site.btaSofia Signs Climate Neutrality Agreement to Cut Emissions by 80% from 2022 Levels by 2030

The Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, has signed a Climate Neutrality Agreement for the city, a key strategic document supporting sustainability and innovation in climate management. The agreement was concluded on November 4 with businesspeople, professional associations and representatives of the academic community, Sofia Municipality reported.

After the signing, Terziev said the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Bulgarian capital by 80% from 2022 levels by 2030, achieving a high degree of climate neutrality. “This requires the implementation of numerous measures and investments exceeding EUR 800 million, which will be carried out over the coming years,” he stated.

The Mayor added that the main focus will be on sectors that generate emissions, such as transport, where significant efforts will be made to modernise vehicles. The target is for 80% of all journeys in the city to be made by public transport by 2035. Other priorities include the construction sector — through initiatives to reduce emissions — and improvements to waste management systems, treating waste as a resource, alongside programmes for energy efficiency.

The agreement was signed by the Bulgarian Council for Sustainable Development, the Bulgarian Construction Chamber, SOF Connect (the operator of Sofia Airport), Veolia/Sofiyska Voda AD, the Association of Commercial Building Owners, and CleanTech Bulgaria. From the academic community, commitments were made by the rectors of the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, the University of National and World Economy, the University of Forestry, and the Todor Kableshkov Higher School of Transport.

The results of Sofia’s greenhouse gas inventory show that around 70% of all emissions come from the energy needs of buildings — especially residential ones — and from road transport. The Climate Agreement focuses on three key sectors: buildings, transport and waste. Future climate actions will aim to improve energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, modernize public transport and its infrastructure, and encourage waste separation, recycling and recovery.

In 2022, Sofia joined the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. A total of 377 cities applied to take part in the Mission, but only 100 within the EU were selected, among them Sofia.

Once approved, the Climate Agreement will grant Sofia the official Mission Label, a prerequisite for unlocking access to additional funding and participation in major innovation activities and pilot projects. With this approval, Sofia will join the family of climate-neutral cities that includes Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Brussels, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Oslo, Florence, and others.

The Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme, which seeks to address climate challenges and integrate smart technologies into urban infrastructure.