The City of Galway will be officially launched as European Green Leaf 2017, an environmental designation awarded by the European Commission in “recognition of the city’s commitment to the environment”.
Galway was awarded the appointment in June last year, beating off competition from Mikkeli in Finland and Cornellà de Llobregat in Spain, but the status will receive a formal launch in City Hall on Wednesday March 1, 2017.
Galway was elected for its approach to green growth and support of SMEs, as well as for its commitment to education and enthusiasm in becoming a Green Ambassador in 2017 and beyond.
The judges were particularly impressed by the high level of citizen participation in Galway, especially among the young population, and highlighted the city’s involvement in various EU initiatives.
Awarded by the European Commission, the European Green Leaf title recognises the commitment of smaller-sized cities to a better urban environment, the competition is aimed at cities and towns across Europe with populations of between 20,000 and 100,000.
Winning cities must demonstrate a good environmental record and commitment to generating green growth, actively develop citizens’ environmental awareness and involvement, and encourage other cities to progress towards better sustainability outcomes.
As part of Galway City’s European Green leaf year, a series of projects and events will be delivered across a number of environmental areas; including waste management, resource efficiency, energy performance, climate change, biodiversity, mobility, quality of the air and acoustic environment, water and wastewater.
The ceremony will take place at Galway City Hall on Wednesday March 1 and will be attended by representatives from the European Commission, including Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment and Ben Casper, Team Lead, Urban Environment Policy, DG Environment.
