As climate change accelerates, cities and towns across North-West Europe are under pressure to create more liveable, resilient neighbourhoods. But how do we measure liveability? And how can we track progress towards a cooler, greener future?
The Cool Neighbourhoods Liveability Index (CNLI) is a new hybrid tool developed within the Interreg NWE-funded Cool Neighbourhoods project. It helps municipalities assess how liveable and climate-resilient their neighbourhoods are — and where improvements are most urgently needed.
What does the Index measure?
The CNLI focuses on climate resilience — specifically, a neighbourhood’s ability to cope with and adapt to extreme weather, particularly heat. It includes both physical indicators and social indicators, grouped into four key dimensions:
✅ 1. Heat Exposure
- Number of heat stress days per year
- Urban Heat Island intensity
- Access to shaded public spaces
✅ 2. Water & Biodiversity
- Flood and drought risk
- Local water retention capacity
- Biodiversity level and green space coverage
✅ 3. Socio-Demographic Factors
- Percentage of vulnerable groups (e.g. elderly, low-income)
- Access to healthcare and support
- Social isolation risks
✅ 4. Citizen Engagement
- Degree of citizen participation in climate adaptation plans
- Awareness of climate risks
- Involvement in local greening activities
How does it work?
The Liveability Index combines:
- Quantitative data (e.g. heat sensors, satellite imagery, flood maps)
- Survey results from local residents
- Observational inputs from partners and citizens (e.g. biodiversity spotting)
Each pilot neighbourhood in the project is evaluated using the same indicators. This allows:
- Benchmarking across different regions and countries
- Tracking improvements over time
- Evidence-based decision making for urban planners and local authorities
Who is it for?
The CNLI is designed to be easily replicated and adapted by:
- Municipalities and local governments
- Urban planners and environmental officers
- Housing associations
- Community organisations and researchers
It helps these stakeholders:
- Identify heat-vulnerable areas
- Prioritise greening and water retention interventions
- Measure the social return of climate investments
- Demonstrate progress to funders and citizens
What’s next?
The CNLI is currently being tested and refined across nine pilot areas in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. After this phase, an open-source CNLI toolkit will be published — allowing cities across Europe to apply the method locally.
This is just one of several tools that make Cool Neighbourhoods a frontrunner in combining citizen science, data, and innovation for a more climate-resilient Europe.