• Best practice projects apply appropriate, cost-effective and state-of-the-art techniques, methods and approaches taking into account the specific context of the project;
• Demonstration projects put into practice, test, evaluate and disseminate actions, methodologies or approaches that are new or unknown in the specific context of the project, such as the geographical, ecological, socio-economic context, and that could be applied elsewhere in similar circumstances;
• Pilot projects apply a technique or method that has not been applied or tested before, or elsewhere, that offer potential environmental or climate advantages compared to current best practice and that can subsequently be applied on a larger scale to similar situations;
• Information, awareness and dissemination projects aim at supporting communication, dissemination of information and awareness raising in the fields of the sub-programmes for Environment and Climate Action.

Under the sub-programme for Environment these large-scale projects implement environmental plans or strategies required by specific Union environmental legislation primarily in the areas of nature (including Natura 2000 network management), water, waste and air.
Under the sub-programme for Climate Action  these large-scale projects implement climate action plans, strategies or roadmaps required by specific Union climate legislation primarily in the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation.