Background In 2003, the Israeli Government adopted a resolution to devise a National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development: this plan requires all ministries to develop sustainable development strategies in fields relevant to them. The high population density in Israel combined with depleted and degraded natural resources and lack of urban planning necessitates the implementation of sustainable development planning at municipal level. In co-operation with the Israeli Ministry of Environment, the Heschel Center has conceptualised 10 principles for municipal sustainable development, which will form a basis for the implementation of the project. Objectives The CBCSCIL project aimed to establish wider environmental capacity building at local government level in Israel in order to create sustainable communities according to Local Agenda 21 principles. The goal was to create a model for multicultural communities in Israel, accommodating multiple religions and social backgrounds as well as the environment. To achieve this, the project would train sustainability advocates, architects and municipal professionals and will establish local networks between stakeholders. It would develop tools for local sustainability in municipal planning; promote legislative measures; and initiate a support network linking Israeli initiatives for sustainable development. Results The CBCSCIL project worked towards instigating large-scale capacity building activities in local government in Israel, in order to create sustainable communities according to LA21 principles through the recruitment of public figures and local community members to launch the process. This was done within three action frameworks: Recruiting, training and networking advocates, municipal professionals and mayors: The project developed various training programmes adapted to the various needs of the communities involved. Indeed, more courses than foreseen were eventually organised because of high demand. Some 1 000 people in total attended the training sessions. Work was also done on an individual basis with specific mayors and local authorities and through public relations campaigns and more generic educational/training activities. Three annual conferences, three regional marketplace events and other 11 events were organised. Developing state-of-the-art tools for local sustainability in municipal planning, management and legislation, in Hebrew and Arabic. These include: a vast training framework; a Best Practices Bank and Exhibit, and Sustainable Practices Resource Bank; Practical Sustainability Tools (especially the pedagogic materials for “10 Principles of Local Sustainability”); a guide for the implementation of environmental by-laws, etc. Most of the tools developed are in Hebrew. Creating a support network by linking Israeli LA21 initiatives and connecting them to similar initiatives in other countries: the beneficiary has involved NGOs, associations, initiatives and municipalities from other countries (e.g. ICLEI, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, universities, mayors of other towns). At the end of the project, five Israeli cities have joined ICLEI (The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives). The project was also very successful in creating a solid network and collaboration among its partners (governmental ministry, university, NGO, etc). This will help guarantee the sustainability of the project's achievements. Furthermore, the beneficiary worked closely with the local authorities and environmental NGOs to identify and develop new legislative frameworks on: Urban bicycle usage City Forestation Waste Separation and Composting Energy Preservation–Promoting Energy preservation in buildings Reusable Shopping Bags Cleaner air - A 15 % reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gases in four years Open space for residential areas - every house should be within a five-minute walk of a public park or urban nature park Leave the car at home - development of walking, bicycle trails and improvement of public transportation, so that the public can reach the centre of town in 15 minutes Green for everyone - 25% increase in investment in environmental infrastructure for poorer neighbourhoods. The main achievement of the project is work undertaken with the Forum of 15 Independent Cities in Israel. These cities (plus three others) have signed a declaration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 and become 'zero carbon' cities. The LIFE project beneficiary submitted this proposal to the Local Authorities Centre (where the Forum is active). In addition, it provided - within the framework of the project - the specific training to the steering committees in the various cities and towns. The project also helped with the initiative by preparing guidelines for measuring and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and the co-ordination of the relationship with ICLEI. The project was awarded the 2008 Green Globe Award for municipal activity. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).