Budapest, Hungary - 6 October 2025 — Representatives from the City of Charleroi came together for the Business Models Workshop, an engaging and forward-looking session led by Monica Barroso, PhD, and Selina Lorenz from the ASCEND Project and the University of St. Gallen.
The workshop offered participants the opportunity to explore in greater detail how to design and implement effective business models for Positive and Clean Energy Districts. Through interactive, hands-on exercises, attendees learned how to translate abstract ideas into concrete strategies for sustainable urban transformation.
A highlight of the session was the use of the PCED Business Model Assembler Card Game, a creative and structured tool that helps cities design viable business models for Positive and Climate-Neutral Energy Districts. This playful yet practical approach enables teams to “assemble” different configurations based on local challenges and stakeholder needs, guiding them through the stages of stakeholder mapping, value creation, and implementation planning. The exercise helps cities move from experimentation to scalable, real-world impact.
This was also the first hybrid session of its kind, combining in-person collaboration with the online version of the Business Model Assembler. The online tool allows participants to co-create, refine, and compare business model drafts, while the physical version supports deeper dialogue, creativity, and team reflection. Together, these formats offer cities the flexibility to innovate collaboratively and develop robust, actionable models for clean energy districts.
By blending theory with practice, the workshop supported Charleroi’s ongoing efforts to shape adaptable and sustainable business strategies. The exchanges and creative exercises generated during the session are expected to strengthen Charleroi’s capacity to implement innovative urban solutions and contribute to sustainable development efforts across Europe.
