Criteria
The panel of judges visiting the community are assessing according to the following criteria:
1. Planning and Development
Policy and implementation for
- Spatial Structure
- Green infrastructure
- Sustainability
Supplemental Information
- Responsible agency for urban planning (municipality/district/county/national level)
- Involvement of inhabitants/stakeholders in the planning process
- Spatial plans and development strategies, (e.g. zoning plan)
- Environmental components: hydrology, geology, vegetation, ecology, green corridors and ecosystems
- Sustainable ways of land use (e.g. multi-functional zones, protection of local water supply, traffic solutions)
- Universal access
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2. Sustainable environment
Policy and management of
- Air
- Soil
- Water
- Waste
- Energy
Supplemental Information
Air
- Levels of air quality and measures to implement improvements
Soil
- Evidence of soil conservation measures for example reduced usage of fertiliser and pesticides
- Methods to maintain soil quality and minimise erosion
Water
- Level of water quality, water conservation and environmental protection
- Value and usage of rivers, streams and lakes
- Extent of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), include permeable surfaces
- Extent of separate and combined waste water systems and sewage treatment
Waste – Organic and Inorganic
- System of waste separation and collection and level of success
- System of green waste composting
- Means of promotion sustainability to the public, agriculture, industry and in schools
Energy – Light and Heat
- Extent of alternatives to fossil fuel usage for heat and transport
- Promotional campaigns for energy reduction
- Extent of insulation in buildings and energy certification
- Level of photovoltaic cells, LED in lighting, reduction in light pollution
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3. Built Environment
Policy, Management, cleanliness and tidiness
- Buildings
- Squares and streets
Supplemental Information
- Heritage/monumental buildings and structures: status, register, public/private, regulations, public awareness, research/development
- Design of new buildings: regulations, use of materials
- Energy sources and use: solar panels, thermal insulation, green roofs/walls, water conservation
- Harmonisation of old and new buildings: scale, materials etc.
- Care and Maintenance of buildings: subsidies, regulations, guidelines
- Derelict buildings: regulations, strategy, guidelines
- Streetscape, furnishings, sculptures: design, function, level of local respect, use of soft and hard landscape
- Signage: regulation, design, function
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4. Landscape
Policy and management of
- Landscapes
- Nature reserves
- Managed areas (Agriculture/forestry)
- Flora and Fauna
Supplemental Information
- Interface of town/village with landscape
- Protected areas
- Streams, rivers and lakes
- Respect for natural habitats, ecological structure and indigenous species
- Protection of heritage trees, hedges and hedgerows
- Scale of farming/forestry/other activity
- Flora and Fauna
- Extent of natural areas in the City, Town or Village
- Survey information on flora, fauna and biodiversity
- Extent of native flora, fauna and wildlife conservation, including protected species
- Extent of invasive species, level of awareness and control measures
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5. Green Spaces
Policy, Management, cleanliness and tidiness
- Parks.
- Open spaces/Green corridors.
- Sports and playgrounds.
- Private gardens.
- Collection and Botanic Gardens.
- Cemeteries.
- Streams, ponds, lakes and adjacent areas
Supplemental Information
- Design, variety, size and location of green spaces
- Integration and value to the community
- Community involvement in developing new green spaces
- Eco-friendly practices in maintenance programme
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6. Planting – Permanent and / or seasonal
Policy and management of
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Perennials
- Seasonal planting: display beds, containers, hanging baskets
- Special planting schemes: roses, etc.
- Grassed areas, wildflowers
Supplemental Information
- Species, variety and location
- Quantity and quality
- Heritage/monumental plantings; tree register
- Level of maintenance: inventory, pruning, weed, pest and disease control, mowing regime
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7. Environmental education
Policy and implementation by Municipality or Volunteers
- Different age/social groups
- Range of activities
- Special Interest groups
Supplemental Information
- Involvement of community, business, teachers and children
- Quality and range of education programme
- Environmental activities: Lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and visit to parks, gardens or natural areas
- Environmental projects: cleaning rivers, planting trees, bird watching etc
- Level of sustainable practices: water, waste and energy conservation techniques
- Experience of planting and care of trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables and flowers
- Existence of school and/or community gardens
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8. Effort and involvement
Policy and implementation
- Actions of voluntary bodies
- Cooperation between municipality and citizens
- Support from private business
Supplemental Information
- Evidence of community taking responsibility for their environment
- Existence of voluntary environmental groups: specific projects, residential schemes
- Effort by local and/or municipal authority, local businesses: hotels, restaurants, shops, industry
- Promotional activities: access to private/heritage gardens, botanic gardens etc.
- Competitions: gardens, balconies, window box/displays etc.
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9. Tourism and leisure
Policy, development, marketing and services
Supplemental Information
- Attractiveness and sustainability
- Accommodation, infrastructure, signage
- Sport and leisure facilities: playgrounds, touring routes etc.
- Events: festivals, fairs, markets, seminars, meetings etc.
- Promotion: literature, website, media, tourist office
- Special programmes: environmental, seasonal attractions, cultural/historic, crafts, agro-tourism, sporting, equestrian, health and food
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10. Presentation
Presentation and information to
Supplemental Information
- Clarity and quality of Documents: newsletter, press releases, portfolio, site maps etc.
- Evidence of promotion of Entente Florale
- Presentation to the jury and site visit
- Community involvement during the jury visit
- Press coverage of the jury visit
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