Anci- LazioRome and Calgary Explore Citizen-Led Energy and Food Initiatives

From community gardens to renewable energy projects, Anci- LazioRome and Calgary are demonstrating how cities and regions can tackle climate, energy, and social challenges together.

Anci- Lazio Rome (Italy) and Calgary (Canada) are proving that local solutions can have global impact. Through a two-year collaboration under the IURC North America (IURC-NA) programme, these cities exchanged knowledge on energy communities, community gardens, and inclusive urban planning, inspiring new projects and innovative approaches in both contexts.

🌱 Sustainable Urban Solutions: Rome is driving transformation through its Climate Plan and Food Policy Plan, including the Garbatella Neighborhood Renewable Energy Community (REC) pilot, which provided savings while strengthening community engagement. Calgary, guided by its Climate Strategy – Pathways to 2050, is advancing energy equity and food security initiatives with strong Indigenous and community involvement.

🌍 Transatlantic Knowledge Exchange: Through technical calls and exchange visits, the two cities shared practical lessons on energy generation, renewable-powered community gardens, and inclusive urban programs. This collaboration inspired Calgary’s Ramsey Solar Project and Greenhouse and led Rome to develop a new Horizon Europe project integrating Calgary’s Indigenous engagement practices.

💡 Key lessons from this transatlantic exchange:

• Reduced energy costs and increased local food production
• Stronger community participation and inclusion
• Replicable pilot projects and international collaboration
• Integration of traditional knowledge into urban planning

📄 Read the full case study: