The OBEC 2100 Competition: Vote for the People’s Choice Award

The Timber Research Institute has become a partner in the sixth edition of the ‘Self-Sufficient Municipality 2100’ competition, which seeks out and recognises inspiring projects by Czech municipalities. A representative of the Institute also took part in the work of the expert jury at the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, assessing 49 submitted projects. The Timber Institute is offering one of the winning municipalities an inspection of the timber roof structure of a building managed by the municipality.

The purpose of the ‘Self-Sufficient Municipality 2100’ competition is not merely to recognise a few of the most successful projects. Its main aim is to gather examples of good practice and to show other mayors and councillors that a number of problems relating to energy, the environment, the management of municipal assets or quality of life have already been successfully resolved by some Czech municipalities.

Good ideas may not be obvious at first glance

Among the submitted projects are modern municipal buildings, solar power stations, community energy schemes, smart public lighting management, sustainable transport, water management and measures to enhance the resilience of the landscape.

However, not all innovations make for an attractive photo opportunity. Flood defences, retention systems, energy management or technical modifications to municipal buildings may seem unremarkable. Their true value becomes apparent during torrential rain, floods, rising energy prices or in the day-to-day operation of municipal assets.

It is precisely these kinds of solutions that the competition helps to highlight. It showcases not only the results, but also the experiences of the local authorities that developed, funded and implemented them.

The Atlas of Innovative Local Authorities as a source of inspiration for mayors

Projects from each year’s competition are gradually being compiled into the Atlas of Innovative Local Authorities. The interactive map now features more than 300 examples of good practice from various parts of the Czech Republic.

The Atlas is a practical source of inspiration for mayors, councillors, project designers and other experts. It allows users to search for solutions by topic, including, for example, energy savings, timber-frame buildings, water retention in the landscape, green roofs, community energy, biodiversity restoration and smart features in rural areas.

At the same time, Czech municipalities are demonstrating that their projects are often of a European standard. Although they are frequently developed in small settlements with limited budgets and staffing resources, they can nevertheless serve as a source of inspiration for local authorities both at home and abroad.

The Timber Research Institute will help assess the condition of a timber structure

One of the award-winning municipalities will receive an inspection of the timber roof truss of a building managed by the municipality. Experts will determine the extent and nature of the damage to the structure and propose a suitable course of action.

Early diagnosis helps to identify defects that may not be apparent during a routine visual inspection. This provides the municipality with expert information for planning maintenance, repairs or renovation, and enables it to prevent further deterioration of the building’s condition and avoid unnecessary costs.

Expert diagnostics are also suitable for outdoor timber structures, such as bridges, footbridges, observation towers, street furniture, etc.

The competition’s awards ceremony will take place on 16 September 2026 at the Hotel Thermal in Karlovy Vary, prior to the conference of the Association of Local Authorities (SMS ČR). The Wood Research Institute’s award will be presented to the winning municipality by its director, Jitka Beránková.

Vote for the People’s Choice Award

Citizens can directly decide the winner of one of the awards. Voting for the People’s Choice Award takes place online from 1 to 31 July 2026. Take a look at the submitted projects and support the municipality whose solution you consider to be the most beneficial and inspiring.

Vote here!