How can cities be made more sustainable?

We can take a page from Copenhagen’s transition to a green society that comes from its push towards accessible sustainability. In fact, the city’s proven examples are something we can all strive for.

Copenhagen is bidding to become a carbon-neutral city by 2025. For instance, the city has been promoting cycling as an everyday mode of transport. To realize this, the city introduced cyclist-only bridges and tunnels across the city’s famous canals and increased bike lanes and bicycle parking spots in many parts of the city. As of 2019, 62% of people in Copenhagen commute by bicycle. The city is also working towards establishing a green mobility system. This includes the operation of electric, hydrogen-powered city buses, as well as the opening of extensive metro lines that connect major parts of the city.

Furthermore, the city’s heating system is powered by waste and biomass and operates through a network of pipes connected to 99% of homes in Copenhagen. This efficient use of energy helps save the city 200,000 tons of oil each year and 665,000 tons of CO2. The cooling system uses the water in the harbor, also distributed through the city via another network of pipes.