European Green Capital 2012
VITORIAGASTEIZ
KH-30-11-346-EN
-C
European Commission
Vitoria-Gasteiz — European Green Capital 2012
Luxembourg: Publications Offi ce of the European Union
2012 — 56 pp. — 21 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-22139-2
doi:10.2779/86055
More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2012
ISBN 978-92-79-22139-2doi:10.2779/86055
© European Union, 2012Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Printed in Belgium
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER THAT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE EU ECO-LABEL FOR GRAPHIC PAPER (www.ecolabel.eu)
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers
to your questions about the European Union
Freephone number (*) :
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
(*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed.
To order the publication, which is available free of charge while stocks last:
For a single copy:
via the EU Bookshop – the on-line access to European Union publications:
http:// bookshop.europa.eu
For several copies: via the nearest national Europe Direct information centre:
http://europa.eu/europedirect/meet_us/index_en.htm
European Green Capital 2012
VITORIAGASTEIZ
Photos: All the pictures are the property of Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council. Most of the photos are from QUINTAS
FOTOGRAFOS (including the cover) and SINESTESIA (pages 38 and 46).
Table of contentsForeword 5 By Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for the Environment 5
Message from Javier Maroto, Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz 7
Vitoria-Gasteiz is European Green Capital 2012 9
Vitoria-Gasteiz at a glance 15
Why is Vitoria-Gasteiz special? 23
A green urban system 27
The educational city 37
What impressed the experts 41
Vitoria-Gasteiz: a model for Europe 45
Vitoria-Gasteiz – beyond the Green Capital 51
5VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A greener future for our citiesThe European Green Capital Award has been very successful in attracting a
wide range of interest throughout Europe. Since the Award was launched
in 2010, 46 diff erent cities in 22 European countries have competed for
the title. Over the past three years, city authorities have been sharing their
experience in developing sustainable environments for their inhabitants,
and have set valuable examples that can help other cities fi nd new
solutions to the many complex challenges they face.
Today, three out of four citizens in Europe live in cities, and this proportion continues to increase.
But, as urban areas expand, so does demand for housing, transport, waste disposal, energy, clean
air, water and other limited resources. We need to fi nd more environmentally friendly ways to meet
these demands, to address the growing health problems caused by urban pollution and to use
our limited natural resources more effi ciently. In other words, we need to move towards greener
cities and a greener future. At the European Commission, we believe that the best answers can only
come from within the cities. The European Green Capital Award is one way to inspire and support
European cities as they evolve towards that greener future.
I am delighted that the 2012 title is going to Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. Although the city is a lot smaller
than the previous winners – Stockholm and Hamburg – it has outstanding environmental experience.
This proves that when it comes to green living, all cities, large and small, have an important role to
play. Vitoria-Gasteiz can inspire similar medium-sized cities throughout Europe. In the course of the
year, we will be enjoying the programme of activities it has prepared to celebrate its success in
securing the Green Capital Award. It will certainly give its citizens a year to remember, underlining
the city’s quest to become a pleasant, healthy and sustainable metropolis that off ers an exceptional
quality of life to all its residents.
In 2013, the title will pass to the next award winner: the city of Nantes in France. But before that,
we have a great deal to look forward to – and learn – in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Janez Potočnik
European Commissioner for the Environment
7VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Message from Javier Maroto, Mayor of Vitoria-GasteizVitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque Country, in northern Spain, is one of
Europe’s cities with the largest proportion of green areas per inhabitant,
approximately 45m2 per person. A quiet and accessible city, but also one
that is active, dynamic, vibrant, modern; a city that prides itself on over
10 million m2 of parks and green areas that are available for walking, cycling,
observing deer or birdwatching. Such is Vitoria-Gasteiz, the European city
with the highest commitment to the environment at present.
We have not reached this point by chance. The European Green Capital
2012 Award is the result of over 30 years of commitment to sustainability in our city. It is thanks
to the environmental policies implemented during these years and thanks to the commitment of
our citizens and their good practices in relation to recycling, mobility or water consumption, that
Vitoria-Gasteiz has become an example for Europe.
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, our understanding of and respect for the environment has always been part of
our identity. Our city has a 613 hectare Green Belt that will soon cover 960 hectares, a successful
Sustainable Mobility Plan, a new bus network, a tram system, over 90 km of bike lanes and an
extensive network of parks and city walks, a sustainable water-management system, and established
recycling habits and policies.
Today, we are an environmental benchmark. Three-quarters of Europeans live in cities. Our experience
serves as a benchmark because most cities are a similar size to ours. Being the European Green Capital
2012 is an exciting challenge. It is a unique and historic opportunity for Vitoria-Gasteiz to boost and
develop the future of our city. The environment is the future, it is quality of life, it is sustainability and
it is about doing more with less. We shall do a good job, all together, and we shall enjoy it.
Javier Maroto
Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz
9VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Vitoria-Gasteiz is European Green Capital 2012Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the Basque Country in northern Spain, is
the third European city to gain the prestigious title of European Green
Capital since the scheme was launched in 2010, following in the
footsteps of Stockholm and Hamburg.
It was selected from the six outstanding fi nalists in
a fi eld of 17 candidates. The award evaluators found
that: “The city shows much enthusiasm and dedication
to the EGCA project and portrays itself as committed
to sustainable urban development and keen to act as
a role model.”
Towards environmentally friendly urban living
The European Green Capital Award grew out of an initiative launched jointly in May 2006 by
15 European cities and the Association of Estonian cities. The brainchild of Jüri Ratas, then Mayor of
Tallinn, Estonia, and currently Vice-President of the Estonian Parliament, the Tallinn Memorandum
called on the European Commission to establish a special scheme to reward cities that are leading
the way towards healthier and more sustainable ways of living.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a compact city and from its medieval quarter you can see much of the surrounding Green Belt.
Four out of fi ve Europeans will live in urban areas by 2050
10 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Green cities – fi t for life
With three out of four Europeans already living in towns or
cities, the European Commission launched the European
Green Capital Award to promote good practice in sustainable
management through the example of groundbreaking role
models. The overarching message is that Europeans have a right
to live in healthy urban areas, and cities should therefore ensure
that environmental protection, economic growth and quality
of life are developed in harmony. Hence, the award’s slogan:
‘Green cities – fi t for life’.
The honours list
Since 2010, one European city has been selected each year
as the European Green Capital. A total of 52 cities from across
Europe have already taken up the challenge of competing for the
title. Of these, 14 have been selected as fi nalists and four have
been awarded the European Green Capital title for 2010, 2011,
Deer in the Salburua
Wetlands, less than 3 km from the city centre.
The award goes to a city that:❙ Has a consistent record of achieving high
environmental standards
❙ Is committed to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development
❙ Acts as a role model to inspire other European cities
11VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
2012 and 2013. A further selection round is currently under way. The city of Stockholm was the fi rst
to receive the award in 2010, followed by Hamburg in 2011. Vitoria-Gasteiz, European Green Capital
2012, will be followed by Nantes in 2013.
The green city challenge
Urban areas are a microcosm of many of the environmental challenges facing our society, but they
also bring together the commitment and capacity for innovation that make it possible to meet
them. With more and more of us living in an urban environment, improving living and working
conditions in cities is an issue that directly aff ects large numbers of people.
Winners of the award are expected to share their experience
Plaza del Machete, a public space that links the old town to the 19th century expansion.
12 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A process of selection
The 2012 competition was open to cities of over 200 000
inhabitants from any of the EU Member States, candidate
countries (Turkey, Macedonia, Croatia, Iceland) and European
Economic Area countries. Countries with cities of less than
200 000 inhabitants may nominate their largest one. This applied,
for example, to Reykjavík (Iceland).
All applications are reviewed by a panel of international experts
in diff erent environmental fi elds, who base their judgement on
11 environmental indicators covering:
❙ Local contribution to global climate change
❙ Local transport
❙ Green urban areas
❙ Sustainable land use
❙ Nature and biodiversity
❙ Quality of local ambient air
❙ Noise pollution
❙ Waste production and management
❙ Water consumption
❙ Waste water treatment
❙ Environmental management of the municipality
Finalists for 2010 and 2011❙ Amsterdam❙ Bristol❙ Copenhagen❙ Freiburg❙ Hamburg❙ Münster❙ Oslo❙ Stockholm
Finalists for 2012 and 2013❙ Barcelona❙ Malmö❙ Nantes❙ Nuremberg❙ Reykjavík❙ Vitoria-Gasteiz
13VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The 2012-2013 selection round added a new ‘Nature and biodiversity’ indicator, to underline the
wider-reaching environmental benefi ts of green cities. Winners of the award must also put forward
a dynamic communications programme designed to share and promote their experience.
The Forest of Armentia, in the Green Belt, is a green corridor between the city and the mountains of Vitoria.
Winners and fi nalists of the European Green Capital Award set the standard for green urban living
15VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Vitoria-Gasteiz at a glanceThe 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.
A medium-sized city
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a medium-sized city: the municipality comprises
the urban area, with a population of 235 445, plus 64 small, rural
hamlets in the surrounding countryside.
From a town of just 50 000 people in 1950, the population of
Vitoria-Gasteiz surged during the 1960s, as job opportunities in
the strong mechanical and metallurgy industries attracted more
and more people from all over Spain. Careful urban planning has,
however, limited the environmental impact of this rapid growth.
Population density is much lower outside the city’s residential
area, guaranteeing the survival of a natural, rural environment
with limited human interference.
As a medium-sized city, it has so far avoided the problems
associated with large urban areas, such as high levels of pollution,
traffi c congestion, long commuting distances, and pockets of
poverty and social exclusion.
Facts and fi gures – Vitoria-Gasteiz municipality
❙ Capital city of the Basque Country and of the province of Alava
❙ Founded in 1181
❙ Population: 240 580
❙ Area: 276.8 km²
❙ Population density: 864 hab/km2
❙ First provincial capital in Spain to adopt the Local Agenda 21 in 1998
❙ Rapid population growth and urban development since the 1960s
The hills surrounding Vitoria host a rich biodiversity.
16 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A city that relates to its environment
The municipality consists of three concentric circles. The city
itself, at the heart, is surrounded by a large area of agricultural
land and natural vegetation, with the mountains and forests
forming the third ring.
Because Vitoria-Gasteiz is at the crossroads of two biological
climates – the Atlantic to the north and the Mediterranean to the
south – a huge diversity of ecological environments coexist close
to the city. Citizens have access to a range of natural habitats,
from meadows and wetlands to beech forests and mountains.
Humanity has shaped the natural environment for millennia,
yet a conscious eff ort to protect the biodiversity of the area
means that many fragile ecosystems have been preserved. As
a result, Vitoria-Gasteiz has a rich selection of fl ora and fauna.
A third of Spain’s endangered vertebrate species are found in
the municipality. And while the area covers just 4% of the total
Basque region, it is home to 40% of its vascular plants and
75% of terrestrial vertebrates. Four municipal areas are part of
the Natura 2000 network, including the Zadorra River and the
Salburua Wetlands.
Green facts and fi gures
❙ All residents have access to public open and green space within 300 m
❙ 613 hectares of Green Belt
❙ 479 m2 of forest per capita (covering one-third of the municipal area)
❙ 210 organic farming plots
❙ 130 000 trees in city streets
❙ Two tram lines and 90 km of bicycle lanes
❙ Half of all journeys are made on foot
❙ 1st Environmental Action Plan adopted in 2002
Vitoria-Gasteiz has a rich selection of fl ora and fauna
17VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A city that’s green inside and green outside
The city has a high proportion of green public areas, so the entire
population lives within 300 m of an open green space. Public
gardens cover 1 091 hectares, making up 32.67% of the urban
area. A Green Belt of fi ve large suburban parks with recreational
areas surrounds the centre, linked by a network of 33 km of
pedestrian pathways and 90 km of cycle routes, eff ectively
bringing nature into the urban heart. With 45 m2 of open space
per person, Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the greenest cities in Spain.
Many of the hundreds of green spaces in Vitoria-Gasteiz take the
form of smallish urban gardens, open 24 hours a day. Together
they form a biodiversity resource sustaining some 50 000 trees of
381 diff erent species, and 12 160 shrubs.
The Salburua Wetlands, restored in the late 20th century, have become a Ramsar site of International Importance and part of the European Natura 2000 network.
Vitoria-Gasteiz municipality has 11 331 hectares of forest, most of it publicly owned. Native species, especially beech and oak, make up 91% of the trees. Two of these wooded areas are included in the Natura 2000 network: the eastern part of the Vitoria Mountains and the small oak forests on the La Llanada plains.
The awareness-raising campaign entitled Verde por fuera-Verde por dentro (Green outside – Green inside) generated a strong sense of civic pride and ownership and helped foster the city’s ‘green conscience’. The European Green Capital Award panel gave credit to the key role of citizens in promoting change.
18 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The semi-natural Green Belt has been ‘work in
progress’ since the early 1990s, with signifi cant
eff ort and investment in reclaiming degraded
areas such as gravel pits and drained wetlands.
In 2000, the United Nations chose the Green
Belt as one of the 100 best projects worldwide
at its Third International Competition of Best
Practices for Improving the Environment.
Renovation of the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca,
the real heart of the city,
has made it a paradise for pedestrians.
Cars account for only 28.3% of travel in the city
19VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A compact and diverse city
A long tradition of careful urban planning has made Vitoria-Gasteiz a compact and well-
organised city.
Despite a continuing population increase of over 7% since 2000, and expansion of the urban territory,
planners have largely built up rather than out, successfully limiting sprawl in the environmentally
sensitive areas to the south of the city. Some 81% of the population live within 1 500 m of the city
centre, and 95% have access to basic services such as education, health and cultural facilities within
500 m. Everything is within easy reach.
As a result, cars account for only 28.3% of travel in the city, as most people walk or use public transport.
A free bicycle-lending service has been introduced, together with a modernised transport system
including tramways and more effi cient bus lines. Vitoria-Gasteiz is a diverse city, where businesses,
housing and leisure facilities coexist side by side.
An industrial city
Traditionally an industrial city, Vitoria-
Gasteiz grew prosperous on the aeronautics,
energy and machine tool industries,
while more recently, services and new
technologies play a greater role. Companies
occupy more than 9.5 million m2 of the
municipality, and the Jundiz business park
is one of the largest corporate estates in the
north of the Iberian Peninsula.
A shopping street in the heart of the medieval quarter.
20 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Vitoria-Gasteiz has successfully involved the business sector in the drive towards a sustainable
environment. Several multinational car companies have moved in and are developing electric
vehicles – the fi rst electric van on the market is being built in the city. It is also a major innovation
centre, attracting a wide range of companies to its technology park and research centres. Some of
them focus on green innovation, including CIC Energigune, dedicated to alternative energy research.
An ambitious rehabilitation
process is restoring the old city for citizens.
Vitoria-Gasteiz has successfully involved the business sector in the drive towards a sustainable environment
21VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A cohesive city, a social city
People enjoy a good quality of life and well-being, with high life
expectancy. According to the latest surveys, they are generally
satisfi ed with their city and with the opportunities it off ers.
Citizens have access to an extensive range of services including
cultural, sports and educational activities. Community centres
also provide the public with information and social care. The
city is known for its welfare and social integration services, with
targeted support for children, young and older people, women,
and the gay and lesbian community.
A city of committed citizens
The support of residents is a key element in keeping Vitoria-
Gasteiz green. People have developed a high level of awareness
about the environment and there are numerous participation
initiatives. Citizens’ voices reach the city council through the
various bodies established in the Organic Regulations for Citizen
Participation.
The Environment Sector Council, set up in 2000, is the main
discussion forum on the conservation and protection of the
natural and urban environment. Today, almost 40 groups
(neighbourhood associations, environmental groups, unions,
universities and institutions) take part.
❙ Highest proportion of public housing in Spain
❙ 24% of the population has a university qualifi cation
❙ The city allocates around 1% of its budget to international development cooperation
❙ Renovation of the medieval town is revitalising the area and preventing depopulation
23VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Why is Vitoria-Gasteiz special? Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of Europe’s greenest cities, in more than one
sense. It has over 10 million m2 of parks and green spaces, and its
fl agship Green Belt project has attracted international recognition.
Its green credentials are all the more remarkable in a city that has
experienced major population growth over recent decades.
The city where green is capital
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.
However, Vitoria-Gasteiz is not just green on the outside, it is also green at heart, combining a high
level of leadership and consensus among political parties on sustainable development, a strong
environmental movement, and the full support of citizens.
With its award-winning urban design, green space and lively social and cultural life, coupled with
fi rst-class services, it is an ideal role model for the average, medium-sized city in which 84% of
Europeans live.
The Molinuevo park is located a few metres away from the medieval town
Vitoria-Gasteiz is green at its heart
24 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Taking care of the landscape and the heritage
Throughout history, the city has evolved in
harmony with its green forests and fi elds, and
its blue rivers and lakes. Since time immemorial,
the woods of Alava belonged to the public,
with ancient rules governing the use of
natural resources such as water and pasturage.
More recently, Vitoria-Gasteiz’s network of
gardens, walkways and Green Belt parks and
the forthcoming declaration of the Vitoria
Mountains as a natural park have become the
city’s signature.
The city that thinks about citizens
Vitoria-Gasteiz builds on the experience of over
three decades of environmental planning. The
Environmental Sector Council is now the key
mouthpiece for local associations, groups and
institutions.
The Action Plan for 2012 places citizens at
the heart of the strategy. Involving all sorts of
civic organisations (schools, community and
professional associations, etc.), citizens and
The experience of over three decades of environmental planning
El Paseo de la Senda,
connecting the centre with the
Green Belt, was the fi rst urban path designed
for walkers and cyclists.
25VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
industry in the city’s environmental projects has raised awareness
and led to a high level of public commitment to sustainability.
The aim is to foster a sense of ‘belonging’ in a green community.
It is also a socially sustainable city, where the welfare of citizens
and their quality of life are considered key issues, including
local services, education, training and cultural facilities,
equal opportunities, the right to employment and housing,
social integration and poverty-prevention, and public health.
A commitment to local employment means that 80% of the
Vitorian labour force work in the municipality.
Building together
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, respect for the environment crosses party lines, while the early emergence of a vocal green movement encouraged the city to take a lead in sustainable development. Over the last 15 years, it has won a succession of awards. The European Green Capital Award 2012 is the culmination of these achievements.
Mechanical ramps have improved access to the medieval quarter.
27VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A green urban system Making Vitoria-Gasteiz an exemplary green capital means taking
account of and bringing together every aspect of environmental
protection and sustainable living. The city is determined to reduce its
ecological footprint to a minimum.
Better mobility, better public space
The Sustainable Mobility and Public Space Plan aims to reverse
the upward trend in private car use and improve other means of
transport such as bus and tram networks, bicycles and space for
pedestrians. In 2008, the city introduced a new tramline, followed
a year later by revised bus routes, coupled with new parking
regulations. As a result, journeys by public transport rocketed by
45%. All the vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities.
With four out of fi ve residents employed within municipal
boundaries, walking is the most popular way of getting around.
The latest mobility survey revealed that nearly 50% of all journeys
are on foot. As much as 25% of the city is reserved for pedestrians,
with 33 km of pathways within the city and 91 km across the
Green Belt.
As well as its pedestrian network, Vitoria-Gasteiz
is actively promoting cycling, planning to invest
€22 million in its Bicycle Master Plan. A public bike
system was created in 2006 with a network of pick-up
In the near future, the city is implementing at least 10 new municipal projects for green development. Some are already in progress. They include:
❙ Ecological agricultural park
❙ Recovery of waste fuel
❙ Restoration of the medieval district
❙ Zero land-growth town development plan
❙ Mobilising solar energy potential
Public transport use has risen by 45%
The new tramway helped to boost public transport use by 45%.
28 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The best way to minimise the city’s impact on water resources and the environment is to copy natural cycles
and drop-off points across the city. By 2011, there were 17 pick-
up points off ering 350 bicycles free of charge. The service has
also taken into account the needs of people with disabilities
by providing, for example, tandems for the sight impaired or
tricycles for people with reduced mobility.
The roll-out of electric vehicles is key to the city’s strategy,
supported by technological innovation, tax incentives and
communication campaigns. Since 2008, the city council has
participated in the European Civitas MODERN project, which
funds sustainable mobility demonstration projects. With a
€2.3 million budget, Vitoria-Gasteiz plans to develop a pilot
scheme with four electric vehicles available on a car-sharing
basis, and a control group of citizens who will evaluate the
vehicles, the recharging points and management of the car-
sharing scheme itself.
A green and blue belt
The Green Belt is a semi-natural green space partially recovered
from degraded areas, such as gravel pits, burnt ground and
drained wetlands. Their restoration, which started in the mid
1990s, continues today.
Some benefi ts of the Green Belt
❙ Protection and improvement of biodiversity and landscapes
❙ Less pollution
❙ Regulation of fl oods and fewer fl ooding episodes
❙ Conservation and rational use of natural resources
❙ Improved environmental awareness and respect
❙ Greater citizen involvement, responsibility and well-being
❙ Employment opportunities
❙ Tourism
❙ High-quality urban development
29VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
When completed, the Green Belt will be the natural lung of the future Vitoria-Gasteiz, linking city
and countryside. This ring is formed by the parks: Salburua, Zabalgana, Armentia, Olarizu and
Río Zadorra. More areas need to be integrated, connecting the belt directly to the surrounding
mountains and forests.
Today, the Green Belt is a great ecological and scenic resource, and two of its suburban areas have
been recognised for their signifi cant natural value. One is the Salburua Wetlands, declared an EU
Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Ramsar site of International Importance. The other is the
Zadorra River, an SCI that forms part of the European Natura 2000 network.
The 2008-2009 Inbios project funded a range of actions to protect the wetlands, and safeguard
threatened species such as bats, sand martins and kingfi shers, waders, herons and otters.
Observation of waterfowl in Salburua, one of the Green Belt parks.
30 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Closing cycles
The best way to minimise the city’s impact on the environment is to copy natural cycles and
processes, creating an integrated, green urban metabolism. Vitoria-Gasteiz has been exploring
ambitious strategies aimed, for example, at cutting waste to a minimum.
Recycling of sludge from the Crispijana waste-treatment plant will minimise the volume of material
deposited in the Gardélegui landfi ll, as will channelling waste materials into energy-recovery
systems or landscape restoration. Waste-management programmes have already achieved higher
recycling levels than in most Spanish cities.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is making major progress in urban water management and reducing consumption,
mainly through controlling leaks and technological improvements, as well as boosting public
awareness. Between 2001 and 2009, water consumption per capita fell by 20%. The city has also
improved the quality of the urban waste water discharged into the Zadorra River after treatment at
the Crispijana facility.
Storks are regular
inhabitants of Vitoria’s bell
towers.
31VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A heart that beats once more
Restoring the city’s medieval quarters means not
only preserving Vitoria-Gasteiz’s architectural
heritage, but also improving the quality of life
for residents in an area that was beginning to
look run-down. The Special Interior Reform Plan
(PERI) set out 11 strategies for action, including
making use of empty buildings and improving
communications.
At the heart of the restoration programme, the 800-year-old Cathedral of Santa Maria is a symbol of
Vitoria-Gasteiz. In 2002, work to return the building to its former glory won Europe’s highest prize
for cultural heritage conservation, the Europa Nostra Award.
A network for proximity
Vitoria-Gasteiz’ network of civic centres attracted half a million visits in 2010, off ering information,
advice, training, leisure and sports facilities. Civic centres are found in local neighbourhoods across
the city, and their mission is to bring citizens together and provide essential services to improve
their quality of life.
More than 12 000 schoolchildren have joined the ‘Adopt a tree and grow with it’ campaign
Environmental education is one of the pillars of Vitoria-Gasteiz’ green strategy.
32 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
An effi cient ecosystem
The city has made real progress in recovering
biodiversity, restoring many of the city’s damaged
ecological and landscape areas through the Green
Belt project, the creation of the Bosques de Europa
Botanical Gardens, and the opening of the Ecological
Gardens for citizens. Since 1996, more than
12 000 schoolchildren and hundreds of adults have
joined the ‘Adopt a tree and grow with it’ campaign,
planting over 40 000 trees and bushes.
These advances have also helped to remedy other
problems that plagued Vitoria-Gasteiz, such as the
proliferation of illegal huts and vegetable gardens or
the risk of fl ooding from the industrial estates to the
north and south of the city. Instead, residents are now
encouraged to take part in the organic gardening and
community gardens initiatives, or in cultivating plots
in the Urarte and Olarizu vegetable gardens within the
Green Belt.
A plan for energy
Vitoria-Gasteiz is reducing its energy consumption by rationalising energy use and using more eco-
effi cient technologies such as district heating and micro-cogeneration, as well as greater energy
effi ciency in new and restored buildings. At the same time, it is promoting renewable energy sources
such as solar power, geothermal systems, wind farms and biogas from urban waste. The city’s Local
Energy Plan has a budget of €76 million to promote sustainable energy use.
The kingfi sher, one of the bird
species found in the Green Belt.
33VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Aiming for carbon neutral
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions is another vital contribution to reducing the city’s ecological
footprint. More than half of Europe’s emissions come from cities, so local authorities have an
important role in combating climate change. Two-thirds of emissions in Vitoria-Gasteiz come
from energy consumption by industry and transport. The city council adopted a Climate Change
Prevention Strategy in 2006, and agreed to cut emissions by 16% by 2012. In 2009, it signed up to
the Covenant of Mayors and, in 2010, approved the Plan against Climate Change, promising more
ambitious reductions.
The city’s long-term aim is to become a carbon-neutral zone, with an interim goal of cutting
emissions by half by 2050, through wide-ranging actions in diff erent sectors and public education.
The main street in the heart of the city is an example of sustainable design in the 19th century.
The Zadorra River, a tributary of the Ebro, has one of the richest ecosystems in the city.
37VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The educational city Education is one of the cornerstones in building an eco-effi cient city.
Vitoria-Gasteiz wants citizens to be well informed on environmental
issues and able to play an active part in improving their city.
Learning respect
The city council has, for over a decade, been implementing an annual programme of education and
awareness-raising activities for sustainable development. They reach out to the entire population,
not just children, aiming to encourage action and prepare citizens to change their behaviour.
The programme, launched in 1995, has been linked to the Local Agenda 21 process since 1998.
It includes awareness-raising campaigns, training activities and public information centres, and
education in schools. There are now over 100 initiatives annually. The result has been sustained
improvement in several areas requiring citizens’ co-operation, such as waste recycling and saving water.
Green Belt in environmental education
The Green Belt has been the focus of numerous educational and awareness-raising initiatives.
Over 88 000 people took part in activities organised in and around the diff erent parks and green
areas. A website and Facebook page give residents and tourists alike a central point of access to all
information, including educational programmes.
The Ecological Horticulture Programme provides practical training in horticulture and organic
gardening, for 18-55 year olds, which can lead to the concession of a 50 m2 allotment in the
Urarte and Olarizu botanical gardens. Over 5 000 residents participated in activities in 2008-2009,
including workshops on organic gardening, potted plants, basketry, natural preserves, native fl ora
bee-keeping, fruit growing, and pruning and grafting.
The restoration of the city’s Gothic cathedral has won several international awards.
38 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Wetlands teach the importance of biodiversity
In July 2009, the city authorities opened the Ataria
Interpretation Centre in the Salburua Wetlands, which
provides a recreational and educational focus point.
The centre aims to increase environmental awareness
among visitors and appreciation of the park’s
exceptional ecological importance. Activities range
from seminars, conferences, workshops and temporary
exhibitions, to the loan of bicycles, binoculars, guided
walks and privileged viewing of closed-off sections of
the park, thanks to remote cameras.
Agenda 21 for Schools
The signing of the Ålborg Charter in 1995 and of the
Local Agenda 21 in 1998 led to the implementation
of the Local Agenda 21 for Schools: an essential tool
in building awareness among future generations.
Courses aimed at primary and secondary schools and vocational training students help them to
analyse and understand environmental questions, and prepare them to act responsibly for a fairer
and more sustainable society.
The fi rst courses were introduced in
2001-2002. Since then, this initiative
has expanded from three schools with
1 600 students in 2003, to 29 schools
and nearly 20 000 students in 2010
– and is expected to reach 100%
participation by 2012.
Vitoria-Gasteiz has over
200 organic vegetable
gardens in its Green Belt.
Increasing public awareness helps prepare citizens to change their behaviour
39VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Training for green jobs
The Environmental Studies Centre was set up at the end of the
1980s with the initial task of providing postgraduate training
for ‘environmental technicians’. Gradually, a wider range of
courses was introduced in more specialised training areas
such as geographic information systems, remote sensing,
environmental services to companies, and assessment and
correction of environmental impact. As it has developed, the
centre has formed close relationships with universities and
research organisations and has started designing courses for
people with lower-level qualifi cations, and refresher courses
for the administration and private fi rms. Its aim is to promote
environmental education, training and research whilst, at the
same time, providing practical and theoretical knowledge for
the green jobs of the future.
Education in schools is an essential tool in building the environmental awareness of future generations
Vitoria-Gasteiz Education and Awareness-Raising Programme for Sustainable Development
❙ Awareness campaigns on specifi c issues (waste, water, mobility)
❙ Activities related to signifi cant events: World Water Day, World Wetlands Day, World Biodiversity Day, World Day of Birds, World Environment Day, European Mobility Week, etc.
❙ Launch of the Ataria Wetlands Interpretation Centre in Salburua
❙ Exhibitions, contests and competitions
❙ Environmental fi lms
❙ Classroom for urban ecology (monthly programme of lectures and conferences)
❙ Organic gardening workshops in the Olarizu and Urarte gardens(for young and old)
❙ Regular contributions to the media
❙ A wide range of paper and digital publications
❙ Development of a dedicated and regularly updated web page
41VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
What impressed the experts The panel of experts who evaluated the European Green Capital Award
applications was particularly impressed by Vitoria-Gasteiz’ outstanding
performance on fi ve of the indicators – climate change, transport,
air quality, noise pollution and its dissemination programme.
The climate-change battle
Vitoria-Gasteiz has built a strong political consensus in support of a long-term, coherent set of
policies and actions at local level. The panel noted several innovative actions aimed at tackling
climate change including, for example, the installation of a power generator using the fl ow of
effl uent water from the sewage-treatment plant, and the reuse of treated water for non-drinking
purposes.
Local transport
The city won approval for its Sustainable
Mobility Plan and active measures to
promote eco-friendly modes of transport,
including improvements to the public
transport system, the proposed extension of
the city’s ‘Superblock’ with its very low speed
zones (10 km/h), and better management of
freight distribution.
The Florida Park (1820) is the fl agship green area of the city.
The city shows much enthusiasm and dedication to the EGCA project
42 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
A breath of fresh air
Clean air is essential for a healthy environment. Vitoria-Gasteiz adopted an Air Quality Management
Plan in 2003, and the installation of monitoring systems and an emissions database has made it
possible to chart progress and record the impact of measures to control and improve air quality.
Today, air-pollution indicators are already below target and are continuing to fall, reaching 284 days
of good air quality each year.
Noise pollution
The city has taken steps to cut noise pollution over the past decade as part of its Noise Management
Plan, setting up a noise-monitoring network in 17 places in 2008. As a result, residents enjoy
relatively low levels of exposure to noise.
A green urban environment
Partly through development of the Green Belt, the amount of green space has doubled since 1974
and is now distributed more evenly across the city. In addition, the extensive network of pedestrian
and cycle paths ensures that all areas are well connected and helps ‘bring nature into the city’.
43VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Water consumption
It is the only inland city to have won the prize so far, bringing additional challenges in water
supply and management. Vitoria-Gasteiz is successfully coping with water scarcity and has steadily
decreased its water consumption over the last decade. On the other hand, the city has to deal with
overloaded sanitation systems during heavy rains. It has invested in improving water supply and
quality, reducing losses, and has set up a citizens’ water information offi ce.
Enthusiasm and dedication
Vitoria-Gasteiz’ communications programme, with its appealing slogan Verde por fuera - Verde
por dentro, off ers an impressive range of activities, events, actions and networking opportunities
throughout the year and demonstrates the city’s strong motivation to share ideas and spread best
practice. It includes a number of original ideas, such as the Ekolabora volunteer programme, and an
EU-wide schools competition.
Woods and fi elds surround Vitoria-Gasteiz, the largest municipality in the Basque Country.
45VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Vitoria-Gasteiz: a model for EuropeThe winner of the European Green Capital Award should serve as an
example and inspiration for other cities.
Throughout 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz is opening its doors to showcase and share its environmental
policies, projects and challenges with the rest of Europe. The city has prepared an ambitious
programme of activities, off ering a platform for the exchange of good practices and for disseminating
green ideas.
Involving society
The programme sets out to involve the maximum number
of people in making 2012 a decisive year for environmental
progress.
Ekolabora is a volunteer programme that will draw people into
local initiatives with a view to sustaining this commitment long
after the Green Capital title passes to the next winner in 2013.
The battle for sustainability will be won or lost in citiesMaurice Strong, Secretary-General of the UN Stockholm ’72 and Rio ’92 summits
Vitoria-Gasteiz, seen from the hill in the medieval quarter, is compact.
The VGGC 2012 programme is divided into four themes:
1. Involving society
2. Showcasing the city and its initiatives
3. Refl ecting on the city: space and opportunities
4. Disseminating the Green Capital idea and its values
46 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Green cities initiatives have come from many
organisations and civic bodies. The city council
has approved a range of aid and subsidy
packages to support the most interesting
projects.
The Green Pact is an agreement between
institutions, companies and associations,
pledging to promote good environmental
practices. It is about creating a partnership
between businesses, public administrations and
civil society. Partners undertake to identify how
their activities impact on the city’s environment,
and sign up to improve their performance.
Sustainable city events: with major cultural and
other festivals throughout the year, organisers
will be urged to ensure events are outwardly and
inwardly sustainable.
Showcasing the city and its initiatives
A permanent exhibition will present the city’s environmental record over recent years and the
major plans and projects that have earned it the Green Capital Award, as well as future plans beyond
2012. There will also be space to demonstrate environmental initiatives by groups of citizens. It will
be a dynamic and interactive exhibition promoting visitors’ participation.
Green Factories: a programme of one-day guided tours will enable people to explore the ‘green
heart’ of the city, visiting the places where daily environmental processes are handled. These include
waste treatment, water treatment and sewage plants, the Miñano Technology Park, the Ataria
Wetlands Interpretation Centre, and the University of the Basque Country.
Community gardens, a sign
of citizens’ involvement.
47VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Ecotourism: Vitoria-Gasteiz will develop a plan of action to make it even more attractive as a
destination for eco-tourists. A nature and cultural heritage programme will harness natural assets to
create an outstanding sustainable tourism location.
Refl ecting on the city: space and opportunities
The fi fth CONAMA local meeting (National Environmental Congress) took place in Vitoria-Gasteiz in
December 2011, to celebrate the city being selected as European Green Capital 2012. It was a forum
for debate on the quest for urban sustainability.
Several thematic weeks, including Energy Week, Green Week, Mobility Week and the Land and
Landscape Week, will off er a range of activities including practical sessions, demonstrations, and
training, open to the whole population. In addition, public spaces will host events on the theme of
‘recovering the city for citizens’, displaying the potential of streets, squares and parks as venues for
exchanging information in an environmentally friendly manner.
The city’s university is in one of the most characteristic green zones.
48 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
VGGC 2012 has called on all schools in Europe to join the
European Agenda 21 for Schools, creating a Europe-wide
network of educational centres. An online forum will develop
a project on responsible eating and consumption, in Spanish,
Basque, English, French and German, and students will present
the results to the city’s mayor. By October 2011, 44 schools had
registered to take part, including fi ve from France, four from
Germany, three from Romania and one from the UK.
As well as a number of technical seminars, Vitoria-Gasteiz will
host the annual Civitas Forum in 2012, an EU initiative to promote
ambitious projects for sustainable, clean and economical urban
transport.
The United Nations invited Vitoria-Gasteiz’ leaders to go to New York to take part in preparations for the Rio+20 Environmental Summit. The city will use its title as European Green Capital to promote its green credentials on the international stage.
Ataria is the Green Belt
Interpretation Centre, close
to the Salburua Wetlands.
49VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Disseminating the Green Capital idea and its values
Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Green Capital Award has already gained coverage by over 30 media organisations,
in Spain and abroad. Communication throughout 2012 will focus on opening the city to people
from all over Europe, and winning support for and investment in the Green Capital ideals. Top events
include:
❙ VG2012 Opening – to launch the European Green Capital in the year of the Rio+20 Summit
❙ European Green Capitals 2014 event – designating the future award-holders
❙ Green Cycle Tour – 10 people will visit 25 European cities in July 2012, including Stockholm,
Hamburg and Nantes: Green Capitals in 2010, 2011 and 2013
❙ Green Night 2012 – live music, exhibitions, plays, slow food… and much more to celebrate
around the city centre
❙ Closing Event – to thank all those involved and sum up achievements throughout 2012.
Environmental awareness activities are common in the city, including European Mobility Week.
51VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Vitoria-Gasteiz – beyond the Green Capital Gaining the award does not mean the end of a process for Vitoria-
Gasteiz – not even a halt on the road towards sustainability. In fact,
the green city of the future requires profound changes in traditional
urban-management models and policies, and in lifestyles and patterns
of behaviour.
More biocapacity, more biodiversity
The defi nitive completion of the Green Belt is the most urgent task at hand, guaranteeing
connectivity for both people and wildlife. The belt will be transformed from a collection of green
areas into a great urban infrastructure.
Connecting it with the mountains surrounding the city will provide Vitoria-Gasteiz with a new
ecological dimension, linking the city with the natural spaces known as the Highland Belt,
and making it part of the great pan-European ecological corridor that runs from the Galician
mountains to the Alps.
Increasing biodiversity and biocapacity within the city is an even more challenging task, reducing
the urban ecological footprint and ensuring the continuity of natural cycles. The Interior Green
Belt project will create an urban corridor that is sustainable from the viewpoint of power, building,
and vegetation. The eco-redesign of Gasteiz Avenue and the Europa Convention Centre will be the
centre point of this development.
The Salburua Wetlands – home to endangered species such as European mink – seen from the air.
52 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
In rural areas, where agriculture is still a major activity, the aim is
to protect agricultural land from urban development, promote
good practices, involve young farmers and encourage farming as
a strategic sector and a key factor in preserving the land.
More city in the city
Urban growth must respond to real social needs and respect
environmental conditions. Curbing the consumption of materials
and preventing the development of more and more land means
new construction techniques and the smart reuse of buildings
and public spaces. The idea is to move towards a ‘closed cycle’
urban metabolism, reducing both the environmental impact and
building costs.
VGGC 2012: plans and projects
❙ Plan for protection and restoration of sensitive natural resources
❙ Flood prevention plan
❙ Plan for improving biocapacity, biodiversity and urban landscape
❙ Mobility and public space plan
❙ Strategic waste plan
❙ Urban pollution reduction plan
❙ Plan to combat climate change
❙ Plan to improve water cycle
❙ Plan to promote a sustainability culture
❙ Plan for urban restoration and land improvement
Promoting renewable energy is one of the city’s challenges in the coming years.
53VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The Betoño Urban Business Park project, for example, will transform degraded and obsolete spaces
into new, mixed urban areas. The General Urban Development Plan is crucial to the life of the city,
treating land as an irreplaceable resource and respecting and protecting the peripheral network of
fi elds and forests.
Smart mobility
Vitoria-Gasteiz should be an accessible and friendly city for citizens and visitors alike. This means
careful traffi c planning within neighbourhoods, public streets that incorporate biodiversity as a
structural element, and more public and non-motorised transport.
The new Sustainable Mobility Plan has reduced car use in town.
The Green Belt will be transformed into a great urban infrastructure
54 VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
The Mobility Plan is gradually reducing private car travel and aims to replace cars with electric
and hybrid vehicles, with a network of electric recharging points, and car-sharing initiatives to be
introduced in 2012. The Bicycle Mobility Master Plan proposes to create a further 60 km of tracks and
to extend the free bike network.
Water and energy effi ciency
Signifi cant challenges remain with regard to reducing consumption and improving the quality of
discharged water. Two key aspects are the gradual separation and return to the natural environment
of clean water that currently runs into sewers, and the reuse of dirty water, especially for irrigation
and cleaning public spaces.
On energy, the priorities are saving power in new buildings and restoration projects, the urban
generation of renewable energy from infrastructure and buildings, and reducing consumption by
rationalising energy use and implementing more eco-effi cient technologies such as district heating.
The new city has grown,
respecting and accommodating
the natural environment.
55VITORIAGASTEIZ | European Green Capital 2012
Stimulating the green economy
With the current economic crisis and
struggle against high unemployment
in Spain, the opportunities arising
within the Green Capital framework
are enormous. Vitoria-Gasteiz can be a
breeding ground for green jobs, either
linked to technology and innovation, or through programmes to improve the natural environment
and for the recovery of biodiversity through Rural Employment Landscape Plans, to be launched
in 2012.
And do not forget the substantial employment opportunities that may arise from one of the city’s
future hallmarks: sustainable restoration, which involves improving the energy consumption of
buildings, more effi cient water management, and more accessible public space.
New governance
None of this will come about without good governance, which underpins the sustainable
development model. Indeed, current consumption models are often the cause of many economic,
social and environmental problems.
This new governance needs commitment, and a sustained political consensus in favour of green
policies. Vitoria-Gasteiz’ environmental advancement has transcended diff erences in political
opinions and manifestos.
In future, it will step up coordination between the Environment Sector Council and the municipal
departments and agencies, focusing on information, policy transparency, and communicating with
citizens. Strong institutional leadership and co-operation between diff erent agents in the city will
enable Vitoria-Gasteiz to move forward to ever greater sustainability.
New governance for sustainability must seek the commitment of cities
www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/www.europeangreencapital.euwww.europeangreencapital.eu
European Commission
Vitoria-Gasteiz — European Green Capital 2012
Luxembourg: Publications Offi ce of the European Union
2012 — 56 pp. — 21 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-22139-2
doi:10.2779/86055
More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2012
ISBN 978-92-79-22139-2doi:10.2779/86055
© European Union, 2012Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Printed in Belgium
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER THAT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE EU ECO-LABEL FOR GRAPHIC PAPER (www.ecolabel.eu)
Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers
to your questions about the European Union
Freephone number (*) :
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11
(*) Certain mobile telephone operators do not allow access to 00 800 numbers or these calls may be billed.
To order the publication, which is available free of charge while stocks last:
For a single copy:
via the EU Bookshop – the on-line access to European Union publications:
http:// bookshop.europa.eu
For several copies: via the nearest national Europe Direct information centre:
http://europa.eu/europedirect/meet_us/index_en.htm
European Green Capital 2012
VITORIAGASTEIZ
KH-30-11-346-EN
-C
Top Related