Debrecen4U
December 5, 2025
Thirteen winners of the Sustainable Debrecen Award were honored
What all the applicants share is their commitment to making their environment greener, thereby ensuring that the city remains sustainable and livable.
The Agora Science Center has won the Sustainable Debrecen Award. In addition to promoting science, they set an example in the city through rainwater harvesting, composting, and environmentally conscious operations. “It is a huge recognition for us. It means we have been on the right path so far, and we want to continue walking the path of sustainability together with our partners. We have a very close relationship with the city of Debrecen and the University of Debrecen,” emphasized director Viktória Borbélyné Bacsó.
The Vénkert Community Garden was established five years ago as the city’s first community garden. Through chemical‑free farming, education, and expanding green spaces, they shape local attitudes. They won the title of Hungary’s Most Beautiful Kitchen Garden in 2021 and again this year, and now they too have received the Sustainable Debrecen Award. “From recycling to environmental protection, composting, and expanding flower beds—everything that belongs to greening. And it is a joy for everyone, for the 28 families who work in the garden,” garden leader Erzsébet Nagy Gyuláné Vajda explained.
The City Assembly decided to establish the Sustainable Debrecen Award in 2019, and since then more than 40 applicants have received the title. The recognition is given to those who reduce environmental impact and make significant commitments to sustainability. “Among them are companies, enterprises, small businesses, and large corporations that consider it important for Debrecen to develop in a green way, but there are also small communities, such as community gardens, that do excellent work,” highlighted Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs.
In total, 13 educational institutions, companies, and communities received the Sustainable Debrecen Award this year. The organization with the highest score among the applicants will receive the Grand Sustainable Debrecen Award at the December Assembly.
Recipients of the Sustainable Debrecen Award
- Agora Science Experience Center – Promotes science while setting an example with rainwater harvesting, composting, and eco‑conscious operations.
- University of Debrecen Balásházy János Vocational Secondary School, Grammar School, and Dormitory—As a “Permanent Eco‑School,” trains future environmentally conscious professionals through practical education on a 3.5‑hectare nature reserve and energy efficiency projects.
- Debrecen Lorántffy Zsuzsanna Primary School—Also a “Permanent Eco‑School” (Örökös Ökoiskola), it integrates nature‑based learning spaces, school gardens, energy‑aware systems, and environmental education into daily life.
- International School of Debrecen – Embeds sustainability into its curriculum, measurably reduces paper and energy use, and educates students to be responsible global citizens.
- Faragó Street Kindergarten—As a “Green Kindergarten” (Zöld Óvoda), teaches the youngest children environmental awareness with raised beds, a nature trail, bird‑friendly yards, and paperless operations.
- Hilton Garden Inn Debrecen City Center – Demonstrates green hospitality with its LEED Gold‑certified building and eco‑friendly daily operations.
- Nagyerdő Cultural Park – Manages its 17‑hectare nature reserve sustainably with solar panels, rainwater collection, composting, and bird‑friendly solutions.
- Péter Pataki – Organizer of local farmers’ markets, reduces the city’s ecological footprint through eco‑friendly transport, paperless operations, and support for short supply chains.
- Panel Centrum Hungary Kft.—Created extensive green areas at its site, implemented energy efficiency upgrades, and transitioned to paperless operations.
- Pannon Guard Plc.—As a security service provider, it reduces its ecological footprint with environmental training, green mobility programs, and energy efficiency improvements.
- Saubermacher–Kristály Kft.—Contributes to sustainability through environmental training, biodiversity initiatives, green space development, and energy efficiency investments.
- Újkert Community Garden – Provides a true urban green oasis with chemical‑free gardening, rainwater harvesting, composting, and community experiences in the heart of a housing estate.
- Vénkert Community Garden – Operating for five years, it promotes knowledge‑sharing, chemical‑free farming, education, and green space expansion. Twice awarded Hungary’s Most Beautiful Kitchen Garden (2021 and 2025) and honored by the Ministry of Agriculture as Hungary’s Most Beautiful Residential Community Kitchen Garden.
Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu
