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Members of our Association among the winners of the ECO-CITY 2020 competition
During the International ECO-CITY 2020 Conference on 21st September this year, results of the 7th edition of the Eco-City competition were announced. The winning local governments were awarded in following categories: water management, energy efficiency, urban greenery, waste management and sustainable mobility. In each competition category two prizes were awarded – the first one for cities with less than 100,000 residents, and the other one for cities with more than 100,000 residents. Furthermore, special prizes and a distinction from Michał Kurtyka, the Minister of Climate were awarded.
In total, 59 cities from 14 voivodeships applied for the 7th edition of the contest. 90 applications were sent, of which over 60% by local governments with less than 100,000 residents. This year’s winners include two cities belonging to our Association, actively participating in the BEACON project, which are: Bydgoszcz and Zamość.
In the ‘energy efficiency’ category, Bydgoszcz won the prize for comprehensive activities in the field of energetic efficiency improvement, the use of renewable energy sources, as well as energy and water cost management systems. Aside from activities typical for the improvement, such as installing of renewable energy sources installations, the city distinguished itself by conducting investments related to the development and the promotion of energy-efficient construction and the management of the Renewable Energy Sources Demonstration Center, which plays a significant role in the pro-ecological education of the youth.
Study tour to the City of Bydgoszcz
As part of the project ‘Water footprint as a tool for education, integration and initiating actions for local water resources protection’, on 8th September 2020, a study visit was held in Bydgoszcz for representatives of cities involved in the project, i.e. Cieszyn, Ełk, Jasło, Kalisz and Milanówek.
The day started at the Water Tower, where we were welcomed by Mr. Marek Jankowiak, the spokesman for the Municipal Water and Sewer System in Bydgoszcz, who told us about the place. It was originally a reservoir that provided water supply to every residential, industrial and public building. Afterwards, he introduced us briefly into activities of the city connected with rational water management.
Climate protection despite budget constraints – a new handbook for local governments issued under the BEACON project
The activities of cities and municipalities for sustainable development, energy transformation and climate protection are more and more advanced, local governments are eager to engage in ecological projects, wanting their cities to be perceived as environmentally friendly places. However, municipalities’ budgets have their limitations, and the level of expenses resulting from the tasks entrusted to them is increasing, therefore the implementation of many investments in energy efficiency improvement, air quality or renewable energy sources depends on possibilities of obtaining financial support or the use of new financing instruments and tools.
How bus stops can become an ecological showpiece of the city – a visit to Siemiatycze
In 2017, in the city centre of Siemiatycze – at John Paul II Square, two unusual green stops were created. They are planted with flowers and have mini gardens on the roof.
The project entitled ‘The Living Bus Stops – modern ecological solutions in Siemiatycze’ was implemented with the financial support of the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Białystok (Wojewódzki Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej, WFOŚiGW) in Białystok in the amount of 60,000 Polish Zloty from March to June 2017.
During the construction of the bus shelters, greenery was combined with natural wood. Plants were selected to change with the seasons of the year. The bus stops are also equipped with boards presenting simple tips for residents regarding environmental protection in everyday life and with irrigation system, significantly simplifying the maintenance of greenery. It is worth adding that in the evenings the ‘living’ shelters, thanks to the LED lighting, look as attractive as during the day.
Energetic transformation of Polish cities and municipalities – the seminar in Serock
After such a long lockdown filled with numerous restrictions and online work – the first event could finally be organised, where the representatives of local governments from all over Poland had a chance to meet in person.
On 30th June – 1st July 2020 in Serock near Warsaw, a seminar entitled ‘Energetic transformation of cities and municipalities – mitigation and adaptation to climate change’ took place. During the seminar, issues related to low-emission transformation in cities in the context of the EU’s goal of climate neutrality and issues concerning the financing of the local activities for climate change mitigation and adaptation were discussed. Participants had a chance not only to listen to the presentations and to participate in a discussion panel, but also to take advantage of consultations and exchange of experiences in small groups during an interactive session of good practices.
During the opening of the seminar on 30th June 2020, the participants were welcomed by Artur Borkowski, the mayor of Town and Municipality of Serock, – Leszek Drogosz, the president of the Board of The Association of Municipalities Polish Network ‘Energie Cités’ and director of the Infrastructure Office in the City Hall of Warsaw –, and Anna Jaskuła, the director of the Association of Municipalities Polish Network ‘Energie Cités’ office.
