We would like to empower 18-65-year-old citizens in these fields in order to be able to shape urban design efficiently and improve their awareness on how to act responsibly in participatory decision-making which can affect them directly. Aware and open-minded citizens can be involved successfully in urban decision-making and, thus, contribute to their own greener, cleaner and healthier environment, neighbourhood and city. We believe that WE CAN ONLY HAVE GREEN CITIES WITH SMART CITIZENS. Our objective is to prepare citizens to be able to take part in any form of citizen engagement related to a GREENER CITY. We would like to give opportunity to our target group to strengthen their CRITICAL THINKING and personal competences, and this way, FOSTER their COMMITMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN GREEN URBAN ISSUES. We offer non-formal learning activities and materials for open-minded adults who would like to take part in civic engagement and, therefore, affect directly their environment and, eventually, their well-being. Greenvolve also helps understand and promote the European Union’s objectives and values related to environment, climate and energy. Participation can also lead to behaviour change and, therefore, a more sustainable lifestyle.
Nowadays, more and more online solutions are available for decision-makers to ask the citizens’ opinion on different initiatives and investments, but there are also general obstacles which prevent the effective involvement of citizens in case of urban-related topics such as green solutions. The basic problem is the lack of relevant knowledge and the applied jargon which is difficult to understand or keep up with. In this rapidly changing world, we must also pay attention to explain new innovative tools, methods, solutions and best practices in urban development for the public as we can only have green cities with smart citizens. Active and responsible citizens are aware of their surroundings, and the problems and questions occurring in their cities, and moreover, they are ready to make their voices heard on the topics affecting their livelihood and well-being. Co-creation in urban development is an important methodology for the municipalities as it is the most efficient way to consider the needs of citizens directly, not to mention that they can increase the public acceptance of their strategies, investments and projects. Smart cities will provide more and more opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making.