Vitoria-Gasteiz wins Green Capital Award

ICLEI’s Cities Biodiversity Center congratulates the City of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque country in northern Spain for being awarded the European Green Capital Award. Vitoria-Gasteiz is the third European city, after Stockholm and most recently Hamburg, to gain the prestigious title of European Green Capital since the initiative was launched in 2010.

This prestigious award is given to cities who are at the forefront of environmentally-friendly urban living and which can act as role-models to inspire other cities.  European Commissioner, Potocnik  handed the award to Vitoria – Gasteiz, saying he hoped the city would build on the achievements of Stockholm in 2010 and Hamburg in 2011. “We hope Vitoria- Gasteiz is ready to work together with the European Commission to establish a community that will allow the experience of the European Green Capitals to be more widely shared.”  

The medieval city of Vitoria-Gasteiz dates back to 1181. It is the capital of the historical territory of Alava, and home to 76% of its population and most of its industries and services. Vitoria-Gasteiz is a medium-sized city: the municipality comprises the urban area, with a population of over 235,000. The city is one of Europe’s greenest cities, in more than one sense. Vitoria- Gasteiz is the living result of over 30 years of commitment to sustainability. With its good practices in urban planning, green spaces, recycling, mobility and water consumption.  

Despite experiencing major population growth over recent decades, rigorous strategic urban planning, strong citizen involvement, and the balanced management of the environment have enabled the city to harmonise with the natural landscape, forging its cultural identity and making it a model for urban sustainability.

Congratulations Vitoria-Gasteiz!