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

…………………………………………………………….

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

…………………………………………………………….

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

…………………………………………………………….

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

…………………………………………………………….

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

…………………………………………………………….

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

…………………………………………………………….

10. Presentation

Presentation and information to

• Public
• Jury
• Press

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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