2021: The Foundation
Official Launch:
Mission Zero Academy (MiZA)
Officially established as the capacity-building and certification hub of Zero Waste Europe, MiZA launched with a clear mission: to bridge the knowledge gap and provide the practical tools needed for zero waste implementation across the continent.
The Framework
Introducing the Zero Waste Cities Certification
We launched our flagship program to provide European municipalities with a structured, verifiable roadmap. Cities in Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, and Portugal became our first candidates, leading the way for a new era of urban sustainability.
April 2022: The First Success
A European First: Certified Cities in Slovenia
We celebrated a historic milestone as our first group of municipalities in Slovenia officially achieved the Zero Waste Cities certification. These pioneer cities became the first in Europe to be independently verified under our rigorous standard, proving that a zero-waste future is achievable.
August 2022: Global Recognition
Nominated for the Earthshot Prize
In recognition of our global impact and innovative approach to urban sustainability, MiZA was nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize. This nomination honored our work on the Zero Waste Cities Certification as a scalable solution to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
November 2022: Expanding into the Private Sector
Launch of the Zero Waste Business Certification
MiZA officially expanded its reach to the private sector with the launch of our Business Certification. This followed a successful pilot with Ribno Alpine Resort in Slovenia, which became our very first certified business—setting a high bar for sustainability in the hospitality industry.
March 2023: Zero Waste Meets Haute Cuisine
Europe’s First Zero Waste Michelin-Starred Restaurant
In March 2023, A Cozinha in Portugal became the first restaurant in Europe to receive the Zero Waste Business Certification. Led by Michelin-starred Chef António Loureiro, this achievement demonstrated that sustainability and luxury gastronomy can go hand-in-hand, setting a new standard for the culinary world.
February 2023: Launch of our academy
Launching Our Global Online Learning Platform
o meet the growing international demand for zero waste expertise, we launched our dedicated online learning platform. This digital hub complements our in-person and hybrid courses, making our expert-led curriculum accessible to municipalities and businesses worldwide—anytime, anywhere.
June 2023: Global firsts
A Landmark Year of Global Firsts
We reached new heights in 2023 by certifying our first Zero Waste Island in Greece and our first Zero Waste Event at the Ibiza Triathlon. Simultaneously, our Cities program exploded in scale, ending the year with 13 certified cities and 39 candidates across 9 countries, with 50 more cities in active discussions to join our growing network.
Scaling the movement
Scaling the Movement: 13 Certified Cities
By the end of 2023, the Zero Waste Cities program reached a major tipping point. We celebrated a growing network of 13 certified cities and 39 candidates across 9 countries. With approximately 50 more cities in active discussions, our mission to transition European municipalities toward a zero-waste future gained unstoppable momentum.
2024: First certified municipalities in Croatia
Scaled Impact: Croatia’s First Zero Waste Island
A landmark achievement in 2024 as we certified the Island of Krk and its 7 municipalities. To ensure long-term success, we led an intensive training program, accrediting 24 new mentors and certifying 10 Zero Waste trainers to lead the local transition.
2025: First Capital City Commitment
First Capital City Commitment
A major milestone is achieved with the formal commitment of our first European Capital City to embark on the Zero Waste Cities Certification journey, signaling a new era of ambition at the highest municipal level.
Recognition
Brussels Label of Exemplarity
Our Zero Waste Business certification has been formally validated as “Exemplary” by the Brussels government. We are proud to meet the region’s highest environmental standards for the 2030 economic transition.
2026 to now
Our impact now
Today, the Mission Zero Academy is driving verifiable change at an unprecedented scale. We are proud to report that our programs currently cover 21 countries, with 19 cities officially
certified and more than 60 cities having joined the Zero Waste Cities program as well as trained 45+ changemakers in delivering our programs at the local level. This achievement is further amplified by our successful collaboration with 10 businesses globally, helping them transition to more circular and zero waste models. Collectively, our work is positively impacting the lives of over 6 million people worldwide.