Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Climate Plan (CPH 2025)
The CPH 2025 Climate Plan is based on four pillars:
- Energy Consumption
- Energy Production
- Mobility with reduced emissions
- City Administration Initiatives
Initiatives:
- Extensive investment in wind energy.
- Transitioning public transport to electric buses.
- Promoting cycling infrastructure (62% of residents commute by bike).
- Energy-efficient district heating systems, using waste heat from power plants and industries.
The Climate Plan is developed in three implementation phases; 2013-2016, 2017-2020, and 2021-2025 with evaluation in between the phases.
The population of Copenhagen is expected to grow by 20 % in the next decade. This opens an opportunity to combine infrastructural changes with green growth toward carbon neutrality in 2025.
In Copenhagen in 2021, they have reduced CO2 emissions by 72,6 % compared to the base year of the Climate Plan, 2005. Annual CO2 accounting is made, which amongst other categories include emissions from traffic, electricity, and district heating consumption.
Collaboration is the solution
Copenhagen will only achieve their goals through cooperation. Therefore, the city also works as a facilitator in the transformation, joining forces with residents, companies, and authorities to realise the transformation. They do this in partnerships, such as the Big Buyers Initiative, EnergyLab Nordhavn, Bæredygtig Bundlinje (Sustainable Bottom Line) projects, and in efforts targeting the Climate Training Programme. For the same reason, Copenhagen makes it possible for Danish and international operators to try out new solutions and technologies in the city.
Copenhagen is part of a wide variety of networks and collaboration projects both in Denmark and abroad to develop and disseminate climate solutions, including C40, Carbon Neutral City Alliance (CNCA), EU 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, Klimaalliancen (Danish municipal collaboration) and Energi på Tværs (Danish municipal collaboration).
Resource: //urbandevelopmentcph.kk.dk/climate
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Solar Thermal Ordinance
In 2000, Barcelona (Spain) became the first European city to develop and implement a Solar Thermal Ordinance (STO). The STO made it compulsory to use solar energy to supply 60 percent of running hot water in all new buildings, renovated buildings, or buildings changing their use. The ordinance has been integrated into the overarching political and planning framework for climate change mitigation in the city.
Within this framework, Barcelona aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the long term through the use of renewable energy resources and the promotion of energy efficiency. The local government is leading by example, having installed renewable energy systems in its own buildings and facilities, including the use of solar thermal energy for water heating.
As a result of the STO, the surface area of installed solar panels in Barcelona increased from 1,650 square meters (m2) in 2000 to 87,600 m2 in 2010. At the time of installation, this carried a projected energy savings potential of over 70,000 megawatt hours (MWh) per year, and a projected avoided emission potential of 4,300 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) per year. However, the acceptance of solar thermal technology by stakeholders has not developed as expected, and in 2011 this led Barcelona to revise the projected achievements to 11,222 MWh and 1973 tons of CO2 per year. To consolidate acceptance of the Ordinance, and as part of its integrated approach towards energy self sufficiency, the City Council has strengthened its governance framework and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Resource: //www.ajsosteniblebcn.cat/solar-bcn-iclei-case-study_61656.pdf
Stockholm, Sweden
Hammarby Sjöstad Eco-District
Hammarby Sjöstad, in Stockholm, is a leading example of sustainable urban development. Transformed from an industrial zone in the early 1990s, it now features modern architecture blended with natural landscapes, emphasizing green spaces and water features. The district uses the innovative Hammarby Model, a closed-loop system that interconnects waste, energy, and water systems to maximize resource efficiency. Biogas from organic waste, treated wastewater, solar panels, and wind turbines significantly reduce environmental impact.
Community engagement has been crucial to the district’s success. Residents were involved from the planning stages, ensuring their needs were met. Educational programs and eco-friendly amenities, such as recycling stations and electric vehicle charging points, promote sustainable living. Hammarby Sjöstad offers valuable lessons for future urban planning, showing the importance of integrating green technologies, community involvement, and sustainable infrastructure. As cities face urbanization and climate challenges, Hammarby Sjöstad stands as a model for creating thriving, eco-friendly urban spaces.
Initiatives:
- Integrated waste, water, and energy management system.
- Use of renewable energy sources like solar, biogas, and wind.
- A smart grid system that allows energy sharing between buildings.
Lessons Learnt:
The Hammarby-Sjöstad regeneration case study provides an example of how to redevelop and create value in dismissed areas within cities. The municipality holistic approach follows sustainable city planning principles with compact areas of medium-sized city blocks. The transit-oriented development approach, together with the integration of the neighbourhood’s systems, allowed the city to regenerate the former industrial area into a new vibrant settlement. To achieve architectural coherence and a high level of complexity and diversity, a participatory method that involves all stakeholders in the process was required. Ultimately, the design code elaborated by the municipality, conceived upon the principles detailed above, provides a general framework within which design proposals can be placed and coherently related to one another. Hammarby Sjöstad is an example of the design strategies presented in the guidelines in several aspects, featuring a comprehensive approach to neighbourhoods’ design.
Resource:
//www.neighbourhoodguidelines.org/hammarby-sjstad-case-study
//urbandesignlab.in/hammarby-sjostad-a-sustainable-urban-oasis-in-stockholms-heart/
Oslo, Norway
Zero Emissions Construction Sites
For several years the City of Oslo has been working on reducing emissions from construction sites. They build schools, roads, nursing homes, kindergartens and more to a value of approximately NOK 10 billion annually. It accounts for about a fifth of the turnover in this market in Oslo.
The building and construction sector's emissions hit a record high in 2019. The sector represented 38% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, the construction industry accounting for 10% of it.
When it comes to the municipality’s own building and construction projects, Oslo has rewarded suppliers who can offer an emission-free construction process. An emission-free construction process involves zero-emission machines on the construction site, as well as zero-emission transport. They started in 2019 and now the results are showing.
Three years ago, there were no large electrical construction machines. Now more than 30 different construction sites in Oslo have heavy zero-emission construction machinery in operation. More than 20 different types of zero-emission construction machinery and vehicles are in use at the municipality’s construction sites.
The results are uplifting, even after two years. There is now a rapid restructuring of Oslo’s construction sites where the municipality is the client. The report from Sintef shows that the trend towards emission-free building and construction sites is proceeding at a high pace, although some challenges remain.
Initiatives:
- Using electric machinery at construction sites.
- Incentives for fossil-fuel-free public and private sector construction projects.
Resource:
//www.klimaoslo.no/accelerating-the-transition-to-emission-free-construction/#:~:text=Now%20more%20than%2030%20different,uplifting%2C%20even%20after%20two%20years.
//www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/How-Oslo-is-driving-a-transition-to-clean-construction?language=en_US
Climate Budget for Oslo 2020
It is a pioneering approach to mainstreaming climate into decision-making processes, which the city considers to be its most important tool for achieving its climate targets.
Oslo’s Climate and Energy Strategy outlines the city’s ambitious climate goals, which include a 95% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2009 – in line with the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. The Climate Budget was created to ensure that the city implements actions to match these ambitions, allocating emissions cuts to relevant sectors.
The climate budget process is the responsibility of Oslo’s finance department and is a fully integrated part of the regular financial budgeting process. It provides a strong signal that the city council can only approve spending plans which are consistent with Oslo’s climate target. This puts climate goals at the centre of the financial budgeting process.
Oslo’s innovative climate budgeting approach is working. The city’s emissions are declining, despite being one of the fastest growing cities in Europe.
In 2020, GHG emissions from the waste and waste water, industry, oil and gas, aviation, heating and road transport sectors were at their lowest level since 2009. This indicates that Oslo is well on the way to reducing its emissions, yet there is a long way to go to achieve the goal of a 95% reduction by 2030.
Resource: //www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Oslo-s-Climate-Budget?language=en_US
Talinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Climate Action Initiatives
Context:
As the European Green Capital 2023, Tallinn has been at the forefront of climate action, integrating sustainability into urban governance and development. With a population of over 460,000, the city has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fostering a circular economy. Its strategic objectives include GHG reductions across buildings, transport, and the energy sector, as well as promoting green procurements and enhancing administrative capacity.
Capacity Building Initiatives:
Tallinn has implemented a variety of initiatives to strengthen capacity in governance, technical operations, and public engagement. Key efforts include:
- Sustainability Governance Models: Establishing frameworks that enable inclusive governance through partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities and international organizations.
- Green Capital Citizens' Assembly: Engaging citizens directly in the decision-making process for sustainability projects.
- Training Programs for City Officials: Building the skills necessary for sustainable urban management, particularly in the use of new technologies like digital twins and dynamic green modeling.
- Waste Management Innovation: Initiatives such as the iBiot project, which digitizes waste management, and the development of circular economy centers have enhanced the city’s ability to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency.
Outcomes:
Tallinn’s climate initiatives have yielded impressive results:
- GHG Emissions Reduction: Significant reductions in emissions from transport and energy, including a district heating network that is on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Circular Economy Leadership: The city’s waste management strategy, including circular centers and reuse/repair facilities, has increased recycling rates and reduced waste sent to landfills.
- Renewable Energy Transition: Estonia's largest solar park was opened in 2024, significantly contributing to Tallinn’s carbon footprint reduction.
- Sustainable Mobility: Nearly 70% of Tallinn’s residents are expected to use public transportation by 2035, with the introduction of carbon-neutral transport options.
Vilnius, Lithuania
2025 European Green Capital Award Winner
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has become a symbol of sustainable urban development after being awarded the prestigious title of European Green Capital for 2025. This achievement recognizes the city's long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, innovative urban planning, and its efforts to balance modern development with the preservation of its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Key Pillars of Success
1. Emphasis on Green Mobility: Vilnius has made substantial investments in green mobility, prioritizing public transportation, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The city has implemented an extensive network of bike paths and pedestrian zones, reducing traffic congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Public transportation has also been modernized, with electric buses and hybrid vehicles comprising a significant portion of the fleet. Furthermore, Vilnius has adopted smart mobility solutions, encouraging residents to use eco-friendly transport options through apps and shared mobility platforms.
2. Sustainable Urban Planning: Urban greening is at the heart of Vilnius' development strategy. The city’s extensive network of parks and green spaces contributes to better air quality and enhances the well-being of its residents. With green roofs, community gardens, and urban forests being incorporated into new developments, Vilnius offers an inspiring example of how to combine growth with sustainability. The city has also championed the adaptive reuse of old buildings, preserving architectural heritage while minimizing the environmental impact of new construction.
3. Climate Action and Energy Efficiency: Vilnius has been at the forefront of implementing policies to combat climate change. The city’s ambitious climate action plan aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. Renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and smart city technologies are integral to this vision. Vilnius has been replacing traditional heating systems with district heating, driven by biomass and geothermal energy, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
4. Circular Economy Initiatives: The city has also embraced circular economy principles, focusing on reducing waste and promoting recycling. Vilnius has established waste separation systems, composting initiatives, and programs that encourage citizens to reduce consumption and reuse materials. Educational campaigns have also been central in engaging the public in sustainable practices, ensuring that everyone in the community plays a role in maintaining Vilnius’ green credentials.
5. Community Engagement and Education: One of the defining features of Vilnius’ success has been its emphasis on community involvement. The city actively engages its citizens in environmental initiatives, from local clean-up efforts to participatory budgeting that funds green projects. Educational programs in schools and public awareness campaigns ensure that sustainability is a shared priority across generations.
Inspiration for Europe and Beyond
Vilnius' achievement as the 2025 European Green Capital serves as an inspiration for cities across Europe. Its blend of innovation, citizen engagement, and respect for its natural environment exemplifies how modern cities can grow sustainably while enhancing the quality of life for their residents. Through its initiatives in green mobility, urban greening, energy efficiency, and circular economy, Vilnius has set a benchmark for urban sustainability and demonstrates that ambitious climate goals can be met with determination, creativity, and collaboration.
As other cities look to replicate Vilnius’ success, they can learn from its holistic approach, which seamlessly integrates environmental, economic, and social dimensions to create a truly resilient and sustainable urban environment.
