Kutaisi’s Eco-Smart Journey

Throughout its rich and turbulent history, Kutaisi has earned many titles: the capital of the ancient Colchis Kingdom, a cultural and educational hub, an industrial powerhouse, and the birthplace of some of the most sharp-witted people in the world. Today, this historic city is adding one more title to its storied legacy—to the amazement of its 130,000 residents, Kutaisi is becoming Georgia’s first Eco-Smart City.

“In an eco-smart city, government and citizens work together to build infrastructure where environmental protection, innovation, and technology are at the heart of urban development. Kutaisi began its journey toward becoming an eco-smart city three years ago, supported by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme,” says 22-year-old Giorgi Makharoblidze.

A Kutaisi resident and Eco-Innovation Academy student, Giorgi is a passionate advocate for sustainable urban living. He leads us through the city’s eco-smart landmarks and shares insights into Kutaisi’s journey toward a greener future.

In 2022, the EU and UNDP selected Kutaisi to pioneer the Portfolio Journey in Georgia through the "Mayors for Economic Growth" (M4EG) initiative. With EUR225,000 in allocated EU funding, Kutaisi has crafted an ambitious plan to revamp its municipal ecosystem—from advancing renewable energy and green mobility to enhancing sustainable waste management, improving air quality, and prioritising well-being.

By integrating systemic, interconnected solutions and engaging citizens in a creative urban makeover, Kutaisi is redefining itself as a greener, smarter, and more sustainable city, with the EU and UNDP by its side every step of the way.

Photo: UNDP/DemLab

Green Mobility 

Globally, transport is responsible for approximately 21 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with nearly half of this, 45.1 percent, stemming from road travel, such as cars and buses (Source: International Energy Agency). In Georgia, the transport sector is one of the leading contributors to air pollution and accounts for over 40 percent of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Source: Georgia’s Low-Emission Development Strategy 2050).

Green mobility solutions—such as electric and hybrid vehicles, improved public transportation, cycling, and walking—offer a way to meet mobility needs while reducing carbon footprints.

As part of its eco-smart transformation, Kutaisi is leading the charge in promoting carbon-neutral mobility. In 2023, the city implemented a free parking policy for electric vehicles and began developing green mobility infrastructure, including electric chargers powered by renewable energy and designated parking spaces for electric and hybrid cars.

Photo: UNDP/DemLab

Energy Efficiency

The newly built premises of the Kutaisi Municipal Transport Administration are a flagship of the city’s green efforts. Equipped with 100-kilowatt solar panels, the building powers its heating and lighting with renewable energy, setting a benchmark for emissions reduction and showcasing the city’s commitment to green mobility and energy efficiency.

“Kutaisi has made remarkable strides in adopting eco-smart solutions. It’s a model that other Georgian cities are sure to follow,” says Teona Getia from the Poti Municipality, visiting Kutaisi to draw inspiration for similar initiatives.

Photo: UNDP/DemLab

Waste Management

“Empty me soon!” beep the innovative waste containers in Kutaisi, designed for plastic, metal, and household waste. These smart containers are equipped with sensors that notify the Municipal Cleaning Service when they are nearly full, ensuring timely collection and a cleaner city.

This system not only helps keep Kutaisi tidy but also promotes waste separation, reduces landfill pollution, and protects the city's air, land, and water.

While Kutaisi faces a significant challenge with household waste, it is taking bold steps toward sustainable management. In 2023, the city generated 53,482 tons of household waste, followed by 50,454 tons in the first 11 months of 2024. With support from the EU, the city has launched key initiatives, including the establishment of a biodegradable green waste composting centre for organic waste management.

Kutaisi is also making strides in recycling, with a dedicated waste compactor and a focus on cardboard recycling. In 2023, the city sold 103 tons of cardboard, generating GEL24,535 (approximately EUR9,000). By 2024, this increased to 118.2 tons, earning GEL30,727 (approximately EUR11,000)—a positive sign of improving recycling efficiency and its economic benefits.

Kutaisi residents are gradually embracing sustainable waste management practices. They love their city and share a common goal: to make Kutaisi the greenest, smartest, and happiest place to live.

“Waste separation is a small yet meaningful way each of us can contribute to building an eco-smart city,” says Giorgi Makharoblidze, reflecting the city’s collective commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Photo: UNDP/Mindia Charkseliani

Citizen Power

When introducing a Portfolio Journey approach, cities often grapple with the same challenges: How can an urban makeover work? How can the community not only support but actively co-create and drive reforms? How can innovative solutions be introduced in the most effective ways?

The answer, every time, lies in meaningful civic engagement—the cornerstone of successful urban transformation.

In Kutaisi, a city renowned for its vibrant civil society and dynamic youth, the Eco-Smart City initiative inspired cooperation between non-governmental organisations, young leaders, and the local municipality.

“The non-governmental organisation ‘Spectri’ has played an important role in implementing the Eco-Smart City initiative. As we see the first tangible results of this work, it’s clear that involving citizens is essential to designing and piloting solutions that can transform urban spaces,” says Ketevan Tskhakaia, Head of ‘Spectri’.

Irakli Goglichidze from Kutaisi City Hall underscores the importance of partnership and collaboration in creating a responsive, resilient, and sustainable city. “We’ve formed a multi-sectoral team to test ideas that address citizens’ needs and prepare Kutaisi for the next chapter of its development,” he explains.

Kutaisi City Hall partnered with ‘Spectri’ to launch the Eco-Innovation Academy for youth, inspiring creativity and empowering the next generation of changemakers. They also hosted an ideathon, inviting young people to shape their city’s green future. Over 50 participants presented innovative concepts aimed at fostering an eco-friendly urban environment and enhancing Kutaisi’s appeal to visitors.

“The ideathon was an incredible experience! We explored green initiatives like eco-smart parks, sustainable bus shelters, and waste separation programmes. It’s exciting to see many of these ideas turning into reality,” shares Ketevan Tskhakaia.

With EU and UNDP support, Kutaisi has also drawn on international expertise to tackle emerging challenges and identify the best paths forward. The city is building a robust network for knowledge exchange and collaboration through partnerships with urban centres in Georgia and countries like Moldova and Nepal.

Background Information:

The Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) is a joint EU and UNDP initiative to support municipalities in the Eastern Partnership region. The M4EG offers resources, networks, and learning opportunities to make towns and cities more attractive for people and investment. The M4EG takes a 'hyperlocal' and whole-of-place approach. Even though there are no quick fixes for complex challenges, investments in continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration make municipalities more #futureready.

Disclaimer:

This story was produced with the financial support of the European Union and UNDP under the “Mayors for Economic Growth” (M4EG) project. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the EU and UNDP views.