How Guimarães is transforming ‘District C’ into a net-zero, culturally rich neighbourhood by engaging the community and integrating sustainable practices.
Recognised by the European Heritage Hub among its call for 10 Local Good Practices, the District C Project in Guimarães’, Portugal, exemplifies a unique approach to urban regeneration and sustainability, serving as a testing ground for zero-carbon policies. “District C began in 2020, with the vision of creating a cultural and knowledge-based neighbourhood in an area of the city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2023“, explains Paulo Lopes Silva, City Councillor of Guimarães.
The project is an innovative social experiment for neighbourhood development which integrates the pillars of culture, knowledge, and science – all starting with a ‘C’ in Portuguese – thus named ‘District C/ Barrio C’. Zona de Couros, the city’s area of the old tannery manufactures, is the heart of the District.
Guimarães has enhanced its international visibility through projects that focus on urban regeneration, historical heritage, and creative industries over the past years. District C exemplifies this approach, having been recognised in the ‘Municipalities of the Year – Portugal 2021’ contest. The city is also one of the first signatories of the Eurocities Lille Call to Action for low carbon and more inclusive culture, implementing measures and guidelines, e.g., to make all events climate-neutral.
Pilot projects and their transferability
District C serves as a pilot area for various net zero emissions initiatives, aligning with Guimarães’ commitment to the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. Silva discussed the implementation of innovative projects such as the ‘pay as you throw’ waste management system, initially tested in District C and now being expanded citywide. This pilot project approach not only allows for fine-tuning solutions on a smaller scale but also ensures that successful strategies can be replicated in other urban contexts.
District C will serve as a testing ground for various smart city initiatives, such as the introduction of a free technology zone. Additionally, the project includes efforts to reduce car usage in favour of walking and cycling, promoting a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle.
Citizen engagement at the core
A pivotal aspect of District C is its strong emphasis on citizen engagement from the outset. “We have engaged the community through open calls for artistic projects and co-creation initiatives, with community meetings where citizens voice their vision for the neighbourhood’s future“, Silva explained.
The calls were made to the creative community, leading to a collaborative programme of shared stories and ideas for the area’s development. District C, historically a leather industry hub, has now been transformed, with former industrial buildings repurposed for institutions like the University of Minho and the United Nations University. Neighbourhood assemblies aim to involve all citizens of the area.
Challenges and future directions
One of the significant challenges identified by Silva is engaging the local economic sector in sustainable practices. “While over 100 companies have signed our climate pact, integrating sustainability into their core operations remains a challenge“, he noted.
Guimarães presented its climate pact during the EU Green Week organised in the city last year, aiming to involve all businesses, associations, NGOs. Overcoming greenwashing and fostering genuine commitment to sustainability among businesses is crucial for long-term vision. Additionally, the project faces the task of transforming individual initiatives into common efforts. Silva emphasised the need to cultivate a sense of community and collective responsibility among citizens and stakeholders to achieve the ambitious goals set for District C.
Participation in broader European initiatives
District C’s alignment with broader initiatives, such as the New European Bauhaus demonstrates its role as a frontrunner in combining aesthetic, sustainable, and inclusive urban development.
“We’ve received recognition that our efforts in the District C neighbourhood align with the New European Bauhaus principles, not just in terms of sustainable development, but also in creating beautiful, sustainable developments. Artists play a big part in this project“, Silva underlined.
The project’s appreciation in such a framework underscores its potential as a model for other cities across Europe. By integrating the creative community from the inception of the project, District C ensures that sustainability is not just a technical goal but a culturally enriching experience for its residents.
In November 2024, the European Commission announced Guimarães as the European Green Capital of 2026, thanks to its commitment to continuously improving sustainable development and its results in seven environmental management areas. The city has made sustainability a central part of its culture, as exemplified in its motto, “One Planet City”. In the application, Guimarães emphasised the integration of culture, creativity, knowledge, and science in its governance.
The EU Green Capital Award is presented annually to European cities with over 100,000 inhabitants that excel in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This year’s application process will run until 15 April 2025.
The Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Maroš Šefčovič, states that “cities are key players in advancing the green transition, and I commend the continuous engagement of all participants in promoting a clean and healthy environment so that their citizens enjoy a better quality of life.”
Guimarães’ District C project exemplifies how cultural heritage can be a powerful driver for sustainable urban development. By fostering community engagement, piloting innovative solutions, and addressing economic challenges, District C is paving the way for a zero-carbon future.
