Vaasa – a port city with a „European Green Leaf Award 2026”
By Marek Grzybowski
On the Gulf of Bothnia lies a city that was awarded the European Green Leaf Award 2026 as part of the European Green Capital and Leaf Awards competition. Vaasa, the Nordic energy capital, is a dynamic city on the west coast of Finland, with a population of 67,000. Energy is more than a resource here – it is a driving force that shapes business, community life and the development of the city – emphasized the jury operating under the auspices of the European Commission.
Jury representatives noted that “Vaasa’s commitment to sustainable development is ambitious and future-oriented. The city aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of the decade and is a signatory to the EU Mission Charter on Adaptation to Climate Change.”
It is emphasized that the Vaasa authorities organize cooperation between the administration, business representatives, social organizations and universities in a model way. And it is not a future, because local universities, companies and municipalities are already cooperating in the field of research, development of activities, technologies and pro-ecological products, education and innovation. Thanks to this, this region is already the most innovative in Finland.
And it should be noted that this small port city, located almost halfway along the Gulf of Bothnia, is a strong industrial center. There are about 180 technology companies operating here with annual sales of about EUR 6 billion per year. These companies plan to invest in technologies related to environmentally friendly energy over EUR 1.9 billion by 2030. Already today, about EUR 250 million is spent annually on pro-ecological research and development of new technologies. 60% of patents filed in the Nordic countries related to renewable energy are created here.
Whereas 80% of expenditure on research and development is spent by private entities. Industrial plants from this region provide 30% of Finland’s exports of products related to energy generation on land and at sea. The industry located in Vaasa employs 13 thousand people. However, it is important that 25% of engineers and employees producing innovative products in the Finnish energy industry work in the region.
The jury for the award was composed of representatives of key European and international environmental organisations. It is emphasised that “Jury members represent a wide range of expertise and have in-depth knowledge of the issues discussed”. The jury for the European Green Leaf Award 2026 was composed of the following organisations and their representatives:
● Patrick Child, Deputy Director General for Environment, European Commission (Chair)
● Frédéric Boyer, Head of Office, Covenant of Mayors-Europe
● Katja Rosenbohm, Head of Communications, European Environment Agency
● Andre Sobczak, Secretary-General, Eurocities
● Kata Tüttő, City Councillor of Budapest, Member of the European Committee of the Regions.
Wärtsilä Smart Technology Hub in the Vaasa industrial zone is presented to the participants of the I3-4 BLUE GROWTH project by Veijo Tapani Karinkanta, Program Director at Wärtsilä Finland Oy. Photo: Marek Grzybowski
A green city full of life
The jury emphasized that “This vibrant city combines modern multiculturalism, youthful enthusiasm and cutting-edge innovation with the peaceful beauty of nature, offering residents and visitors a unique combination of city life and breathtaking landscapes.”
Vaasa, a city situated in the charming Kvarken archipelago, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Finland. It is distinguished by its flat plains and landscapes at the interface between land and sea. Even in unfavorable weather, the views are breathtaking and you can feel the soul of a region that literally grew out of the sea. It is noted that in Vaasa “city life coexists seamlessly with extraordinary nature.”
– Vaasa’s environmental initiatives contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the Jury representing the European Commission noted, noting that the city continues to take further steps to address transport and noise issues.
Vaasa also has plans to expand housing and increase the population to 100,000 inhabitants. The Vaasa administration focuses on balancing urban development with an ecological lifestyle. The city has introduced an eco-factor to ensure environmental considerations in built-up areas and aims to further improve air and water quality.
Green education and business activity
The city was recognized for its exemplary integration of energy use with educational activities. It is stated that “Vaasa equips its young citizens with the tools and knowledge to contribute to a sustainable future. As the winner of the “European Green Leaf Award 2026″, Vaasa is a clear example of how innovation, cooperation and a deep respect for nature can create a greener, more sustainable world.”
The city was recognized as a model in creating and implementing pro-ecological policy in all areas of urban activity, social activity, development programs and industrial development. The jury stated that the city located on the Gulf of Bothnia “was recognized for its bold ambition to become “carbon neutral by 202x”.
The industrial nature of the city was used as an asset. The developing energy sector here served as an incubator for transformation. Plants working for renewable energy and maritime industries as well as universities, TechnoBotnia Technology Park and Merinowa Cluster are the driving force behind the implementation of system solutions in the sustainable development of the city.
The city’s integrated approach includes many inspiring system solutions combining sustainable development in the area of renewable energy production and use. Solutions are being implemented in the field of storing excess renewable energy produced, including on the basis of hydrogen-based systems. Prosumer activities are being popularized. The focus is on optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings.
Prosumer ecology
The city also received high marks for air quality and climate change mitigation. IT tools and IoT are used to optimize city traffic. A system for waste circulation and processing into biogas has been created. Residents use biogas refueling stations, and the ferry is powered by renewable energy on the quay during the ship’s stay in port. Non-renewable and non-recyclable raw materials are used in road or building construction. Industrial waste water is used in heating.
It was also appreciated that Vaasa has a policy of managing stormwater in such a way that it does not pollute the environment. The city has introduced comprehensive solutions for stormwater management that prevent the effects of climate change. An integrated system has been developed that includes stormwater management and allows for effective prevention of floods and flood damage. Global warming has created new challenges in Northern Finland related to periodic excess water in public spaces.
Effective stormwater management in Vaasa is organized and consists of the city stormwater management system, which includes structures and equipment for stormwater management, which are the responsibility of the municipality. The municipality is responsible for flood hazard control and flood mitigation. All activities focus on preventing flood damage to city properties, as well as roads, streets, waterways and green areas. The areas covered by the stormwater management system are the planned areas of Vaasa and Vähäkyrö.
The 3-30-300 rule has been implemented in Vaasa. The 3-30-300 rule refers to cities where reference points are set for equal access to nature. The idea is that city residents should be able to see three trees from their home, have 30% of the treetops in their neighborhood and live within 300 m of high-quality green areas.
The jury, awarding the “European Green Leaf Award 2026”, noted that “this Finnish city is an example of using technology for sustainable transformations”. It was important that the administration operates in strong ties with the community, residents, representatives of business and science. The jury distinguished the “Nordic energy capital” (as the city of Vaasa – MG is called) for raising awareness among citizens through energy education from an early age. Thanks to this, sustainable development is rooted in the community’s consciousness.
It was stated that “Vaasa is and will be an example of using innovative technological solutions to strengthen and make the city’s residents more ecological”. It was emphasized that other cities in the European Union should benefit from the experience of Vaasa’s activities. So let’s use it. There is still a lot to do in the Tri-City and other Polish seaside cities.