The City of Mainz (Germany) has been presented with the Local Climate Protection Award for its comprehensive climate-friendly procurement policy. The City of Mainz’s commitment to green public procurement (GPP) covers all aspects of urban life from the purchase of printers and copiers, to the upgrading of street lights and new building construction. The city also offers its employees the use of bicycles and low-emission vehicles, demonstrating the ability to cut CO2 emissions while saving money.

Minister for Economic Affairs, Climate Protection, Energy and Regional Planning Eveline Lemke said: "By energy and resource-efficient procurement in the public sector, significant cost savings and CO2 reductions can be made. The city of Mainz has already shown, with the support of urban bodies and city institutions, a great commitment to achieve these goals. We see here how communities can use their market power to develop and popularise energy-saving techniques."

The Local Climate Protection Award has been presented to outstanding German municipalities and regions since 2009 as part of the National Climate Initiative, a joint undertaking with the German Institute for Urbanism. The award recognises exemplary climate protection projects and this year received 117 applications across three categories.

For more information, visit the Citizen’s Environment Portal website [in German].