Uncovering potential benefits of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans in small municipalities in Europe

The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) has been supporting over 10 000 signatories in their energy and climate transition by providing a flexible and adapted methodological framework. More than 60% of CoM signatories are small municipalities, with a population below 10 000 inhabitants. Despite specific barriers, small local authorities contribute to tackling climate change, even though their contribution might be often underestimated. This study assessed the potential of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) to be used by small municipalities as a multipurpose central tool bringing additional benefits beyond the expected energy and climate outcomes against three distinct perspectives: Social, Environmental, and Urban and Territorial Management in two timeframes (pre- and post-plan SECAP implementation). Results show challenges in isolating the potential contribution of the SECAPs in the social and environmental perspectives, while the findings support the potential role of the SECAPs in innovating municipalities’ urban institutional frameworks.