Lille Metropole awarded national five-star label for ecological transition leadership

Last summer, Lille Metropole achieved the prestigious five-star rating in the 'Climate Air Energy' label from France’s national ecological transition agency (ADEME). This award places Lille Metropole among the leading regions in France in sustainability efforts, making it the largest metropolitan area to receive this top distinction.

The ‘Climate Air Energy Label’: A Benchmark for Sustainability
The Climate Air Energy label, awarded by ADEME, recognizes local authorities’ achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and advancing the energy transition. The label rates performance from one to five stars, with Lille Metropole earning the highest level. This rating is based on 65 primary indicators (over 100 when including sub-indicators) across six key areas: territorial planning; management of local authority infrastructure; energy, water, and sanitation; mobility; organizational practices; and cooperation and communication efforts.

Recognition of a Collective Effort

This five-star rating underscores Lille Metropole’s strong commitment to the ecological transition. In 2018, Lille Metropole received the same label at a three-star level, showcasing the impressive progress achieved since launching its Climate, Air, and Energy Plan (PCAET) in 2021. This success is the result of collaborative efforts across various departments, with numerous initiatives driving toward the PCAET’s ambitious goals. Here are a few examples of these initiatives:

- Public Transport Accessibility: Since January 1, 2022, Lille Metropole has made public transport free for all residents under 18, a program that has been met with enthusiastic uptake.

- The Renewable and Recovered Energy Rate (EnR&R): The average rate of renewable and recovered energy across the six metropolitan heating networks (réseaux de chaleur) increased significantly, from 22% in 2020 to nearly 66% in 2022. This substantial rise demonstrates Lille Metropole’s progress in reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency through innovative energy recovery initiatives.

- The Metropolitan Climate High Council (HCMC): Established in 2021, this council is a governance body supporting the PCAET. The HCMC aids Lille Metropole in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating climate action programs. It unites more than 200 members across four groups: citizens, municipalities, scientific experts, and socio-economic representatives, ensuring that all stakeholders are involved in this crucial mission.

- AMELIO: This metropolitan network provides guidance on sustainable renovation and construction for housing, supporting energy transition efforts across Lille Metropole’s 95 municipalities.

- Cycling Network Expansion and the ‘Ecobonus’ Program: These initiatives promote sustainable mobility by encouraging cycling and rewarding eco-friendly transport choices, helping to reduce urban traffic and emissions.

Looking Forward

Lille Metropole five-star rating underscores its leadership in sustainability, setting a powerful example for other regions. Looking forward, Lille Metropole is committed to furthering its ecological transition and inspiring similar initiatives across Europe.