Warsaw Net Zero Cities Mission

The "Warsaw Net Zero Cities Mission" resource outlines the efforts of Warsaw, one of 112 cities selected by the EU for the Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. This initiative falls under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The document details the city's Climate City Contract (CCC), which encompasses an Action Plan, Investment Plan, and Commitments document aimed at achieving an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in two pilot districts: Praga-Południe and Ursynów.

Warsaw's greenhouse gas inventory from 2018 recorded total emissions of 12.5 million tCO₂e, with stationary energy accounting for around 73% and transport for approximately 25%. In the two pilot districts, baseline emissions were reported at 1.88 million tCO₂e. To meet the CCC targets, Warsaw must cut emissions by about 1.6 million tCO₂e across buildings and heating (517,000 tCO₂e), electricity (881,000 tCO₂e), transport (190,000 tCO₂e), waste (6,000 tCO₂e), and other sectors (6,000 tCO₂e).

The CCC builds upon the Green Vision for Warsaw (GCCAP), adopted by the city council in 2023, which sets a reduction target of 40% by 2030 and aims for climate neutrality by 2050. The CCC accelerates these goals for the pilot districts through additional measures and innovations. A significant tool in this strategy is the Warsaw Green Building Standard, which defines energy efficiency, renewable energy, rainwater management, and green space requirements for municipal buildings. Additionally, the city is implementing a Municipal Photovoltaic Development Fund and subsidy programmes to replace high-carbon heating systems.

Warsaw boasts one of the most developed public transport systems in Central Europe, with buses, trams, two metro lines, and urban rail utilized by 45–55% of residents daily. The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) aims to halve transport emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. This will be achieved through expanding cycling infrastructure, electrifying the bus fleet, developing electric vehicle charging networks, and establishing a Clean Transport Zone.

The city operates the largest district heating network in the EU, spanning 1,865 kilometres and serving nearly 80% of residents. However, the current heat production heavily relies on coal and natural gas. The decarbonisation of the two main combined heat and power plants, Siekierki and Żerań, is deemed critical. The CCC emphasizes forming strategic partnerships with energy producers and grid operators to reduce carbon intensity in heat and electricity supply.

Coordination of these efforts falls under the Air Protection and Climate Policy Department, established in 2019. An interdisciplinary Climate Team, led by the Mayor of Warsaw, manages climate policy across city departments. The Transition Team, comprising both internal city units and external stakeholders from business, academia, and civil society, oversees the development and implementation of the CCC. The Mayor also participates in the EU Cities Mission Mayors Advisory Group.

The CCC is part of a broader framework that includes the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Environmental Protection Programme, and the #Warsaw2030 Development Strategy. Warsaw is actively involved in various networks, including C40, EUROCITIES, and ICLEI, and participates in the Horizon-funded NEEST project, which is piloting deep energy renovation solutions in Praga-Południe.