Guide Covenant of Mayors, specifically Supplementary document 4, represents a comprehensive framework and science-based guidance for European local authorities. This document, prepared by the European Commission and the Joint Research Centre Centre (JRC), is specifically designed to help signatories to the Convention develop their own Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). The aim is to lead to effective action on climate change mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty. The handbook details the role of local governments in managing change and offers a structured approach to achieving climate and energy goals in the short and long term.

The SECAP action planning process is structured and builds on previous steps, such as a thorough assessment of the current situation and setting objectives. It is essential to have a deep understanding of the local situation, including existing policies, drivers and barriers. This includes calculating a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, a risk and vulnerability assessment (RVA) and an energy poverty assessment. Based on this understanding, the municipality can propose a balanced, ambitious and feasible action plan, which is consistent with the objectives set out in the three pillars: mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty.

The guide focuses on three key pillars of action planning:

• Mitigation: The aim of mitigation measures is to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions either by reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency or implementing renewable energy sources. The key principle is "Energy efficiency comes first", which prioritizes demand-side solutions. The main sectors targeted include buildings (often with the highest emissions), public lighting, transport, industry, electricity and heat/cooling, waste management and agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU). An example could be the replacement of a municipality's vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
• Adaptation: The aim of adaptation measures is to increasing the resilience of the local area to climate threats. The basis is a risk and vulnerability assessment (RVA), which identifies threats (e.g. extreme heat, floods, droughts, storms, landslides, forest fires, chemical and biological threats) and vulnerable groups. Adaptation actions focus on reducing risk, exposure or vulnerability, or on increasing adaptive capacity. An example is the introduction of early warning systems for heat waves, as was the case in Tatabánya, Hungary. It is also crucial to analyse potential “maladaptation”, i.e. unintended negative consequences of measures.
• Energy Poverty: This pillar focuses on improving the living conditions of the population by reducing the level of energy poverty. Given its multidimensional nature, measures focus on improving energy affordability, increasing energy efficiency and promoting social justice for vulnerable groups. Key parameters for assessing energy poverty include energy accessibility, efficiency, vulnerability, social impact, financial support and stakeholder engagement. Actions are proposed in macro-areas such as climate, facilities and housing, socio-economics and mobility. For example, Barcelona has introduced climate shelters that serve as safe, cool places during heat waves for vulnerable groups.

Local governments should take into account when planning integrated actions, which simultaneously address multiple sectors, threats or macro-areas, or even multiple pillars at the same time. These actions may have common effects, which also affect other pillars, and common benefits, which bring environmental, social, economic or management benefits. However, it is also important to identify compromises, i.e. competing interests and priorities, and ensure a fair distribution of benefits. Accept holistic approach planning ensures that municipalities avoid fragmented policies and maximize synergies. An example is an integrated green infrastructure program that addresses mitigation (carbon sequestration), adaptation (heat island reduction, flood protection) and social benefits at the same time.

Once planned, preparation for implementation and monitoring is key. It is important to create an environment that supports the deployment of measures, including clear management responsibilities and active involvement of stakeholders. Monitoring should include tracking impact indicators (final quantitative results), implementation indicators (tangible progress) and indicators of shared benefits and trade-offsThese indicators help municipalities identify gaps in the plan and correct them in a timely manner, ensuring effectiveness and achievement of goals.

The Covenant of Mayors Handbook highlights that successful planning and implementation of climate and energy measures at the local level requires: deep understanding of the local context, clear objectives, involvement of all stakeholders and rigorous monitoringBy integrating mitigation, adaptation and addressing energy poverty, municipalities can create fairer and more resilient communitiesthat are ready for future climate challenges. JRi