How Craiova is becoming a leading green city in Romania

The EBRD Green Cities programme is helping reshape the way Romanian cities approach sustainability, creating cleaner, greener and more liveable urban spaces. It is empowering cities to tackle various environmental challenges by providing guidance and funding to improve people’s quality of life.

So far, six cities in Romania – Bucharest, Craiova, Iași, Alba Iulia, Timișoara and Mediaș – have joined the Green Cities family. Each is developing its own Green City Action Plan (GCAP) that addresses local environmental concerns, from air pollution and waste management to sustainable transportation and energy efficiency. With support from the EBRD and the Bank’s donors, these cities are putting in place projects that are reducing their environmental footprints and leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

The EBRD’s investments in Craiova include the renovation of 12 public schools and two administrative buildings that are among the city’s architectural jewels.

“The main challenge in such a project is implementing energy-efficiency measures,” explains Andrei Boarna, who works in the investment and procurement service at Craiova City Hall. “Since these are historic structures, we cannot change the façade or make many external changes.”

However, efforts to achieve this have been very successful, with upgrades to the heating systems (which now include dual, ventil convectors and a chiller cooling system) among the features that will help reduce local air pollution.Other changes include the introduction of new surveillance video systems, video projection systems in meeting rooms and alarm and fire detection systems that have modernised the buildings without sacrificing their unique character.

Similar upgrades have also taken place in the 12 public schools, with the additions including new insulation systems, solar panels, PVC windows and doors, and ventilation systems that purify air in the classrooms.

“I remember with great excitement the words of a pupil, who said that our school is like in the movies!” says Alina Dumitru, principal of Saint George School.

One of Craiova’s most pressing concerns is its urban transport system. Facing growing traffic congestion and high emissions from traditional vehicles, the city has started making significant strides to modernise its public transport infrastructure.

The EBRD supported the city in buying 40 buses that would improve air quality and provide more efficient and accessible transportation options for residents. “Citizens have started using public transport more and more,” says Boarna, adding that the new buses are also more comfortable than the old fleet.

Another critical component of Craiova’s green transformation is its approach to water and waste management. The city is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of water use, reducing waste generation and improving recycling processes, all of which will help it preserve natural resources, prevent pollution and foster a cleaner environment for future generations.

“Craiova’s journey towards greener, more efficient infrastructure reflects the EBRD’s vision of creating resilient cities that can withstand the challenges of climate change while offering better lives for their residents,” says EBRD Associate Director Venera Vlad.