Santa Cruz Takes a Significant Step Towards Sustainability
Santa Cruz has made a decisive move towards sustainability and citizen participation with the approval of the Regulation of the Municipal Climate and Energy Council. This governing body will serve as a driving force for monitoring and implementing the Sustainable Climate and Energy Action Plan (Paces), allowing social, business, and community stakeholders to engage in the environmental protection of the municipality.
This document, approved in 2023, outlines a total of 55 actions across ten intervention areas, ranging from energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure to sustainable mobility and emissions reduction. The aim is to achieve at least a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions in the capital by 2030, in line with the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy to which Santa Cruz is committed.
Composition and Structure of the Council
This Council, yet to be established, will include political representatives, municipal technicians, and social, business, and community associations from the city’s five districts, ensuring pluralism in the fight against climate change. There will also be rotating participation from entities and the inclusion of citizens through transparent selection processes.
Statements from City Officials
The Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised that “the creation of this body signifies our commitment to a sustainable city model that is open to participation and aligned with European emission reduction targets. We want our capital to lead, responsibly and closely, the energy transition and adaptation to climate change.”
The Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Environmental Sustainability, Carlos Tarife, pointed out that “this regulation is the result of a participatory process that has incorporated contributions from technical services, equality, and citizen participation, ensuring the inclusion of a gender perspective, along with representatives from the districts. The Council will be a genuine space for dialogue and action.”
No Additional Cost to Public Funds
The Council will incur no extra cost to public finances, as it does not have its own budget and will be funded by existing resources allocated to the Sustainability area. Following its approval today in the Government Board, the commitment to the environment, innovation, and the active involvement of citizens in designing local policies against climate change has been strengthened.
