Cities today issue 12 | Page 50

The issue of the green, sustainable renewal of European cities is one that is being given increasing consideration in academic, economic and political circles as well as in the media. Sometimes viewed as a fad–with the risk of remaining too often at a level that is theoretical rather than one of concrete action–this issue, however, reflects a multitude of local initiatives and achievements. Collectively these create a momentum towards attaining the EU 2020 energy and climate objectives–the so-called 3x20–as well as the longer-term 2050 objectives. Executive Director and Information Manager at Energy Cities