12 April 2012: The European Commission has announced that out of 18 applicants for the 2014 European Green Capital award, Bristol, Copenhagen and Frankfurt have been named as finalists. The award is presented annually to a city that represents “the vanguard of environmentally friendly urban living,” with cities being judged, inter alia, on: climate change contributions; transport; sustainable land use; nature and biodiversity; air quality; water production and management; water consumption and treatment; sustainable employment; and energy performance.

The Green Capital title has been awarded to four cities since its inauguration in 2010, including: Stockholm, Sweden, in 2010; Hamburg, Germany, in 2011; the current title-holder for 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; and Nantes, France, which will be the 2013 Green Capital. A panel of experts will judge the finalists in June on the basis of 12 environmental indicators, their success implementing environment standards, as well as their ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainable development. [European Commission Press Release] [European Green Capital Website]