The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has committed an additional €3 billion to its Green Cities programme. This investment strengthens the Bank’s commitment to sustainable urban development across its growing network of cities. Over the next five years, EBRD Green Cities will also receive contributions from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other partners.
Expanding Focus to Nature Finance and Green Capital Markets
In addition to the new funds, the updated framework broadens the programme’s focus. It will now include nature finance and green capital markets. The EBRD will also deploy a refined methodology for Green City Action Plans (GCAPs). The updates aim to help cities tackle more complex climate challenges and offer solutions for local environmental priorities.
Also read: EBRD and EU Launch New Green Financing Programme for Serbian SMEs
Introducing GCAP2 for Cities with Outdated Plans
The GCAP methodology now includes a new version, GCAP2, for cities that completed their plans over five years ago. This update will empower cities to adapt to evolving climate needs and improve local environmental strategies.
Key Sectors Targeted by EBRD Green Cities
EBRD Green Cities focuses on critical urban sectors such as transport, water, buildings, district energy, and solid waste. The programme also supports environmental clean-up efforts in these areas. Within each sector, it promotes energy efficiency, decarbonisation, climate adaptation, and digitalisation. Additionally, the programme aims to advance gender equality and economic inclusion.
While financing cities, the programme also seeks to mobilise private finance and engage the private sector in sustainability efforts.
Since its launch in 2016, the EBRD Green Cities initiative has invested €2.86 billion in 91 projects. These projects have reduced annual CO₂ emissions by 4,915 kilotonnes. This reduction is equivalent to removing over a million polluting cars from the roads. More than 50 cities have joined the network. Of these, 36 cities have completed their GCAPs, and another 14 are currently developing their plans.