IDEE builds on the results of the previous Urban Energy Web project to create a cross-border research network for the integrated assessment and planning of efficient and innovative urban energy systems. The network brings together the complementary competences of four research institutions and one public authority with the aim of developing a bottom-up framework for the assessment of urban energy-systems.

That will enable an integrated interpretation of geo-referenced energy, environmental, building and economic data and generate a new basis for decision-making which local authorities can use to plan efficient investments. Indeed, the framework allows authorities to gain strategic information on the existing potential, the most innovative technical solutions applicable and their environmental impacts, while bearing in mind costs and the return on investment. The framework will be implemented in some pilot areas (Maniago in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Feltre in Veneto and the region of Salzburger Seenland), with a view to transferring it to other territories.