Sustainable metropolis and European green capital

Grenoble EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL

Grenoble-Alpes Métropole is implementing a pro-active policy for the energy transition of its territory, and has been chosen by the European Commission for the mission ‘100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030’. It was the first French urban area to put in place an Air Energy and Climate Plan back in 2005, and has been awarded a 4-star label, with 2 of its towns and cities having been awarded the highest level of excellence (Grenoble and Echirolles with 5 stars). Thanks to its commitments, Grenoble has also been awarded the title of European Green Capital 2022.

A territory of innovation par excellence, France's first eco-neighborhood was created in Grenoble in 2009. The Bonne neighborhood was an avant-garde experimental area for its time aiming at creating extremely efficient developments in the heart of the city, with minimal energy consumption targets. There are now 7 eco-neighborhoods in the Grenoble area.

Here, mobility is a key priority: the public transport network, a pioneer with the reintroduction of the tramway in 1987, has been strengthened and densified, and 80% of the bus fleet is now running on bio-gas or electric power. Grenoble Alpes is also the leading metropolitan area in France for cycling, with 320 km of bike lanes (according to the 2021 French Cycling Cities Barometer).

Encouraging eco-friendly initiatives in energy, housing, mobility, food, air quality, and biodiversity preservation, Grenoble Alpes Métropole serves as a model of a committed and sustainable region.

An ambassador region at European level

The title of European Green Capital  was a tremendous opportunity to enhance the region's attractiveness and showcase the remarkable initiatives in the field of transitions. Throughout 2022, events such as investor tours, public gatherings, tourism activities, experience sharing, and meetings with the general public highlighted these achievements.

By rallying local stakeholders around this common challenge — accelerating transitions — Grenoble Alpes shared its vision of a resilient, innovative, and life-respecting city.

Twelve key challenges (air, energy, inequalities and migration, mobility, health, the city of tomorrow, etc.) have driven a positive momentum in the region. The aim was to accelerate transitions through various axes, each supported by key indicators: protecting resources, reducing nuisances, adapting to climate change, and uniting energies.

The title of European Green Capital 2022 was also a unique opportunity to:

• Create a strong ripple effect at local level, that could spread beyond the region
• Boost local pride
• Intensify networking, particularly through access to the European Green Capitals network, and more broadly, put France at the heart of change in Europe during its presidency of the European Union.

Grenoble Alpes, A SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS EVENTS

By choosing Grenoble Alpes, your event will take place within Grenoble's sustainable ecosystem, benefiting from the region's infrastructures and initiatives that stem from it.

Thanks to a network of 5 tram lines and almost 50 bus lines, 100% of Grenoble's conference centres and 90% of its hotels are served by public transport. A dedicated transport pass is available for your business events.

Event service providers are also committed to developing eco-responsible offers and services: from event agencies to caterers and hotels, all the professionals in Grenoble are committed to making their events more sustainable.