Monaco is consistently true to its reputation of one of the most environmentally friendly cities on the planet. By 2030, the Monaco government is planning to halve carbon dioxide emissions and reduce single-use plastic waste to zero, making the Principality carbon neutral by 2050. Its green policy is internationally promoted by Prince Albert II. At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Head of Monaco urged state leaders to take action in preserving the environment.
In 2004, the Monaco company Venturi made a splash introducing the world’s first mass-produced two-seater electric sports car, the Fétish. In 2009, Monaco became a leader in promoting electromobility. Its urban transport system was universally upgraded: fully electric buses now run in the Principality’s streets; Mobee, a popular car sharing service, features exclusively electric Tesla, Twizy and Peugeot. A number of charging stations are available for electric car owners all across Monaco.
The EVER Monaco international exhibition is the place to be for eco-friendly vehicles. Energy companies involved in carbon transport development, promoting green policies worldwide, regularly introduce their premieres here. These environmentally friendly sensations are largely broadcast by the media.
In spring, as part of Ocean Week, Monaco is hosting a major environmental symposium, bringing together industry trend setters. In summer, luxury boats powered by alternative engines compete for the exciting Energy Boat Challenge.
For local residents, cycling from home to work or to a restaurant is not just fun, but a personal contribution to preserving the Mediterranean. Bike sharing stations and special paths are provided in various parts of the city.
Local eco-friendly projects are regularly recognized by international institutions. The Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel was awarded a prestigious Green Globe Gold certificate for preserving the Mediterranean coast, protecting the bird population and using solar panels.
And last but not least, in 2023, even outdoor Christmas decorations in 2023 were made from recyclable materials.
So, which Monaco-based projects are particularly likely to change our consumption habits?
Portier, a new eco-area
By 2025, the Principality will have significantly changed its appearance. The new Portier area featuring residential buildings and offices with parking too plus an inland port, a park and a promenade, will not only add six hectares to Monaco’s territory, but will also be a reference in terms of eco-friendly urban design. This grandiose construction project is estimated at 2 billion euros.
The Monaco authorities, alongside with the Bouygues group, have released its technical description. True to its environmental commitments, it respects the protected coastal areas of Larvotto and the Spélugue coral reef, in addition to ensuring constant monitoring of water turbidity and noise levels. Following its progress, certain animal and plant species lost their habitats and were therefore relocated. To reduce the water turbidity, special filters were installed on the submarines navigating in the protected areas.
40 % of energy for this new ecologically clean area is produced by renewable sources. According to the project, solar panels bring 80 % of the power for lighting the streets, whilst ocean energy ensures both cooling and heating.
The lush greenery of its parks and squares will bring lots of oxygen and a feeling of one-on-one with nature for the Portier homeowners and guests. The new area will be perfectly suited for pedestrians and cyclists. A one-kilometer bike path is designed to connect the artificial peninsula to Larvotto Beach.
The ambitious Portier project has truly become a reference in terms of sustainable and forward-thinking urban planning. Internationally acclaimed, it is awarded a HQE Aménagement certificate recognizing sustainable development policies and BREEAM for respecting eco-friendly construction standards.
A unique biofuel
This kind of innovation is set to change the world. A biofuel from Monaco is made exclusively from waste (tires, oil and plastic) and does not contain diesel. Monaco-based Romano Energy has developed a unique formula helping diesel cars reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 %. With no difference in engine performance, car drivers appreciate the noticeable savings. Top up your car with this innovative fuel at La Condamine gas station.
Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions City
At the 2020 Climate Ambition Summit, Prince Albert II made a statement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Monaco. As part of the initiative, the Principality of Monaco signed the National Energy Transition Pact, inviting companies and individuals to contribute to preserving the environment. This is a multi-step strategy. By 2030, the amount of carbon dioxide polluting the atmosphere will have been reduced by 55 %, and in 2050, Monaco will become carbon neutral.
The Principality’s main environmental goals are preserving biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and respecting the urban infrastructure sustainable development policy. We may all make a contribution to protecting our planet by such routine gestures as waste sorting, conscious consumption, the use of alternative energy sources and using electric transport.
