NEB ambition
The ultimate ambition of the New European Bauhaus is to achieve transformation. To do this, the NEB Compass has identified specific levels of ambition that outline the desired outcomes for each of the NEB values.
The ultimate ambition of the New European Bauhaus is to achieve transformation. To do this, the NEB Compass has identified specific levels of ambition that outline the desired outcomes for each of the NEB values.
These areas refer to the five key domains of intervention that CrAFt's New European Bauhaus Impact Model considers essential for guiding and evaluating complex urban initiatives.
The participation level refers to the degree or extent to which individuals or groups are actively involved or engaged in a particular activity, project, or process. It assesses the depth of their involvement, contributions, and commitment, ranging from minimal or passive participation to active and dedicated participation.
The New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to promote the values of sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in the design and transformation of urban spaces. It emphasises the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations to create harmonious and innovative living environments.
According to the Smart City Guidance Package, there are seven stages to plan and implement smart city projects. These stages propose a logical and coherent roadmap for city initiatives involving many stakeholders.
As renewable energy becomes more prevalent, homeowners are looking for ways to take control of their energy consumption and reduce reliance on traditional energy suppliers. With an increasing number of solar panels being installed on rooftops of many homeowners, some households are generating more energy than they need at certain times. So, what happens to that excess energy? Most of it is going back to the central power grids, but thanks to online platforms for energy sharing, homeowners can now easily redistribute their surplus solar energy to neighbours, becoming local suppliers of green energy and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Energy sharing refers to the practice of redistributing locally produced renewable energy, such as solar power, among nearby participants, reducing dependence on centralised production and distribution and lowering energy transmission losses. Currently, the surplus energy produced by homeowners are sold back to the electricity supplier and enters that centralised grid. Through energy sharing, this surplus energy is instead redistributed locally to other homeowners or entrepreneurs, increasing energy efficiency and enabling individuals to benefit from affordable, green energy – fully integrating all market players.
Giancarlo Stanco, founder of EnergySwap, saw the potential for redistributing electricity between private individuals in a more flexible manner and decided to apply the principles of online platforms, commonly used for booking taxis or hotels, to the energy sector. With his background in tax law and experience in international online platforms in other sectors, Giancarlo asked, “Why can’t I sell the solar energy I produce at home? I have solar panels at home, and I thought – why is it not possible?” This question led to the founding of EnergySwap, an online platform operating in Belgium, that allows homeowners to trade their surplus solar energy with other homeowners and entrepreneurs in their local community to increase earnings or save money.
Similar online platforms are emerging across Europe and Judith Scholte at the Dutch Homeowners Association, highlights how energy sharing can benefit both homeowners with and without solar panels in the sustainable transition. “Since the Netherlands is frontrunner in having solar panels on houses, energy sharing is interesting for homeowners. First, by sharing excess energy, homeowners can lower their energy bills. Also, homeowners who don’t have suitable locations for solar panels, could benefit from local generated sustainable energy.
When asked about the future of energy sharing, both Giancarlo and Judith see great potential for it to become a reliable local energy source, strengthening communities and contributing to more resilient, sustainable energy systems. Giancarlo also sees the potential for excess solar energy to be stored in batteries by the individual homeowner, which could then be used by buyers during times when solar production is lower, further encouraging decentralised generation and energy efficiency for homeowners. Giancarlo explains, “Currently, people with solar panels who have a dynamic electricity price contract are turning off their solar production because they need to pay it to put it on the grid, but by using the EnergySwap platform that solar energy can be directly sold to buyers preventing negative rates, reducing the need for other energy sources.”
Energy sharing isn’t just about the financial upsides—it’s about creating resilient, green, and self-sustaining communities and empowering consumers and entrepreneurs. The online platforms emerging across Europe are making it easier for homeowners to choose sustainable energy options and take an active role in the green energy transition. Beyond the environmental benefits, energy sharing also helps to strengthen local communities. Neighbours can support one another by sharing affordable, renewable energy or invest together in a solar installation. This model promotes a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable energy system, where local solutions can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Written by Jonas Calander and Emmanuelle Causse, UIPI
Reviewed by Giancarlo Stanco, EnergySwap, and Judith Scholte, Vereniging Eigen Huis
Images by Giancarlo Stanco, EnergySwap