by EH
In a bold step toward redefining regional environmental leadership, Friuli Venezia Giulia has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at accelerating its transformation into a model of sustainable development and ecological innovation. At the heart of the campaign is the newly announced “FVGreen – Premio Sostenibilità” (FVGreen Sustainability Prize), unveiled by the region’s Environmental Councillor, Fabio Scoccimarro.
“This isn’t an isolated initiative,” Scoccimarro said during the project’s official presentation. “It’s a key part of a broader, integrated vision—one that places us at least five years ahead of the European Green Deal’s targets on decarbonization, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and natural resource protection.”
The initiative reflects a growing movement in Italy’s northeast to anticipate rather than follow global sustainability trends. Scoccimarro’s office envisions Friuli Venezia Giulia as a proving ground for next-generation climate strategies and green technologies.
The FVGreen prize is open to a wide spectrum of participants—from startups and businesses to public institutions, school communities, NGOs, and nonprofit associations. The project seeks innovative proposals in critical environmental sectors, including:
- Water Resources: Protection and restoration of freshwater and marine ecosystems, improvements to water distribution networks, and innovations in hydroelectric energy.
- Energy and Climate: Renewable energy infrastructure, energy retrofitting of public buildings, urban liveability, sustainable transportation, and climate adaptation strategies to boost territorial resilience.
Applicants will be able to submit their proposals through an online portal in the coming weeks. A jury of experts in environmental science, policy, and innovation will evaluate submissions based on their impact, scalability, and alignment with EU climate objectives.
The FVGreen award is part of a broader strategy to reposition Friuli Venezia Giulia not just as a regional player, but as a European beacon for environmental transformation. It underscores the growing role of subnational governments in meeting global climate targets—and, perhaps, in setting new ones.
As Europe looks toward its 2030 and 2050 sustainability milestones, eyes will be on Italy’s northeast to see whether this ambitious regional blueprint can serve as a model for others to follow.
