The European Green Capital Award is presented annually to European cities with over 100,000 inhabitants that excel in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The award results from a rigorous selection process, where competing cities must demonstrate evidence of their current achievements and future plans to enhance sustainability.

Guimarães received this prestigious title on November 27, 2024, in Valencia, Spain, the European Green Capital for 2024. Competing against Heilbronn (Germany) and Klagenfurt (Austria), Guimarães will now benefit from financial support dedicated to sustainability projects, aligned with the city’s strategic vision.

This milestone builds on over a decade of climate transition efforts in Guimarães, focusing on seven environmental indicators defined by the European Commission. Guimarães first applied for the award in 2017, securing fifth place among 13 contenders. This year, as in 2023, the city presented an impressive portfolio of environmental initiatives, which have already earned international recognition.

The city’s commitment is embodied in the Guimarães 2030 Strategic Plan and Governance Ecosystem, which promotes integrated and multidisciplinary environmental management across sectors, including research, citizen engagement, and environmental education. Key contributions include the Landscape Lab and the PEGADAS program, which raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage sustainable behaviors among citizens and schools.

Innovative projects such as Carbon Zero Sports and Bairro C (a community-centered sustainability initiative) also highlight Guimarães' ambition to drive decarbonization and foster sustainable communities.

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