not only achieving climate neutrality by 2030 but also serving as a model for other European cities to emulate by 2050.

Differdange is committed to this path, leveraging innovation and smart solutions to build a vibrant, sustainable future for all its residents.

Join us in shaping a sustainable Differdange

This mission is more than just a policy; it’s an opportunity to reimagine our way of life. It’s about creating new jobs, evolving business models, and fostering a community that values sustainability, cooperation, and innovation. Join us in this transformative journey as Differdange paves the way towards a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future.

netzero2030.lu

On 13 December 2025, the City of Differdange organised a citizen workshop dedicated to mobility, focusing on the concept of the “15-Minute City”. Held within the framework of the NetZeroDéifferdeng 2030 mission, the event brought together residents, elected officials and experts to reflect on a city where essential services can be reached within 15 minutes on foot or by bicycle.

Recognised as a “Mission City” under the European NetZeroCities programme, Differdange places sustainable mobility at the heart of its transition towards climate neutrality. The aim of the workshop was to confront the 15-Minute City concept with everyday reality and to identify, together with citizens, the barriers and levers for promoting active mobility and public transport.

A collective reflection on daily mobility

Working in groups, participants analysed thematic maps (retail, health, transport, sport, culture, education and green spaces) to identify routes, friction points and opportunities for improvement. Several shared observations emerged. Despite short distances, the car is still often perceived as the more comfortable or safer option, particularly in bad weather. Perceived safety – including lighting, intersections and pedestrian crossings – was identified as a key issue, especially near schools and in the evening. Participants also highlighted the need for clearer and more visible pedestrian and cycling routes.

Concrete proposals to take action

The discussions led to several priority actions:

  • improving comfort and safety for walking (lighting, crossing times, wider pavements),
  • making existing routes more visible, for example through time-based signage (e.g. “10 minutes on foot”),
  • adapting public transport services more closely to actual needs, especially at weekends,
  • strengthening the coherence of public space and intermodal connections.

What’s next?

The contributions gathered during the workshop will directly feed into the City’s mobility action plan and the next steps of the Net Zero Déifferdeng 2030 mission. Municipal services will analyse the proposals and communicate on the follow-up actions.

Download the full workshop report

The first citizen workshop of the autumn, dedicated to the topic of waste, brought together many residents around a shared goal: developing local, concrete and realistic solutions to reduce waste and improve recycling practices in Differdange.

As an officially recognised Mission City within the European Net Zero Cities programme, Differdange continues to advance towards climate neutrality. In this context, the workshop focused on two key objectives:

  • reducing total waste volumes by 40%,
  • achieving a recycling rate of 65%.

Participants worked in rotation across four thematic tables:

  • Foodsharing Point (strengthening, partnerships, visibility),
  • Local Deposit-Return System (reusable containers, logistics, return points),
  • Communication (better information, citizen engagement, school-based actions),
  • Recycling Centre (signage, reuse, visitor experience, educational pathways).

The workshop generated many actionable ideas, including:

  • expanding and better supporting the existing Foodsharing Point,
  • developing a harmonised local deposit-return system accessible city-wide,
  • improving signage and the overall citizen experience at the recycling centre,
  • strengthening multilingual communication and highlighting good recycling practices.

The contributions collected will inform the next steps of the Waste Action Plan within the city’s climate mission.

The full workshop report can be downloaded her:

Full workshop report

netzerocities

On Saturday, 26 April 2025, the City of Differdange organised a citizens’ workshop on the theme of energy at Creative Hub 1535°, entitled ‘Energy? No clue? No problem!’.

This event is part of the NetZeroDéifferdeng2030 initiative, which has the ambitious goal of making our city climate neutral by 2030.

Several dozen citizens gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. After a welcome speech by Alderman Tom Ulveling, participants learned about the city’s energy objectives, presented by Mr. Beni from the energy department. The morning continued with an interactive survey to better understand the public’s expectations and concerns.

Participants then attended several thematic presentations:

  • Paul Kauthen from the Energy Revolt cooperative shared his experience on energy communities.
  • Martina di Gallo from R2M Solutions presented the European DECAFF project, which aims to raise awareness among citizens about the benefits of collective energy production.
  • Lars Linster from Schroeder & Associés explained in detail the subsidies available for energy renovation.

Following these presentations, participants split into practical sub-workshops focusing on four themes: creating energy communities, energy renovation, sustainable heating solutions, and eco-friendly actions to reduce energy consumption.

The discussions were rich and dynamic, highlighting both citizens’ interest in concrete solutions and their willingness to get involved in the energy transition. Initial feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction with both the quality of the information provided and the interactive approach.

The City of Differdange would like to warmly thank all participants and speakers for their commitment. This fifth workshop in the series marks an important step in the collective construction of a more sustainable and resilient city. “Even if achieving climate neutrality by 2030 may seem utopian, it is by daring to dream that we are building the future we want for Differdange,” concluded Alderwoman Zenia Charlé.

For upcoming workshops, visit www.netzero2030.lu!

Full workshop report

Rear view of a group of attendees seated on plastic chairs in an industrial-style space, listening to a presenter in front of a screen displaying a list of sustainable energy projects (Solar energy production, Pellets plant Niedercorn), with Net Zero banners on the side and an ACCÈS INTERDIT sign on the brick wall.

The Municipal Council of Differdange signs the Climate City Contract (CCC) and will be the only city in Luxembourg to join the European Union’s 100 Net-Zero Cities.

The city of Differdange is committed to achieving the EU mission of “100 smart and climate-neutral cities by 2030” to combat climate change, promote a sustainable future and increase the attractiveness of the region with regard to circular economy. The city will engage in technical and scientific exchange with other cities by sharing knowledge and developing innovative solutions. The NetZeroCities label gives Differdange access to globally recognized experts in the field as well as funding opportunities. Differdange aims to achieve a net-zero target by 2030 by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, supporting renewable energy, promoting sustainable mobility and reducing waste. The city has demonstrated its commitment to climate action through initiatives such as the Climate Pact, Climaborough, Climate Alliance and FUSILLI, to name a few.

The Climate City Contract (CCC), signed by the Municipal Council on 29 March 2023, outlines the city’s commitments to climate action and builds a partnership with citizens to work towards a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.

The city has identified five systemic, strategic priorities necessary to achieve its goal, including increasing the efficiency of stationary energy supply through renovations, self-sufficiency in energy generation, reducing individual mileage, waste reduction and offsetting the tons of CO2 generated by the municipality largely within the city limits.

The city recognizes the need for a just transition and the project implementation process is based on principles such as co-creation, innovation and multi-stakeholder and citizen engagement. This approach ensures that the city’s efforts towards carbon neutrality are systemic, demand-driven and take into account the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders.

Policy makers are aware that it is much cheaper to invest in solutions now than to wait and have to pay for what has been missed. The responsibility to be the last generation to make the right decisions lies with them. Although all members of society are equal when it comes to climate change, the responsibility of current decision-makers towards future generations is enormous.

 

 

 

Contact

NetZeroDéifferdeng 2030
T. 58 77 1-1492
netzero2030@differdange.lu
netzero2030.lu