European Green Capital 2022: Grenoble

To encourage everyone – citizens, businesses, non-profit organisations, and public institutions – to commit themselves and undertake concrete action for the climate, Grenoble has created an innovative strategy that divides 2022 into 12 themes and 54 challenges to build a just and desirable future.

In the wake of climate disruption and the expansion of human activities, biodiversity is in decline everywhere. As the trees, plants, animals, and insects that surround us are a common good that must be protected, we are taking action to protect our ecosystem. There will soon be 3 urban farms, 6 collective orchards, and 42 allotments, all without pesticides. 7,500 trees have been planted on public space since 2014, and 1 new park has been created or renovated every year.

The greening of a city can only be carried out by the city and its surrounding towns. Therefore, the "Green Your City!" plan will allow Grenoble residents to either receive one or more of 19 protected species of trees free of charge, or the ability to turn an unused space in their neighbourhood into a public park or garden. In September 2022, after a historically hot and dry summer, Grenoble’s citizens voted in overwhelming support of a participatory budget allowing for projects which will increase green spaces and allotments, ultimately helping to cool the city.

Vegetables are also making their way onto our plates. Since the beginning of the academic year, the "standard" lunch menu served in the city’s schools has been 100% vegetarian. Families can choose a fish or meat option for 2 to 3 days each week, the remaining days being vegetarian for all students.

At the same time, the city is continuing its efforts to increase the amount of organic food being served. 60% of the food served in schools is already organic while nearly 100% of the food served in the city's nurseries is organic.

The transition must be equitable; thus, the price of these meals varies from 0.77€ to 9.70€, according to each student's ability to pay. Additionally, individual households’ participation in composting is becoming commonplace, allowing for food waste to be used to produce energy locally or to fertilise nearby farmers' crops.

Whether in the field of energy, water, waste, air, health, transport, food, city planning, nature, or biodiversity, the city of Grenoble is adapting and committing to accelerate its transition.