31 Mar 2026
On 26–27 March 2026, staff from the Department of Investments, Energy Efficiency and Green Transition at the Municipality of Stara Zagora took part in a study visit under the Green City Accord initiative in Gijón, Spain.
The Municipality of Stara Zagora joined the European Union’s Green City Accord initiative in 2021, alongside other European cities sharing a vision of cleaner air and water, better access to parks and green spaces, and support for the circular economy and healthier urban ecosystems. The initiative aims to make cities more attractive places to live, promoting residents’ health and well-being while supporting the priorities of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The event brought together representatives of European cities to exchange experience and good practices in sustainable development and the application of circular economy principles. The programme featured strategic approaches to urban development, alongside examples of sustainable policies and innovative solutions. Participants held working meetings and discussions to identify shared challenges and opportunities for developing sustainable solutions. European good practices were presented in resource efficiency, green infrastructure development and the integration of environmental approaches into urban planning. Technical visits showcased nature-based solutions and innovative technologies designed to improve urban environments and strengthen cities’ resilience.
The representatives of the Municipality of Stara Zagora presented progress on the TEXAD project, which applies circular economy principles through solutions for the separate collection and reuse of textiles. They highlighted the results achieved and the advanced stage of implementation, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and increased public engagement.
Particularly impressive was the research and innovation work carried out through the Open Lab at COGERSA’s facilities. COGERSA develops and implements sustainable technologies for waste and resource management. Its solutions include the treatment and recycling of organic waste, biogas and biomethane production through anaerobic digestion, the recovery of valuable substances from waste streams, and integrated technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of industrial processes.
At the Open Lab, specialists test new technologies under real-world conditions. One example is a project that uses innovative methods to treat landfill leachate and recover products such as biogas, biomethane and biofertiliser, while also enabling water reuse.
The resulting materials have a notable effect on soil and plants: they enrich the soil, improve its structure and fertility, and support the growth and health of various crops, including cereals, vegetables and perennial plants, while reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
This approach demonstrates how scientific research can be applied directly in practice to create sustainable waste management solutions, support soil restoration and promote environmentally sustainable development.
The Municipality of Stara Zagora’s participation in the initiative strengthens its technical expertise and creates opportunities to apply successful European practices locally in support of the city’s sustainable development and green transition.
