Further to the new funds, the renewed framework broadens its focus by including nature finance and green capital markets while deploying a refined methodology for Green City Action Plans Updates to the GCAP methodology are designed to empower cities to address more complex climate challenges, offering new solutions to local environmental priorities. The updates include the introduction of a GCAP refresher for cities that completed their plans over five years ago.
Lin O'Grady, Deputy Head of the EBRD's Sustainable Infrastructure Group, said, "EBRD Green Cities is more than an investment program; it is a commitment to building cities where people can thrive in healthier, greener environments. With this renewed commitment, we are empowering a growing community of cities to meet climate goals, improve people's daily lives and create a legacy of sustainability."
Gianpiero Nacci, Director of Climate Strategy and Delivery at the EBRD, said, "The refined GCAP methodology empowers cities to drive impactful climate action. With more precise, target-oriented plans, tailored to each location's unique needs, cities can turn ambition into action , addressing urgent climate challenges and building resilient urban spaces that prioritize the well-being of their residents."
EBRD Green Cities focuses on core urban sectors, including transport, water, buildings, district energy, solid waste and environmental clean-up. Within each sector, the program supports energy efficiency, decarbonization, adaptation, digitalization, gender and economic inclusion. While financing cities, the program aims to mobilize private finance and draw in the private sector.
To date, the EBRD Green Cities initiative has invested €2.86 billion through 91 projects. Across its cities, the program has cut annual CO₂ emissions by 4,915 kilotonnes, equivalent to removing over a million polluting cars from the roads. Since the inception of the program in 2016, more than 50 cities have joined the network. Of those, 36 have completed their GCAPs, with another 14 developing their own.
