Czech Republic – Hradec Kralove

Kukleny: The First Carbon-Neutral Neighbourhood in Operation

The Kukleny district is being developed as the Czech Republic’s first fully carbon-neutral neighbourhood in operation. Envisioned as a modern, self-sufficient residential zone, it is designed to set new standards for sustainable urban living while revitalizing a long-abandoned industrial site. The development includes five phases and seven buildings—such as Cihlovka II, Zelená budova, and the Sousedství series—and is powered entirely by renewable energy generated by solar and offsite wind energy, heat pumps and energy stored on-site.

Innovative tools are central to the neighbourhood’s strategy. An Energy Community User App will allow residents to monitor real-time electricity prices and optimize their consumption behavior, introducing a gamified approach to energy awareness. Energy systems are also being modelled using TRNSYS within the RESPED project to ensure optimal performance and integration.

Urban design emphasizes participatory planning and green space. The architecture maximizes natural light and connection to public spaces, supporting community wellbeing. The local municipality of Hradec Králové has conducted a study for the revitalization of the Malý Labský náhon canal, along which new parks will be created.

Cihlovka II exemplifies the neighbourhood’s readiness for future mobility, with 27 electric vehicle-ready parking spots and a shared car for residents. At the core of the development is the formation of an energy community, encouraging collective ownership of sustainability goals and long-term engagement.

Driven by the developer NOHO’s principles of gradual, place-sensitive growth, Kukleny demonstrates how brownfield regeneration, smart technology, and civic participation can converge to create a climate-positive and socially vibrant urban district.