The municipality of Chamonix (pop. 9,300) in the Rhône-Alpes region has been chosen by an international jury as the “Alpine Town of the Year 2015”. It will now be part of the “Alpine Town of the Year” association, an international network that advocates urban development in the Alps with future generations in mind. “This award honours Chamonix as an appreciation of its efforts so far in environmental policy”, says Mayor Eric Fournier, who sees it as an inducement to continue on the same path and set further ambitious targets.

One example is environmentally-friendly mobility: the aim is that, by 2020, the number of bus and train trips will be twice that of today. Sustainable renovation and construction are also priorities, with financial support available to homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. Young people, too, are to be more involved in determining the future shape of their home town, with delegates of the Youth Parliament of the Alpine Convention (YPAC) this spring discussing the implementation of their demands with the municipal council. “Sustainability requires a holistic approach”, argues town councillor Elodie Bavuz. “It means combining environmental, economic and social issues.” The result: a sustainable municipality.

Sources and further information: http://www.alpenstaedte.org/de/aktuell/news/5065, http://www.alpenstaedte.org/de/alpenstaedte-1/223