BLOSSOM partners meet in Lisbon to shape the next phase of the project
On 19 and 20 May 2026, the BLOSSOM consortium met in Lisbon for two days of discussion, joint planning and site visits, one year after the project began.
A year in review
The first day was devoted to progress updates from each part of the project. Teams are building models and maps that show how cities could be affected by hazards such as heatwaves and urban flooding. Alongside this, partners are developing tools that help cities judge whether a climate project could attract investment and how to reduce the risks for investors. These sit within a wider set of digital tools that bring together data, citizen input and financial analysis to support local decisions.
Partners also discussed Living Labs, where residents, businesses and public bodies test and shape solutions together, and how cities can set them up. Finally, they outlined plans for training, a growing community of practice and links with sister projects, so that BLOSSOM results can be used well beyond its own cities.
Putting the bankability tool to the test
Birmingham City Council shared its experience with the BLOSSOM bankability self-assessment tool, an interactive tool that guides users step by step through the financial potential of a climate solution. Birmingham found it useful to start conversations between stakeholders and to spot potential financial instruments relevant for their proposed use cases. Birmingham partners offered feedback on making the tool simpler and easier to use. The tool has since been applied to the assessment of Lisbon and Kielce use cases, and will soon be available to everyone on this website.
Working together
Partners also took time to discuss good research practice and to plan joint scientific publications. They agreed on how the consortium will work together and on what each role in the project involves.
Seeing Lisbon up close
The second day focused on Lisbon, one of BLOSSOM’s frontrunner cities. Lisbon Municipality hosted a meeting with local stakeholders at the Fidelidade offices to discuss proposed solutions for the city’s pilot areas. Partners then visited four sites.
At the Fidelidade headquarters, a shallow geothermal installation provides heating and cooling and could inspire similar solutions elsewhere. At Quinta da Granja, for a multi-storey residential building proposed solutions include upgrading the heating and cooling systems and preventing flooding in basements. In Alto da Ajuda, where the houses are older, better insulation and building reinforcement are being explored. In Marvila, a shallow geothermal system is being considered for social housing and a library.
What’s next
The coming months will be busy, with more work in the pilot cities and new tools taking shape. BLOSSOM will also be at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona in November 2026. Follow us on this website and on social media channels for updates.
