Copenhagen: 12 solutions for sustainable cities

Adaptation Mobility 2 min read , October 31, 2018

Copenhagen recently released a report in which they come up with 12 solutions for sustainable cities. They propose solutions covering both mitigation and adaptation to inspire other cities.

When it comes to improving your city for the climate and aiming for a zero waste city, we can learn from Copenhagen. They come up with solutions for mobility, water, energy & resources, and strategy.

Mobility

๐Ÿšด๐Ÿปโ€โ™‚ Cycling: the fast way forward
CPH is known for its cycling, as it is a cheap and convenient way to quickly get from one place to another. It has now even been made integral to urban planning and design.

๐ŸšŒ Giving integrated public transport the green light
By investing in and efficient, reliable and highly integrated public transportation network, CPH has been able to deliver one of the highest levels of mobility in the world.

Water

๐ŸŠ๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ The harbour turns blue
CPH's harbour was heavily polluted 15 years ago. They renewed the sewage system and came up with a cleaning program. Therefore, they have now been able to open up the harbour baths to the public, being one of the hotspots in the city.

๐Ÿ’ง Meeting the rising demand for water
Because of population growth, CPH risked exceeding their groundwater resources. They adopted innovative technologies to limit the losses in the drinking water supply and reduce drinking water consumption.

Energy and Resources

โšก๏ธ The force of public support for wind power
A renewable energy infrastructure has been introduced through a unique partnership based on local ownership.

๐Ÿ—‘A city without waste
Achieve a better utilisation of resources so that waste can be reduced, reused, recycled, and recovered.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Keeping the city warm efficiently
District heating is one of the most carbon efficient and flexible ways to produce and supply energy locally. By adding renewable energy, CPH reduced even more CO2 emissions.

โ„๏ธ Keeping cool under CO2 pressure
Air cooling is in higher demand and causes higher electricity consumption. To respond to this problem, CPH built two district cooling networks, based on cooling sea water abstraction.

๐Ÿข Creating buildings for life
Creative solutions for sustainable buildings ensures energy optimisation. Furthermore, the quality of life for people living and working in the buildings improves as well.

Strategy

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Urban planning: economic and social benefits
CPH's green aspirations and bikes are known already, but the urban planning approach created even more social and economic benefits.

๐ŸŒฟ Copenhagen - carbon neutral by 2025
The last 6 years, CPH reduced its CO2-emission by more than 20%. By 2025, they aim to be the first carbon neutral capital.

๐ŸŒฆ Adapting to the future climate
CPH produced a climate adaptation plan to prepare the city to violent rainstorms and heat waves.

Discover all (side) benefits and detailed information in the report.

Cities Sustainability Solutions Mobility Strategy Energy
Subscribe for articles, tips, stories, and inspiration by our Futureproofed team, delivered straight to your inbox โ€” once a month.
Sign up for our newsletter