Urban Communication in Cities’ Sustainability Designations: The Impacts of the European Green Capital Award

Since 2006, the European Green Capital Award (EGCA) has recognized cities’ progress in sustainable development. While most research has focused on winning cities, this study analyzes the impact of candidacy on non-winners. We hypothesize that applying for the EGCA encourages cities to adopt new or improved sustainability indicators. Brescia, a post-industrial Italian city facing environmental challenges, serves as our case study. Using ethnography, interviews, and document analysis, we assessed four variables per indicator: novelty, integration prospects, data sourcing, and performance. Results show that Brescia’s candidacy improved sustainability assessment by increasing indicator quantity and detail, refining, monitoring and aligning local with EU standards.