July 5, 2022
Lille was one of nine European cities that fought for the prestigious title of “ European Green Capital » in 2021.
This competition, which aims to promote and reward the efforts made by the cities concerned to improve their quality of life and their environmenthas been organized by the European Commission since 2008. Lille has been designated as finalist last summer !
Lille, rewarded for its environmental initiatives
The Lille metropolis was selected from among many candidates for its important energy transition projects and his commitment to becoming a low-carbon city. The city has opted for a large-scale approach! It mobilized not only the authorities but also local actors to obtain concrete results in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, mobility, waste management or water consumption.
The main objectives of this “green” project are sustainable mobility and reducing CO2 emissions, improving air quality, efficient waste management, enhancing biodiversity, increasing access to green spaces and increasing efficiency some water.
It is a city where innovation is always at the forefront, and where nothing seems impossible. In addition to this great natural wealth, Lille has many ongoing projects that will make it even greener in the future.
The goal? Become a truly sustainable city. Not only on the environmental plan but also on the plan social. It’s about investing in quality housing, promoting mobility by public transport or cycling, providing spaces for cultural activities, encouraging people to spend time together on weekends…
Lille on the podium of the “Green Capital of Europe”
The price of the Green Capital of Europe is awarded to a city or region that has adopted the most exemplary approach to sustainable development among cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. It is awarded annually by the European Commission and theEuropean Academy of Urban Environment, in partnership with the city of Lille. The award aims to encourage and promote the practice of sustainable urban development at all levels.
Lille is the first French city to receive this prestigious award. The European Green Capital prize is awarded each year to cities that engage in exemplary approaches to sustainable development.
Lille’s bid was selected for two reasons: its innovative approach to sustainable urban planningand its efforts to promote biodiversity and combat climate change. Also, Lille is one of the few cities in France to have been named ” European Green Capital“. She has in fact set up a charter of commitments in favor of sustainable development. This charter was signed on March 30, 2019 by political representatives of all levels of government.
An ecological and dynamic city
As the climate emergency deepens, many cities are stepping up efforts to fight against global warming. Lille was named european green capital for 2018 by the European Commission.
This distinction has since enabledencourage local engagement in many ways. In particular, it inspired the creation of a charter of commitments between the municipality and the inhabitants, businesses and institutions in order to environmental awareness.
Lille: an exemplary green capital in Europe
Lille is a model of ecological transition.
There are many examples of innovations that improve air quality:
- There exists a transport card containing information on pollution levels at each bus stop. It allows passengers to choose the least polluted route.
- Of the traffic light countdowns have also been put in place. They serve to warn drivers of the exact time they have to cross intersections before new signals turn red and slow traffic again.
- And carpooling rewards program by offering free parking spaces during peak hours. It also offers discounts at select retailers, such as supermarkets. This encourages people not only to carpool, but also to shop together!
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