The Reference Framework is an on-line toolkit to assist actors of urban management and development to improve dialogue and action on sustainability.


It offers a multi-purpose decision-making and communication tool for promoting sustainable urban development. It is not place-specific and can be adapted to suit local priorities and different circumstances. The tool shows and explains step-by-step what actions are possible or necessary to organise the process in a city or municipality, that is to say to help the city develop in an integrated manner. The users are guided through a series of questions to explore their city’s approach to sustainability and provide them with tools for improving this.


Planning for and delivering sustainable urban development requires a structured process. The reference framework therefore starts with an assessment of how the city or municipality sees itself in terms of characteristics and features and existing actions to promote sustainability. It provides a broad range of questions that can help the user and/or other actors (politicians, city managers, planners, citizens, businesses, etc.) to review their approach towards sustainability, reflect on existing priorities and inform the city strategy review and development process. Tools and supporting guidance are given to monitor implementation and to evaluate the results.


As an open and flexible instrument, the reference framework leaves it to the decision-makers to pick and choose what suits their political, geographic, economic, environmental and social situation. Some elements will be similar for many cities, others may be very different. Therefore, it is relevant to highlight that the reference framework is a toolkit to be adapted according to the particular situation of the city or municipality. The tool is also designed to be adapted and enriched in each national context (translation, specific documentation or indicators, etc.).