The European Commission organizes from 24 to 27 May 2011 in Brussels the 11th edition of Green Week, the biggest annual conference on European environment policy. This year is focusing in "Resource Efficiency - Using less, living better".

Resource efficiency means using the Earth's limited resources in a sustainable manner. It means producing more value with fewer inputs, lessening our impact on the environment, and consuming in a more intelligent fashion. Therefore, citizens need a smarter approach that helps them safeguard their own future, using resources more efficiently. This is the reason of the theme chosen by the Commission this year in order to celebrate the Green Week.

This approach forms an important strand of the EU 2020 Strategy, which sets the course for the EU economy for the next decade. EU 2020 integrates environmental considerations and economic policy, with a view to delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in a resource-efficient environment that people actually want.

Green Week offers a unique opportunity for debate and exchanges of experience and best practice. Over some 40 sessions and a conference will address the problem of resource depletion, the challenges and opportunities in becoming more discerning and resource efficient, and showcase public and private strategies contributing to the shift towards a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy.

In addition, the Commission launched the European Green Capital Award as an initiative to promote and reward the local efforts to create more sustanaible and smart cities. The European Commission has long recognised the important role that local authorities play in improving the environment, and their high level of commitment to genuine progress.

Therefore, thanks to this award one European city is selected since 2010 each year as the European Green Capital of the year. The award is given to a city that:

• Has a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards;
• Is committed to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development;
• Can act as a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices to all other European cities.

Green Week also has an area for exhibitors, including a dedicated area for the presentation of eight LIFE Environment projects. The 2011 programme and practical information is available on the Green Week website launched by the European Commission.