People need simple ways to deal with difficult waste. Kraków Eco-Boxes show that citizens are willing to engage in an environmentally-friendly waste collection system if it’s easy to use. 

The transition towards the use of more sustainable mobility solutions needs an integrated and flexible approach, which is shown by the Spanish City of Gavà in the Gavà Mar area. The rewards of the gradual change that took place are multiple: better access to the beach, reduced noise and pollution levels, higher road safety and less emission of CO2. 

Aktief, a collector of bulky household waste, works with people receiving social service benefits to give them work experience at the second-hand shop. The foundation showcases an integrated approach to how waste and circular economy objectives can be combined with social objectives.

Buildings dating from communist times have poor energy efficiency levels. The city of Bistrița, Romania showed how to drop the energy consumption significantly with a structured, well-organised thermal-retrofitting programme. This contributes to the European climate goals and improves the living conditions of the residents.

Kraków was known as one of the cities with the worst air quality in Europe. About 20 years ago, inhabitants as well as city authorities decided that this was no longer acceptable. 

Development and maintenance of green areas that add value to the life of citizens as well as to biodiversity is a challenge that can only be addressed in close cooperation with all the relevant stakeholders in the city. In Kraków, this resulted in many initiatives, including a Code of Good Practice for green areas to improve conditions for pollinating insects.

The Smart City sensors in Tallinn collect valuable information on noise in the city and its sources. Based on this data, the municipality can implement adequate policy to improve environmental conditions in the city. This system is certainly replicable for other cities.

Tallinn has made a rough plan for the development of Putukaväil, a 13 km long linear park, a corridor for biodiversity, green mobility, and public space. Partnered with different stakeholders in the city, Tallinn is gradually transforming the area in a way that truly adds value to the inhabitants of Tallinn.

The innovative “Tre Rör Ut” (Three Pipe Wastewater) system collects and separates municipal wastewater closest to the source: in people’s houses. It prevents pollution, limits carbon emissions and saves water. It is important to educate people well in using the system to achieve optimal results, as seen when implemented in Helsingborg.

A citizen-based waste collection system like the one implemented in Treviso drives up recycling percentages. The needs of the citizens are important in the design of the system. Encouraging  citizens to feel responsible varies depending on their situation and place.

By educating citizens about the uniqueness of their surrounding landscape, the municipality of Winterswijk creates engagement and social connection.

The redevelopment of the Quinta do Passal achieved multiple goals. Not only did the appearance of the area significantly improve but it also contributed to the wellbeing of the surrounding inhabitants. Social interaction between citizens increased, as well as the safety of the area.