Leuven is advancing its heat transition by involving residents in the redesign of local heating systems. Two neighbourhoods, Constantin Meunierstraat and De Boomgaard, are demonstrating how streets and communities can organise collective approaches to energy as part of the city’s pathway to climate neutrality by 2030.

The initiative, which brings together the municipality, citizens, the ECoOB cooperative, and KU Leuven, focuses on how communities can participate in the planning and operation of shared heating infrastructure. This includes exploring renewable technologies, local energy networks, and service models that allow households to access heat without managing technical components directly. Digital tools and predictive management systems are also being assessed for their potential to optimise operations and reduce energy demand.

The work forms part of Leuven’s broader efforts to improve energy performance across its building stock and to encourage community‑level cooperation in the transition to more efficient and locally organised heating systems.