Guimarães holds a pivotal place in Portugal’s history, as the events that led to the nation’s sovereignty in the 12th century unfolded there. Today, this historic city has evolved into a beacon of cultural and environmental excellence, mixing its rich heritage with a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its well-preserved historic centre, Guimarães has since earned several prestigious titles: European Capital of Culture in 2012, European City of Sport in 2013 and the most sustainable municipality in Portugal for three consecutive years. These remarkable achievements underscore the city’s innovative spirit and dedication to progress, despite its relatively modest population of 156 830 residents. Guimarães has embraced sustainability as a cornerstone of its local culture. Innovative businesses are increasingly aligning with the city's environmentally conscious policies, fostering a new industrial culture and enhancing its ecosystem of innovation. Education has been at the heart of this transformation. Since 2015, the city’s environmental education programme, PEGADAS, has played a crucial role in raising awareness and empowering the community to adopt sustainable practices.
The municipal ecological footprint initiative serves as a guiding framework, steering Guimarães toward becoming a ‘One-Planet’ city. As a proud member of Zero Waste Europe, Guimarães has pioneered groundbreaking strategies such as the PAYT (Pay-As-You-Throw) system in Portugal and the RRRCICLO initiative, which promotes circular economy principles through effective communication and community engagement.
Air quality is another area where Guimarães shines, with 97% of its residents enjoying ‘good’ or ‘very good’ air. Yet, the city remains committed to doing even better, creating a healthier, more liveable environment where families can thrive, children can grow and older generations can age with dignity.
As the European Green Capital 2026, Guimarães exemplifies how sustainability can be deeply embedded into the fabric of a community. With its residents, national partnerships, and European collaborations, the city is forging a greener, brighter future for all.
Guimarães is proud to be a signatory of the Green City Accord, a European initiative committed to creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
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For more details, explore Guimarães' application and presentation, which provide an in-depth look at their initiatives and accomplishments. Additionally, the Jury Report is accessible for further insights.