The City of Brussels Climate Plan Call for Projects 2026 provides funding for local initiatives that reduce climate impacts, improve environmental resilience, and support sustainable communities. The 2026 edition prioritises the theme “Refreshing Brussels”, supporting projects that help communities adapt to heat through green spaces, cooling solutions, biodiversity measures, and climate-friendly urban improvements.

Overview of the City of Brussels Climate Plan Call for Projects 2026

The City of Brussels Climate Plan Call for Projects 2026 supports community-led projects that contribute to climate action and sustainable urban development.

The programme aims to fund practical initiatives that help the City of Brussels:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Improve climate resilience.
Strengthen biodiversity.
Promote sustainable lifestyles.
Support local environmental innovation.

Applications are open from:

1 May to 31 August 2026

Objectives of the Climate Plan

The City of Brussels Climate Plan has established long-term climate targets, including:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.
Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Increasing resilience against climate change impacts.
Supporting community-based climate solutions.

The 2026 call focuses on projects that create measurable environmental and social benefits at the local level.

2026 Priority Theme: “Refreshing Brussels”

The main theme of the 2026 edition is:

Refreshing Brussels

This theme focuses on helping communities cope with increasing temperatures and heatwaves.

The programme supports projects that make shared spaces:

Cooler.
More comfortable.
Greener.
More resilient to climate change.

The goal is to create practical solutions that improve everyday urban environments.

Why Climate Adaptation Projects Matter

Urban areas are increasingly affected by:

Rising temperatures.
Heat islands.
Reduced green spaces.
Extreme weather events.

Local climate adaptation projects can help by:

Providing natural cooling.
Improving air quality.
Increasing biodiversity.
Creating healthier public and shared spaces.
Strengthening community participation.

Eligible Climate Project Areas

Although “Refreshing Brussels” is the priority theme, projects may also address broader climate objectives.

Supported areas include:

Renovation and Energy

Projects may support:

Energy efficiency improvements.
Sustainable renovation initiatives.
Awareness activities related to energy use.

Nature and Biodiversity

Examples include:

Creating green spaces.
Supporting urban biodiversity.
Protecting local ecosystems.

Mobility and Air Quality

Projects may focus on:

Sustainable transport.
Reducing pollution.
Improving urban mobility solutions.

Water, Waste and Raw Materials

Activities may include:

Water management solutions.
Waste reduction.
Circular economy initiatives.
Resource efficiency projects.

Sustainable Food and Urban Agriculture

Projects may support:

Community gardens.
Urban farming.
Sustainable food systems.

Economic and Solidarity-Based Transition

Initiatives may include:

Local sustainable businesses.
Social economy projects.
Community-based economic solutions.

Events, Culture and Tourism

Projects may combine:

Cultural activities.
Climate awareness.
Sustainable tourism approaches.

Children, Young People and Awareness Raising

Projects may focus on:

Environmental education.
Youth engagement.
Climate awareness campaigns.

Examples of “Refreshing Brussels” Projects

Eligible projects may include:

Creating Shaded Areas

Examples:

Shade structures in courtyards.
Cooling areas in apartment buildings.
Improvements to shared community spaces.

Adding Green Infrastructure

Projects may include:

Planting vegetation.
Creating green walls.
Adding trees or plants for natural cooling.

Water-Based Cooling Solutions

Examples:

Rain gardens.
Educational ponds.
Small-scale water installations.
Innovative cooling systems.

Cooling Furniture and Small Improvements

Projects may include:

Installation of climate-friendly furniture.
Small infrastructure improvements.
Community cooling areas.

Testing Climate Innovation

The programme may support:

Low-tech climate solutions.
High-tech prototypes.
Experimental approaches to improve urban comfort.

Artistic and Educational Climate Projects

Projects combining creativity and climate action may include:

Artistic installations.
Educational displays.
Community climate activities.

Funding Amount

Selected projects may receive:

Maximum grant: €40,000

The final funding amount depends on:

Project category.
Quality of proposal.
Available programme budget.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to a wide range of applicants.

Eligible applicants include:

Individuals with legal capacity.
Residents’ associations.
Neighbourhood committees.
Parent committees.
Non-profit organisations.
Educational institutions.
Childcare providers.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Location Requirements

Applicants must:

Live within the territory of the City of Brussels, or
Have their registered office located within the City of Brussels.

Projects must benefit the local community.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

Contribute to climate objectives.
Provide local environmental benefits.
Be realistic and achievable.
Be implemented within the City of Brussels area.

Projects must also:

Be feasible without requiring a town planning permit.

This requirement helps ensure that funded projects can be implemented efficiently.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Define the Climate Challenge

Identify the local issue the project will address, such as:

Heat reduction.
Biodiversity improvement.
Waste reduction.
Sustainable mobility.

Step 2: Develop the Project Plan

The proposal should explain:

Project objectives.
Planned activities.
Target beneficiaries.
Expected climate benefits.
Implementation timeline.

Step 3: Select the Relevant Climate Category

Applicants should identify whether the project relates to:

Refreshing Brussels.
Energy.
Biodiversity.
Mobility.
Water.
Waste.
Food systems.
Awareness raising.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should provide:

Estimated project costs.
Funding requirements.
Explanation of how the grant will be used.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted between:

1 May 2026 and 31 August 2026

Applicants should ensure all required information is included before submission.

Assessment Criteria

Projects will be assessed based on:

Contribution to climate objectives.
Environmental impact.
Community benefit.
Feasibility.
Quality of project planning.
Ability to deliver practical results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to climate goals.
Proposing activities requiring major planning permissions.
Providing unclear budgets.
Failing to explain community benefits.
Presenting ideas without a realistic implementation plan.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen proposals by:

Clearly connecting activities to climate challenges.
Explaining measurable environmental benefits.
Including community participation.
Demonstrating long-term value.
Showing how the project improves local resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the City of Brussels Climate Plan Call for Projects 2026?

It is a funding programme supporting local climate initiatives that contribute to emission reduction, sustainability, and climate adaptation.

What is the main theme for 2026?

The priority theme is “Refreshing Brussels”, which supports projects helping communities adapt to heat and rising temperatures.

How much funding can projects receive?

Selected projects can receive grants of up to €40,000, depending on the project category.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include residents’ groups, non-profits, schools, childcare providers, SMEs, and individuals with legal capacity located in the City of Brussels.

Can projects outside the “Refreshing Brussels” theme apply?

Yes. Projects supporting other Climate Plan priorities may also be considered.

Do projects need a planning permit?

No. Projects must be feasible without requiring a town planning permit.

When is the application period?

Applications are open from 1 May to 31 August 2026.

Conclusion

The City of Brussels Climate Plan Call for Projects 2026 provides an opportunity for local communities, organisations, and businesses to develop practical climate solutions. By prioritising heat adaptation through the “Refreshing Brussels” theme and supporting wider sustainability initiatives, the programme helps create a greener, more resilient, and climate-friendly city.