Since 2010 the European Commission awards this prize annually to European cities that achieve high environmental standards, show commitment to sustainable improvement and act as a role model to other cities. The title is currently held by Stockholm (2010) and Hamburg (2011).

Also among the eight finalists for the European Green Capital Award 2010 and 2011 are the two CONCERTO cities Amsterdam (Staccato, Ecostiler) and Copenhagen (Green Solar Cities).

Out of no fewer than 35 applicants, these two cities have been selected because of their advances in the development of a green urban environment.

Amsterdam (left) has been recognised for its low-carbon public transport fleet, the high share of green electricity and the natural recreational areas available to the public as well as their ambitions in improving the efficiency of residential buildings and climate awareness raising, and education.

Copenhagen stands out from the crowd especially in regard to the impressive achievements in improving renewable energy use, transport, district heating/CHP and climate education, as well as programmes in low emission buildings and waste management.

CONCERTO cities are also found among the finalists for the awards in 2012 and 2013: Barcelona (POLYCITY), Nantes (act2) and Malmö (act2 Observer Community) are going to be assessed in their performance. We keep our fingers crossed!

 For more information, including the application criteria, please click here.