Harelbeke is the first to obtain a prestigious label in sustainability

“In the autumn of 2017, as a local government, we entered into a pilot project of the VVSG that resulted in a multi-year plan,” says Mayor Alain Top. Because we already met the conditions to receive this certificate – due to our preliminary process – we were able to claim the title through a so-called ‘Fast Track procedure’.”

“Also thanks to residents”

“I cannot emphasize enough that this is the result of the efforts of many,” said the mayor. “In addition to the policy and the employees of the local government, we could and can count on our residents to ensure that we can meet the SDG challenges.”

“The City of Harelbeke is an example for other local authorities in the making,” says the jury. “Thanks to its exceptional policy anchoring, internal support is created in a strong and innovative way.”