The winners of the German Sustainability Award for Cities and Towns have been announced. This year’s municipal winners all approach climate and biodiversity protection in a participatory manner, leading to local success and assuming global responsibility. ICLEI Europe sat on the independent expert jury for the prize.

The city of Osnabrück won the most sustainable German city award in recognition of its participatory approach to sustainable development, which is also reflected in its urban planning. Local citizens were able to contribute to municipal plans, and examine implementation of strategic municipal goals in detail. The city also boasts extensive ecological standards and solar roofs.

The winner for medium sized cities was the City of Aschaffenburg, in recognition of their work towards meeting global sustainable development goals; their focus on integration of residents with immigration backgrounds; revitalisation of traditional cultivation; and progress in energy saving and transition. The small city or town winner was Bad Berleburg that was recognised for their action plan to achieve purposeful sustainable development that accounts for demographic changes.

ICLEI Members have been prominent among past winners. Overall, 57 percent of past winners in the “large city” category are ICLEI Members, as well as all of last year’s large city finalists: Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Münster (that ultimately won).

Winning cities receive not only recognition, but also €30,000 in support of sustainable urban development projects.

For more information on the awards and to read more about the efforts of winning municipalities, please click here.