EIT Urban Mobility is participating in the new European campaign Places Made for People, launched by the EU Covenant of Mayors and the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub to showcase how local action on climate, energy, housing and mobility can improve quality of life and make everyday life more affordable.
Rising housing costs, energy bills and transport expenses are putting increasing pressure on households across Europe. For many people, accessing work, education, healthcare and other essential services remains difficult or expensive, particularly where public transport alternatives are limited.
Through Places Made for People, local governments are being encouraged to take a more integrated approach to these challenges, connecting the climate and energy transition with citizens’ everyday needs. EIT Urban Mobility is participating in the initiative, supporting the shared ambition to make cities and towns more liveable, inclusive and accessible through sustainable mobility.
Connecting mobility, energy and housing affordability
The affordability of everyday life depends on more than individual expenses. Where people live, how their homes are heated and how easily they can reach essential services all influence household budgets and quality of life.
For example, affordable housing may be located far from workplaces or public transport connections, leaving residents dependent on private cars. Similarly, energy-efficient homes can help reduce heating costs, but these savings may be offset by expensive or inaccessible transport options.
Addressing these challenges in isolation risks shifting costs from one part of daily life to another. An integrated approach that connects mobility, housing, energy and urban planning can help local governments tackle their underlying causes while reducing emissions and strengthening communities’ resilience to future challenges.
Sustainable mobility has a particularly important role to play. Reliable and affordable public transport, safe walking and cycling infrastructure, shared mobility services and better connections between urban and rural areas can expand access to opportunities without requiring people to rely on a private car.
How local governments can put people first
Across Europe, local authorities have a range of tools to make everyday life more affordable and accessible.
These include improving public transport networks and active mobility infrastructure, developing demand-responsive services where conventional public transport is less viable, and introducing social fares or targeted support for people experiencing transport poverty.
Urban planning also matters. Bringing homes, workplaces, schools and essential services closer together can reduce the time and cost associated with everyday journeys. At the same time, energy-efficient housing, renewable energy projects and targeted support for vulnerable households can help reduce energy costs and improve living conditions.
The greatest benefits can emerge when these measures work together. Better transport connections can widen access to affordable housing and employment, while more compact, well-connected neighbourhoods can make sustainable travel a practical option for more people.
EIT Urban Mobility’s commitment to more liveable cities
At EIT Urban Mobility, we work with cities, businesses, researchers and innovators to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable urban mobility. Making transport more accessible, inclusive and efficient is an essential part of creating urban environments that work better for everyone.
Our participation in Places Made for People reflects the importance of connecting mobility innovation with the everyday needs of citizens. Sustainable mobility is not only about reducing emissions or introducing new technologies; it is also about ensuring people can reach the places and services they need, regardless of their income, age or where they live.
By bringing together local action, innovation and European collaboration, initiatives such as Places Made for People can help demonstrate how the climate transition can deliver tangible benefits for communities today while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.
Join the movement
Led by the EU Covenant of Mayors in collaboration with the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub and key European initiatives on sustainable transport, Places Made for People will showcase local approaches and connect cities and towns with resources to help them go further.
Local governments are invited to share how they are making everyday life more affordable, accessible and enjoyable for their communities.
Discover the campaign and explore how European cities are putting people first.
