The Portuguese city of Torres Vedras was among the first to be awarded the European Green Leaf for its commitment to achieving better environmental outcomes. Located in the Lisbon district, about 50 kilometres (km) north of the capital, Torres Vedras lies in the western part of the Centro region. The municipality spans 407.20 km² and is home to approximately 72 000 residents. The city features a 20 km coastline with over 20 beaches and is also historically significant for the Lines of Torres Vedras, a series of forts built in secrecy to defend Lisbon during the Peninsular War.
Torres Vedras stood out for its comprehensive mobility strategy, efforts to reduce biodiversity loss and innovative water management measures. The city’s mobility strategy focuses on diagnosing weaknesses in the transport system and implementing measures to improve mobility and quality of life. The strategy emphasises multimodality, removing barriers and promoting universal access for both people and goods. An electromobility plan has been introduced, with 12 electric vehicle charging points established throughout the city. The municipality also encourages active mobility by promoting cycling through a public bike-sharing scheme and developing infrastructure that supports bicycle use. Additional measures include connecting peripheral car parks with urban transport services and implementing an integrated parking management system. A new sustainable mobility plan is currently in development, focusing on multimodality, shared mobility and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access while promoting car rental over ownership.
In biodiversity and land use, Torres Vedras aims to reduce biodiversity loss, minimise the unsustainable use of natural resources and ensure population access to nature. A major focus is integrating biodiversity into high-density urban areas, making green spaces more accessible. The city has launched various initiatives to achieve these goals, such as large-scale tree planting, implementing the Atlantic Path of the Western Natura Network (part of a trans-European pedestrian route), and promoting urban agriculture and gardening. Local population is actively involved in landscape protection and management, with key projects like the ‘Protected Landscape Area of Socorro’,‘Archeira Mountains’ and the ‘Rivers Project’.
Water management is another key focus for Torres Vedras. The city is served by a municipal supply system that provides drinking water compliant with the EU’s drinking water directive, with primary objective to reduce water consumption. This is achieved through remote management systems to monitor water use, utilise rainwater for irrigation and develop technologies for reusing treated wastewater. The Environmental Education Centre (EEC) plays a significant role in promoting water conservation practices through innovative systems for recovering and reusing greywater and rainwater.
Torres Vedras places a strong emphasis on raising public awareness and encouraging behavioural changes to protect the environment. The city’s EEC is a hub for environmental learning, offering a wide range of activities that span all environmental categories included in the European Green Leaf competition. The centre engages citizens of all ages with a particular focus on children, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and motivation to continue the city’s sustainability efforts. Through thematic sessions and visits to wastewater treatment plants, the EEC raises awareness about water conservation, pollution reduction and sustainable living, fostering a community-wide commitment to environmental protection.
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For more information on Torres Vedras' environmental initiatives and achievements, you can explore Torres Vedras' application, which outlines the city’s sustainability strategies and goals. The EGL 2015 Good Practice Report highlights successful initiatives and serves as a resource for other cities looking to adopt similar practices. A detailed evaluation of the city’s performance can be found in the EGLA Technical Assessment Synopsis Report – Award Cycle 2015. To see highlights from the city’s recognition, you can view photos from the 2015 award ceremony.