Abstract
This chapter offers an introduction to the multiple benefits concept, as a new paradigm to assess smart urban energy transition projects. By framing all the relevant positive outcomes and linking them to specific stakeholders, it would be possible to enhance the acceptance of the projects and to disclose their real worth. Focusing on most relevant European Union experiences, the first section outlines ongoing climate-energy strategies and links them with current urban challenges. Then it presents the integrated district approach, as a key element of urban energy transition, where actions on physical elements strictly relate to the enhancement of social and intellectual capital, to deliver innovation. The third part of the chapter addresses the issue of multiple benefits investigation and estimation at urban scale. It suggests a methodological approach for a taxonomy and proposes a short list of key urban co-benefits linked with the smart city dimensions. Before drawing conclusions, the chapter presents two recent experiences of smart-urban energy transition projects, strategically addressing the multiple benefits concept in its development.