Competition

In the "energy efficiency" category of the competition, cities will be evaluated based on their approach to implementing strategies, technologies, and practices aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving its efficiency. This effort ultimately leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, decreased dependence on fossil fuels, and improved air quality. Cities aiming to enhance energy efficiency should implement changes such as:

1. Reducing Energy Consumption: By adopting more efficient technologies and devices.
2. Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources: Such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydropower, which contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Effective Energy Management: Through monitoring, controlling, and optimizing energy consumption.
4. Educating and Raising Social Awareness: About energy efficiency and the benefits of energy conservation.

In the "sustainable mobility" category of the competition, cities will be evaluated based on their approach to transportation and mobility to minimize negative impacts on the environment, society, and economy, while ensuring convenient and efficient travel methods within the city. The primary goal of sustainable mobility is to reduce the adverse effects of transportation on climate change, air pollution, energy consumption, and urban congestion. Cities' actions will be assessed in various categories and scopes:

1. Public Transport: Promoting and investing in public transport networks such as trams, buses, metro, and trains.
2. Walking and Cycling: Creating safe and friendly environments for pedestrians and cyclists through the construction of sidewalks, bike paths, and bike lanes. Encouraging the use of these modes of transport through promoting physical activity and providing amenities like bike racks.
3. Electromobility: Transitioning to electric vehicles such as electric cars, electric bicycles, electric scooters, etc., which do not emit exhaust fumes.
4. Carpooling and Carsharing: Promoting carpooling for shared journeys and carsharing for short-term car rentals.
5. Spatial Planning: Developing sustainable spatial plans that integrate various transport modes, residences, workplaces, shops, and services in close proximity to each other.
6. Transport Technologies: Utilizing modern technologies such as intelligent traffic management systems, mobile applications, and smart parking solutions to enhance the efficiency of transport systems.

The competition category "water management" within the Eco-Miasto competition focuses on presenting projects, innovations, and solutions aimed at protecting urban water resources, improving their quality, and reducing consumption. Projects submitted by cities in this category should concentrate on minimizing water loss and wastage through the use of modern technologies, implementing water consumption monitoring systems, and promoting conscious use of water resources among the local community. Additionally, projects presented in the competition may focus on reducing water pollution, introducing innovative water purification methods, monitoring water quality, and improving the ecological status of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. An important aspect is also the exploration of innovative solutions for sewage sludge treatment, including technologies for biogas production, which represents a significant source of renewable energy. All projects in the "water management" category of the Eco-Miasto competition will be evaluated based on their innovation, efficiency, sustainable approach, and potential impact on improving both water and sewage management in urban contexts.

In the "closed-loop economy" category of the competition, cities will be evaluated based on their approach to implementing the closed-loop economy (GOZ) model. This model aims to efficiently use resources by minimizing waste, maintaining the long-term value of products and materials, reducing the consumption of primary resources, and creating closed loops in product production while ensuring environmental protection and generating socio-economic benefits. In other words, the evaluation will focus on cities transitioning from a linear economy model (resource extraction - production - use - waste disposal) to a circular model (production - use - waste utilization as raw materials in subsequent production cycles).The GOZ represents a holistic strategy aimed at addressing both the environmental impact of waste and the waste of valuable resources. It is an expression of conscious concern for the climate, the future of our planet, and the health of city residents.

The "green-blue infrastructure" category of the competition evaluates cities' approach to planning, designing, and managing urban and landscape infrastructure that integrates natural, ecological, and water elements. This concept involves creating and restoring urban ecosystems to improve quality of life, promote sustainable development, and protect and restore the natural environment.Green infrastructure primarily refers to systems of green spaces such as parks, gardens, forests, and green areas that serve ecological and social functions within the city. Its objectives include improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, regulating climate, reducing pollution, and providing recreational and leisure spaces for residents.Blue infrastructure, on the other hand, pertains to water systems such as rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and ponds. Its goals include managing stormwater, improving water quality, flood protection, creating habitats for aquatic organisms, and providing attractive spaces for residents.Efforts in both green and blue infrastructure aim to enhance urban resilience, sustainability, and the overall well-being of city inhabitants.