The European Green Capital Award was created to recognise the vital role local authorities play in improving the environment, as our societies face many environmental challenges. Indeed, the Award promotes and rewards local efforts towards the green transition which is proven to result in a better economy and quality of live in cities. The Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) encourages its network to take inspiration from a previous award recipient, Tallinn, and apply.
Practices and initiatives from 2023 European Green Capital Tallinn, Estonia
By reducing its environmental impact and improving the lives of its citizens, Tallinn's systemic approach in its transition toward sustainability was rewarded by the 2023 European Green Capital Award.
The city has recently adopted the ambitious development strategy "Tallinn 2035". The plan addresses various environmental and humanitarian issues, such as health, sustainable energy, and carbon neutrality, while also connecting to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Moreover, in addition to the "Tallinn 2035" plan, Tallinn showed its commitment to sustainability through climate adaptation and resilience by implementing relevant measures such as stormwater management systems, becoming the first European capital to offer free public transportation, and boosting biodiversity through efforts like the “GoGreenRoutes,” where citizens can co-design nature-based solutions and urban gardening.
By reducing its environmental impact and improving the lives of its citizens, Tallinn's devotion to sustainability earned it the 2023 European Green Capital Award.
How to apply
Interested cities needs to register their interest by filling out a dedicated form. After this, the cities receive the full set of application forms.
Cities need to ensure they can provide information on their performance across seven environmental indicators. The selection process is based on the below indicators:
-
- Air Quality
- Water Quality and Efficiency
- Biodiversity, Green Areas, Sustainable Land Use
- Waste and Circular Economy
- Noise
- Climate Change: Mitigation and Energy Performance
- Climate Change: Adaptation
The application is due 30 April 2023 at 23:59 CEST.
Interested? Find more information about the Award, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a European Green Capital City, please visit this webpage: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/european-green-capital-award_en