Universities and Cities as Living Labs

The University-City Living Labs Program brings together universities, cities, and university-city partnerships to develop net-zero systems and regenerative bioregions. These Living Labs serve as collaborative platforms where academic research, urban policy, and community-driven solutions intersect to accelerate climate action, decarbonization, and ecological regeneration at the local level.

Why University-City Partnerships?

Cities are responsible for over 70% of global emissions, making them critical to achieving climate goals. Universities, as knowledge hubs, play a vital role in developing climate solutions. Through this program, cities and universities can:

• Pilot and scale urban climate solutions in real-world settings

• Advance net-zero and regenerative bioregional strategies

• Enhance policy-science collaboration for sustainable governance

• Engage students and researchers in applied climate action

• Foster resilient and equitable communities through co-created initiatives

Who Should Join?

This program is designed for:

• City governments seeking research-driven climate solutions

• Universities and research institutions working on urban sustainability

• Urban planners and policymakers designing net-zero cities

• Community organizations and civic leaders advocating for climate justice

• Private sector partners investing in local climate innovation

Key Features of the Program

1. Living Lab Development & Climate Experimentation

   • Establish place-based innovation hubs for climate solutions

   • Test real-time interventions in energy, mobility, water, and food systems

   • Develop digital twins and climate scenario modeling for urban planning

2. Net-Zero Urban Systems & Regenerative Bioregions

   • Design carbon-neutral districts and circular economy strategies

   • Implement nature-based solutions for climate resilience

   • Restore ecosystems and strengthen urban-rural linkages

3. University-City Policy & Governance Integration

   • Co-create urban climate policies with academic expertise

   • Embed climate innovation into city governance frameworks

   • Train city officials, students, and community leaders in systems thinking

4. Community Engagement & Capacity Building

   • Foster participatory action research and citizen science

   • Equip students and urban leaders with climate entrepreneurship skills

   • Facilitate knowledge exchange between cities and universities

Expected Outcomes

• Operational Living Labs demonstrating scalable urban climate solutions

• Net-zero and regenerative urban models with measurable impact

• Stronger university-city partnerships for long-term sustainability

• Climate-ready policies that integrate scientific research into governance

• Informed and engaged communities actively shaping climate action

How to Get Involved

Universities, city governments, and partners can participate by applying for our next cohort or establishing customized Living Labs in their regions. For more information, contact us at ask@climateactionlabs.com.

University as a Living Lab

City as a Living Lab