Budapest Climate Strategy & SECAP

The Budapest Climate Strategy and Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) is a comprehensive framework developed by the Municipality of Budapest to address climate change through coordinated mitigation and adaptation measures. This strategy was adopted by the Budapest General Assembly in 2021 and aligns with the city's commitments under the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The original Hungarian title of the document is Budapesti Klímastratégia és Fenntartható Energia- és Klíma Akcióterv.

The SECAP establishes a long-term vision for Budapest, aiming for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the city's resilience to climate change impacts. It sets ambitious targets for carbon emissions reduction by 2030 and beyond, building on Hungary's Second National Climate Change Strategy and the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement. The strategy offers a data-driven framework for municipal departments to coordinate investments and actions across various sectors, including energy, transport, buildings, waste management, and green infrastructure.

Building energy renovation is a central aspect of the SECAP. Budapest has many pre-fabricated panel housing estates from the socialist era and historic buildings that often perform poorly in terms of thermal efficiency. The SECAP lays out programs for large-scale energy renovations targeting improvements in insulation, heating systems, and overall energy efficiency to combat both emissions and energy poverty.

The strategy also addresses the modernization of Budapest's district heating system, one of the largest in Europe, transitioning from fossil fuel-based heat generation to renewable and waste heat sources. It promotes the expansion of solar energy, including the installation of rooftop photovoltaic systems throughout the city.

Sustainable transport measures within the SECAP include expanding cycling infrastructure, electrifying public transport, promoting low-emission zones, and reducing the reliance on private cars in the city center. These initiatives complement Budapest's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and support the development of an integrated, low-carbon transport network.

The strategy also tackles urban heat islands and flood risks through green infrastructure and climate adaptation measures. It promotes urban forests, tree planting, permeable surfaces, green roofs, and the restoration of natural water retention areas. These nature-based solutions aim to improve air quality, mitigate heat stress, and enhance biodiversity within the city.

A notable feature of the Budapest SECAP is its focus on social equity. The strategy recognizes that climate change has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including low-income households, elderly residents, and communities experiencing energy poverty. Climate action measures are designed to offer co-benefits for these groups, ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon city is inclusive. 🇪🇺 European Context The SECAP aligns with Budapest's participation in the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, which selected Budapest as one of 100 cities aiming for climate neutrality by 2030. This strategy forms the foundation for the city's 2030 Climate Neutrality Action Plan, submitted as part of the NetZeroCities program. Budapest's climate strategy positions the capital as a leading example of urban climate action in Central and Eastern Europe, serving as a model for other Hungarian cities as they develop their local climate strategies.