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SUSTAINIA
COPENHAGEN
2025
GUIDE TO
Exploring the sustainable capital of tomorrow
3 // FOREWORD
FOREWORD
SUSTAINIA
COPENHAGEN
2025
GUIDE TO
4 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
“Prediction is very difficult,
especially about the future.”
Niels Bohr, Nobel Laureate in Physics
The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 builds on the existing plans for
Copenhagen. Although we have added a few teaspoons of creativity and
imagination, the book is a realistic scenario of a not so distant future – and
not an utopian experiment. However, the future is yet to be written. New
technologies may emerge and others may fail. Alternative solutions may
appear and plans may change. But one thing remains certain: Our future
destination depends on our course today.
5 // FOREWORD
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
ARCHITECTURE
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
GETTING AROUND
ENVIRONMENT
HISTORY
ECONOMY
SHOPPING
24/72 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN
COMING BACK IN 2050
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10
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48
60
74
82
92
104
114
CONTENTS
6 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
“A CITY
EXISTS FOR
THE SAKE
OF A GOOD
LIFE, NOT
FOR THE
SAKE OF
LIFE ONLY”
- ARISTOTLE
7 // FOREWORD
FOREWORD
Sustainia
welcomeS
you
to Copenhagen 2025
Sustainia is all about making what may seem impossi-
ble possible. Turning dreams into reality. Making inspiring
visions into concrete and achievable actions. Actions that
will take us to the fascinating destination Sustainia – a de-
sirable and achievable sustainable future.
Allow us to take you on a journey:
Copenhagen in the year 2025.
We hope this journey will excite and inspire you. Open
your eyes to the fascinating opportunities of living in a
sustainianised city.
The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 builds on the
existing and extensive plans for Copenhagen. We visualise
8 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
these plans and make them tangible for visitors and citi-
zens. Therefore this Guide isn’t an utopian experiment but
a realistic image of a not so distant future.
By 2025, Copenhagen will be carbon neutral. However,
the city is already a beacon of sustainability. It is part of
the city’s sense of self, woven into the heart, soul and mind
of Copenhagen.
For decades, the city has pursued sustainable policies.
Copenhagen is evidence that a sustainable city is not only
a cleaner and greener city – but also a city with a high
quality of life. A smarter, healthier, happier city. And a
more prosperous one. Sustainia is about just that: a better,
happier, healthier, smarter – and more enjoyable - world.
The journey to that world is fuelled by excitement and the
appeal of the destination.
In Guide to Sustainia, we explored the sustainable soci-
ety of tomorrow. We developed the first version of the Sus-
tainia City Principles. Since then we have developed them
further, and we will continue to do so as we move along.
The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 is the first in
Sustainia’s series of city guides, in which we envision the
cities of tomorrow. By looking through a sustainable lens,
we experience these principles in real life.
Let the journey begin! We
welcome you to Copenhagen in
the year 2025. Enjoy the ride.
Laura Storm
Executive Director
Sustainia
9 // FOREWORD
FOREWORD
All citizens should live within a 5-10 minute walk to green areas
Citizens should have access to fresh food and clean water
The city should work to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.
New buildings must meet energy efficiency standards– such as LEED
certification
Attractive spaces between buildings invite citizens to interact
Walking anywhere in the city should be easy and safe
Easy and efficient public transportation
Clean rivers, harbours and beaches.
Educational opportunities to ensure a young a vibrant atmosphere
Public electric car hires and plenty of charging stations will reduce air and
noise pollution
Well designed bike lane infrastructure
Engage citizens in making cities sustainable – ownership and empower-
ment through education
City leaders should recognize sustainability as a driver for innovation,
creativity and prosperity
Sustainable cities improve the quality of life for its citizens
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
13
14
12
10
11
Sustainia
City Principles
10 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
ARCHI-
TECTURE
When you explore the different
architectural attractions of
Copenhagen, remember to
take in the best piece of Danish
design – the city itself.
Copenhagen is designed for
people. A city designed to be
convenient, creative, efficient
and fun. A smart city.
11 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Less hassle
Public transportation is integrated, convenient and fast.
Less waste
Flexible systems allow energy to be stored until needed.
Less floods
Green roofs, canals and pocket parks help absorb cloud
bursts.
Less noise
Many cars run on electricity and are nearly silent.
Less random use
Appliances such as washing machines respond to infor-
mation and start when energy prices are low.
Less congestion
Intelligent traffic systems adjust the streets of the city to
avoid traffic jams.
Less short-sightedness
New sustainable buildings ensure low maintenance
costs and low total cost of ownership.
Smart city
Spotting all of the smart improvements can
be difficult. In order to explore this hidden side
of the city, take notice of what is missing. Be on
watch for:
12 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
13 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
NORDHAVN
If you have the chance, take the Metro to Nordhavn and
explore the new district that boosts Copenhagen’s image
as an sustainable metropolis. You will discover how sus-
tainability and quality of life go hand in hand.
In the dense urban environment at Nordhavn, the natu-
ral choice for residents and visitors is to walk, cycle or use
public transport, rather than travel by car. Take a stroll
through the intimate, compact neighborhood and take
in the architecture where old meets new. Notice how old
buildings, such as the silos, have been retrofitted and to-
day are modern office buildings.
Make sure to look up, too, as some older buildings have
been outfitted with additional stories – building new atop
the old. The rubble and gravel from the old buildings that
were demolished have been reused in the construction of
new buildings.
Sustainability is an innate part of the district’s design.
Efficiency is a top priority, and the neighbourhood is pow-
ered by several kinds of renewable energy, including solar,
wind and geothermal. Every drop of rainwater is used lo-
cally to maintain green elements such as rooftop gardens,
pocket parks and green boulevards.
The water promenade in Nordhavn is a great place to spend a
sunny day. If you get too hot, cool off inside, where seawater in
the district cooling system holds temperatures down. Or, bring
your swimsuit and dive into the clean harbour water. Soak up
the warmth from the rocks situated in the water resembling
Swedish skerries
14 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Little Venice. Nordhavn is a district of small islets with kilometres of
coastline. It is characterised by houseboats, water sports, canals, harbour
buses, a water pocket park, artificial islands, a marina, a harbour bath and
direct access to water from the boardwalks. If you arrive by sea, you will
see the neighbourhood. It is also home to the dock for cruise ships. When
the cruise ships dock at Copenhagen they no longer pose the same envi-
ronmental hazard as before. Previously, cruise ships burned diesel while
in port to generate power – but today the shore to ship system provides
cleaner energy from power plants and wind turbines of the city.
It takes five minutes to walk
four hundred metres. Installing
conveniences such as shopping
and public transport within this
distance promotes walking and
cycling.
The area is designed on a five-minute-city principle.
Short distances from housing and workplaces to public
transport, bicycle paths, green areas, public institutions
and shops provide resource efficiency and an interesting,
inviting and lively urban landscape.
This city is made
for walking
15 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
16 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
17 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
If you rent a bike, make
sure you ride over the
Two Tower Bridge at
Marble Pier and the
point of Langelinie.
Cycling 65 metres above
sea level while ferries
pass beneath you is an
unforgetable experience,
and shows you to what
lengths – and heights
– this city will go for its
bikes.
18 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
1,800 employees work in UN City – a state-of-the-
art sustainable building that opened in 2013. The
building has solar panels on the roof, is LEED (Lead-
ership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold
certified and an EU Green Building Partner. Due to
security concerns, it is situated on its own island.
19 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Explore business opportunities in the biggest urban development
project in Northern Europe.
Nordhavn is still under construction, and the city is looking for busi-
ness partners within smart energy, shore-to-ship technology, electric
cars, district cooling, street lighting, smart houses and geothermal
energy.
When completed in 2060, Nordhavn will be home for 40,000
residents and another 40,000 workers. In 2060, the green loop –
containing a super bicycle path and public transport – connects all of
Nordhavn’s neighbourhoods, enabling cyclists to get to their destina-
tions quickly.
Tip for the business traveller
Name: Noah Adamsen
Age: 36. Occupation: Project Manager, UNICEF
How do you get around Copenhagen?
I bike almost all year round. I love the trip
along the waterfront from my home in Islands
Brygge to UN City. Often, I have meetings
around town and go by bike as well. If I go with one of my
colleagues who commute by car, he or she borrows one of
the company bikes. On rainy days, though, I might take the
Metro to Nordhavn and catch up on iNews. On weekends,
my family and I love to spend time in our beach house. It is
a two-hour drive from Copenhagen, so we have a weekend
subscription to a shared car service.
Meet the
Copenhagener
‘‘
20 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Make sure you set aside a whole day to visit the Carls-
berg district. Situated where the Carlsberg brewery was es-
tablished and produced most of its beer for 150 years, this
“new” part of town is now a cornucopia of cultural activi-
ties, history and city life. The district is also a frontrunner
in sustainable urban planning.
Getting around Carlsberg requires nothing more than
your two feet. This part of town has been specifically de-
signed for the locals who enjoy experiencing the labyrinth-
like charm of “secret” pathways and small green parks on
foot.
Should you feel tempted to join the locals on the bike
lanes, take the Carlsberg Route, which connects the clas-
sic district of Valby with the downtown bohemian dis-
Carlsberg
21 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Old historic buildings combined with modern architecture surround the
public squares at Carlsberg. This combination of old and new creates an
urban atmosphere favoured by Copenhageners during night and day.
trict of Vesterbro. Carlsberg has an extended grid of bike
lanes, including shortcuts and passages between the
buildings, which make biking the fastest way of getting
around.
In the Carlsberg district, you will notice how modern ar-
chitecture builds upon the remains of the old brewery. In
fact, 15 pct. of all the buildings in the area today date back
more than 175 years; they tell the story of how hop, yeast
and water built the foundation of one of Denmark’s largest
companies.
These buildings have been retrofitted and modified into
energy-efficient structures that today host theatres, con-
certs and exhibitions. All new buildings in the area have
been built to meet stringent energy requirements.
22 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
In Copenhagen, sustainability
has in no way compromised
aesthetics – the city is as
charming as ever. When walking
around Carlsberg today, it can
be hard to spot what energy
efficiency and carbon neutrality
actually looks like. The fact is, it
is all around you.
Beneath your feet, large pipes transport hot water thro-
ugh the environmentally friendly district heating system,
which is connected to all buildings in the area. In the walls
surrounding you, a modern smart electric grid distributes
clean electricity from wind turbines off the coast of Co-
penhagen and biomass power plants in the city.
This “covert” sustainability means that creating a car-
bon-neutral district did not have to affect the architectural
aesthetics of the urban environment. Today district heat-
ing, clean energy and environmentally friendly transpor-
tation are such common pieces of everyday life here that
no one thinks about them.
Aesthetics and
sustainability
23 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
1
2
3
Tip for the urban
planner
- Life before buildings
In the transformation from industrial use to residential
area, urban planners focused on creating life in the neigh-
bourhood before building new houses.
Early on, Carlsberg hosted various kinds of cultural
events. This meant that by the time new residents started
moving into the area, Carlsberg was already a popular des-
tination for culturally aware Copenhageners.
Concerts
The old Bottling Hall Tap 1 proved to be a great venue for
concerts, and quickly became one of the favourite music
venues in Copenhagen. Tap 1 is still active today – make
sure to check out the program while you are in Copenhagen.
A youth environment
Storage Cellar 3 was rebuilt into rehearsal rooms and a
student café for the local music high school Sankt Annæ.
This fostered a creative environment for the younger gen-
erations and made the Carlsberg district a big part of the
students’ everyday lives.
Art
In one of the old large garage buildings, the Royal Danish
Academy of Fine Arts moved in and began hosting exhi-
bitions from upcoming artists. When you visit Carlsberg,
stop by – you might be lucky and get a glimpse of the next
Picasso or Van Gogh.
24 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Strolling around parts of old Copenhagen in the Decem-
ber cold you will not only see the shimmering lights from
window decorations, you will also notice how the city roof-
tops are covered by a layer of snow.
The snow serves as a reminder that Christmas is around
the corner, but the fact that it remains on the roof and
doesn’t melt tells a tale of an Old Town whose buildings
have been modernised, insulated and optimised to ensure
maximum energy reduction.
The Old Town
On average, only 1 pct. of buildings are replaced per year.
Therefore, it wasn’t enough for Copenhagen to merely fo-
cus on energy requirements in new construction on the
path to becoming carbon neutral. The city therefore initi-
ated numerous retrofitting initiatives for old buildings.
Retrofitting is the technique of modernising old build-
ings with the aim of making them more energy efficient.
It has a significant and measurable impact on energy con-
sumption and the indoor climate in buildings.
Retrofitting
– an important
step towards
carbon
neutrality
25 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
26 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
1
2
3
In Copenhagen, retrofitting alone accounts for a de-
crease of more than 20 pct. in heat consumption and 30
pct. in total energy consumption when comparing 2025
with 2010. Citizens save money on their energy bills with-
out changing their lifestyle.
3 Key benefits
of the Copenhagen
retrofitting
initiatives
The average EU citizen spends 90 pct. of his time in-
doors. Research shows that improved day lighting and air
quality in retrofitted buildings enhances productivity and
has a positive impact on public health.
The investments in retrofitting have positively affected
the economy of the city:
*	 Overall energy consumption in Copenhagen de
	 creased, raising the productivity per kWh consumed.
*	 The construction sector experienced a much wel-		
	 comed boost in demand for their services.
*	 The value of retrofitted energy-efficient houses has in-
creased, giving homeowners an economic gain.
27 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Make sure you visit some of the trendy old industrial ar-
eas of Copenhagen such as Carlsberg, Nordhavn and vari-
ous spots along the waterfront. Here you will get the im-
pression of a city with an authentic historical charm that
caters to the needs of a modern city focused on sustain-
ability and livability.
In Copenhagen, the focus has shifted from primarily
the buildings to the spaces in between, too. An essential
question has been: How does the city landscape help raise
the quality of life for citizens while contributing to more
sustainable development. In other words, how do old spots
become hot spots?
This mindset has brought with it creative initiatives that
continuously find innovative uses of old city spaces for
new recreational purposes. The former industrial areas of
Carlsberg and Nordhavn serve as good examples of suc-
cessful revitalization of old city districts.
Another interesting case is the harbour baths located
throughout Copenhagen. Many years ago, the city decided
to clean up the water in the harbour; since then, new har-
bour baths have sprung up all along the waterfront. To-
day, the harbour fronts are some of the trendiest spots in
Copenhagen. You will see couples strolling along the pier,
businessmen and women having a swim after work, and
exam-tormented students tanning while cramming in the
heart of the Danish capital.
Old spots
become hot spots
Since the water in the
Copenhagen harbour
was cleaned many years
ago, several public baths
have been built along the
harbourfront, revitalising
old industrial areas and
bringing cafés and urban
life with them. One of
these harbour baths is
the Coralbath in South
Harbour
28 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The Sustainable
ArchitecTOUR
– 10 must-see sites
If you want to experience
the diversity and creativity
of sustainable Copenhagen
architecture, we recommend
visiting these 10 sites. Each
of them, in their own way,
represents the innovative ideas
that have helped shape the
carbon-neutral Copenhagen of
today.
Do as Copenhageners do, hop
on a bike – all 10 sites are easily
accessed via the green bike-
routes covering town. Bring
nothing more than a bike and a
camera and prepare for a day
full of sustainability impressions.
29 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
9 AM: SOLAR PANELS AND
RAINWATER FLUSHING
Start the day by enjoying a coffee and a famous Danish pastry at the
harbourfront while observing UN officials from all over the world enter UN
City to start their workday.
Besides being a remarkable architectural icon shaped in the form of a
star, UN City was one of the first buildings in Northern Europe to meet
the requirements of LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design).
Not only is the entire roof covered by solar panels that harvest the energy
of the sun, but architects added rainwater tanks connected to the toilets,
ensuring that all 1,800 employees flush with rainwater.
10 AM: WATER COOLING
After enjoying the morning sun at UN City, grab your bike and ride across
the Two Tower Bridge – or The Handshake as the locals call it - to Langelinie.
Here you will find “The Warehouse,” a modern office building built after the
principles of an old warehouse – with warm-coloured bricks and windows
in varying shapes, giving the building a vivid and informal expression.
Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and enjoy the view of the water surrounding
Langelinie - and in this case water is not only pleasing to the eye. In fact,
water is used for cooling down The Warehouse during warm summer days,
as it is pumped from underground and circulated through the building.
11 AM: BOATS, KIDS AND
CARROTS
From Langelinie, continue along the bike-designated Harbour Route, which
provides a nice view of the Copenhagen harbourfront. Eventually you will
come across an unusual building that is literally dipping its toes into the
water.
This is the South Harbour School, a public elementary school with more
than 800 pupils and a special maritime focus. Besides being an elementary
school, the South Harbour School offers specialized classes in sailing and
navigation.
Take a moment to look at how the older kids sail small boats around the
harbour and learn to appreciate nature, or how the younger ones sow car-
rots and water them in the school’s kitchen gardens, giving them firsthand
experience in food production and ecology.
30 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
11 AM: The South Harbour School
NOON: The Korsgade Sports- and Culture Centre
1:30 PM: Green roof terraces Birkegade
3 PM: The Osram House
8:30 PM: The Valby Water Culture Centre
The ArchitecTOUR
31 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
9 AM: UN City
10 AM: The Warehouse
4 PM:
The Green
Campus
5 PM: The Arsenal
6 PM:
Islands Brygge
32 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
NOON: LUNCH ON THE HILL
From the South Harbour School, bike paths lead you through bohemian
Vesterbro to the Lake Route, following the scenic Copenhagen lakes. Close
to the third lake, you’ll come to the next stop: Korsgade, a small local street
in Nørrebro.
Feeling hungry? Grab a sandwich and enjoy lunch on an urban green hill.
The citizens of dense Nørrebro wanted both a recreational spot and a sports
and culture centre. With free space scarce, architects had to be creative.
The result is found underneath your feet. The Korsgade Sports and Culture
Centre literally “grows” out of the ground, forming a green hill. Sports
courts are inside; a green roof and walls on the outside offer locals a place
to relax and enjoy themselves in the sun, or for kids to go sledding down in
the winter. The green roof is also an efficient climate adaptation, insulating
against extreme heat and cold, and collecting excess rainwater, which
relieves the sewage system during heavy rains.
1:30 PM: GREEN ROOF
When biking through the streets of Nørrebro in the afternoon we would
usually urge you to watch the traffic on the road. However, also make sure
you look up every once in a while – you just might be lucky and spot one
of the attractive green roof terraces. One of the most remarkable ones is
found not far from Korsgade, in Birkegade.
When the roof of a local apartment building started leaking and needed
renovation, residents decided they wanted more than just a new roof –
they wanted better and greener conditions for their children in the densely
populated neighbourhood.
The solution came in the form of a 490-square-metre roof terrace contain-
ing a small playground, a green hill and an observation post, giving visitors
a panoramic view of the Copenhagen skyline. Residents now have a place
to enjoy the outdoors away from the busy streets below.
3 PM: DAYLIGHT INSTEAD OF
LIGHT BULBS
Continue your trip on the wide, pleasant bike paths of Nørrebro towards
the Osram House.
Opening hours Monday-
Thursday: 7.50AM-11PM,
Friday: 7.50AM-9PM.
Opening hours Monday-
Friday 9AM-10PM, make
sure to book tour in
advance.
33 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
A characteristic of Copenhageners is how much they enjoy spending time
outside in the sun during summer. The next stop on the tour is an experi-
ment in how much of the sun’s natural light can be brought indoors.
The only light bulb factory ever to exist in Denmark, the Osram House
was an iconic choice for a case study in how much of a building’s energy
consumption could be displaced by daylight.
Today, energy-efficient windows, skylights and glass walls ensure optimal
exploitation of daylight and create natural heating of the building through
sunlight. Note how electronic displays in the building, which functions as
a neighbourhood cultural centre for nearby residents, present the energy
consumption in an easily readable manner, making it simple and motivating
for users to track and improve their environmental impact.
4 PM: AN INSPIRING STUDENT
ENVIRONMENT
In the afternoon, stop by the science faculty campus at the University
of Copenhagen, in the corner of the University Park, and experience the
vibrant student environment. The Green Campus initiatives started many
years ago ensure that today sustainable thinking is an integrated part of all
academic programmes and the students’ daily lives.
A tangible example of the sustainable thinking is The Green Lighthouse, a
university building built in 2009 as a result of a successful public-private
partnership between governmental institutions and private partners. It was
also the first public carbon neutral building in Copenhagen.
Inspired by a sundial, the building’s shape ensures maximum exploitation of
sunlight, giving a sun lit, inspiring environment for students. Furthermore,
sunlight has been carefully incorporated into the building’s energy system
through solar panels, and excess solar energy is stored as heat under-
ground to be used later when the sun is weaker or at night.
5 PM: SUSTAINABLE
PRESERVATION
From the youthful student environment, we now bike back to the harbour
and through history.
In the late afternoon sun, the yellow buildings of the old military installation
“The Arsenal” look pretty as ever. Built in 1740, these buildings for many
years served as part of Copenhagen’s defences and today represent a city
landmark. The buildings underwent comprehensive renovation in 2012,
which lowered the energy consumption by 20 pct.
Being a historic landmark under protection of the National Heritage
Agency, the key to retrofitting the buildings was making inconspicuous
changes. Besides new energy-efficient windows, one of the creative ideas
was to store heat-emitting electronic equipment in an old underground
bunker, ensuring a pleasant climate in the offices inside.
Take a stroll around the buildings and enjoy how a city does not have to
lose its historical value to become sustainable.
To book a tour of the
Green Light House go to
www.greenlighthouse.
ku.dk
34 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
6 PM: DINNER IN THE OLD
COMMERCIAL HARBOUR
The Long Bridge close to The Arsenal will take you to Islands Brygge. On
a summer evening, make sure not to miss the vibrant atmosphere of this
historic commercial harbour, which many years ago was revitalized and
became a hip part of town. We recommend enjoying a barbeque with local
Copenhageners, with the two old soy-cake silos as background.
Being part of the cultural and industrial heritage of Copenhagen, it was de-
cided that these two silos should remain after commercial activities in the
harbour ended. They were transformed into residential buildings. Worth
noting is how the apartments are “hanging” on the outside of the silos, giv-
ing them an iconic look while staying true to their industrial history.
Arrive early in the evening to find a spot for your barbeque; this place is a
favourite spot for Copenhageners during the long summer evenings.
8:30 PM: TIME FOR
SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS
What better way to end a day of biking around town than by treating your-
self to a visit to the spa?
Our tour concludes at the Valby Water Culture Centre, which was early
proof that sustainability did not have to come at the expense of well-being.
The Centre houses an indoor swimming pool area with room for play and
relaxation – and caters to the well-being of visitors in a sustainable manner.
While relaxing in the hot water, note how the walls of the building are tilted
inward. This, with the solar panels on the roof, ensures maximum reflection
of cold wind and efficient use of sunlight to heat the building. These mea-
sures, combined with recycling of excess heat from shower water to heat
the pool area, enables the Valby Water Culture Centre to consume 30 pct.
less energy than comparable swimming facilities.
Opening hours Monday,
Wednesday and Friday
until 9.30PM.
35 // ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE
Urban planning
– the Sun Clock
model
Danes love to enjoy the sun. However, being a northern
country, the annual number of sunshine hours is limited.
The architects and urban specialists who designed Carls-
berg knew that high density was essential to create lively
neighbourhoods. But they also wanted to make room for
sunlight in the district. They found inspiration in an old-
fashioned sun clock.
After carefully studying the path of the sun, parks and
squares were located just like the hours on a sun clock. At
any time, residents can find shaded areas to cool down or
spots to enjoy the sun.
The parks and squares of Carlsberg are carefully located according to the
sun’s path over the sky. Enjoy the morning sun in one park, and the evening
sun in another. This is also a great excuse for seeing various corners of the
neighbourhood.
9 AM
4 PM
36 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Copenhageners are curious and open towards new ini-
tiatives, and have many times taken it upon themselves to
come up with innovative new ways of living. In aspects cov-
ering food to fashion and exercise, many Copenhageners
have embraced sustainability and the green way of living.
PEOPLE AND
CULTURE
Population
growth of
Copenhagen,
People living in
Copenhagen,
thousands.
2025
640
2010
535
When visiting Copenhagen,
make sure you observe
the locals. They are central
to the city’s identity, and
the personification of the
Copenhagen sustainable lifestyle.
37 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
Free
facts about
Copenhagen
Population
640,000 Time zone
GMT
+ 1 hour
Bike rental price
Best way to annoy a
Copenhagener
Walk on the
bike lanes
Average yearly household
spending on bikes
DKK 1,190
Average living
area per person 44m2
Grab one of the public bikes
Best view in Copenhagen
From the
Two Tower
Bridge
Read more in the Architecture chapter
38 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
1
MEET THE LOCALS
– CHARACTERISTICS OF A
COPENHAGENER
The Danes are a tribe of finders and keepers. Are you
looking to update your favorite chair, or do you need that
special little gizmo for your electrical device? When walk-
ing around in Copenhagen you will encounter shops selling
spare parts from bikes to electronics and even furniture.
Urban mining is also big business, as valuable materi-
als are harvested from old electronics. Fifteen years ago,
Danes were the second-largest waste producers in the EU.
But the financial crash turned past trends of happily using
and throwing things out into a new mindset of finding and
keeping.
Even the fashionistas of Copenhagen have embraced the
concept of finding and keeping. New designers are mak-
ing clothing that will last years instead of seasons. This
doesn’t mean being boring, but sticking with what Copen-
hagen designers are famous for: the design, the materials
and the edgy yet elegant Scandinavian feel.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE FINDERS AND
KEEPERS
39 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
2Copenhageners are crazy about local food. So, if you are
a foodie, try eating local.
Copenhagen restaurant Noma, the No. 1 restaurant in
the world, started an international trend when they pop-
ularised the concept of local food, in 2003 – serving food
made entirely from the Nordic countries. A region known
for anything but food. Saving carbon by eating an apple in-
stead of a mango that has been transported from the other
end of the world is now common sense. Community gar-
dens, farmers markets and a renewed focus on personal
health and organic, locally produced food has become a
part of everyday life and habits. As early as 2012, 77 pct.
of public institutions, from daycare centres to retirement
homes, served only organic food.
If you want to eat like a local, try an App – Locavore –
which tells you what veggies are in season and grown in
your area. It also shares recipes that you don’t have to be a
Michelin Star chef to prepare.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE LOCAVORES
Organic food
served in public
institutions, pct.
2015
90
2010
68
40 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
3Each year, at the end of May, thousands of Copenhageners
participate in the Green Marathon. The Green Marathon is a
42 kilometre track that never loses touch with the green el-
ements of the city. It runs within the city boundaries along
tree-filled boulevards, and through many of Copenhagen’s
green parks. When September comes, even more people
gather for the DHL run – a 5-km route on which companies
compete against each other. It is not unusual for more than
100,000 people to participate in this event.
Besides running, Copenhagen-based companies also en-
gage in bike-to-work campaigns encouraging employees to
bike to work through inter-organisational competitions.
Last, exercising is even considered an accepted treat-
ment method – and the local doctor might prescribe a paid
gym membership rather than medication to improve your
health.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE
EXERCISOHOLICS
41 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
4Previously, living in downtown Copenhagen would have
precluded the option of having a garden, but not anymore.
Urban gardens have sprung up all over town, and Copen-
hageners are enjoying spending ever-more time maintain-
ing them. These gardens are for present generations what
summer cabins were to generations before – a place to re-
lax and enjoy the outdoors.
Today, urban gardens can be found in many variants
and at many altitudes – some between buildings, some on
balconies and some atop roofs. To Copenhageners, these
gardens represent a personal desire to mix the chic urban
life with green living – despite living in the city, you can
still grow your own carrots and tomatoes.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE URBAN
GARDENERS
Ever wonder why flowers grow in the strangest places in Copenhagen?
There is a fair chance that this could be the result of the phenomenon
known as “urban guerrilla gardening.” This modern graffiti is conducted
by preparing so-called “seed bombs,” and then venturing into the night
to sow them in small cracks in the street, or on empty spaces of dirt.
This phenomenon has become increasingly common in the city over
the years; you can even find small underground movements doing it
together.
Guerrilla Gardening
42 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Studies show that Danes rank in the top 3 of the most
IT-literate countries in the world. Dealing with computers
is no longer just for work and play.
One time at which Copenhageners have embraced mod-
ern technology is when they are sick. Instead of leaving
home when they are ill and perhaps not as mobile, tele-
medicine can offer patients better and more cost-efficient
medical treatment while cutting emissions. Copenhagen-
ers, young and old, now talk to their doctor in front of their
web camera, and measure their blood pressure, pulse and
weight with the data transferred directly to their doctors.
Telemedicine not only saves Copenhageners multiple
visits to the doctor, research shows that it leads to fewer
hospital visits and saves hundreds of tons of carbon.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE COMPUTER
SAVVY
5
43 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
Twenty-five years ago, a now-famous global study was
conducted. Scientists left 1,100 wallets on the streets of
33 countries. Each wallet contained up to $50 in local cur-
rency together with the name and address of the wallet’s
owner. In every country but two, the money disappeared.
In Denmark and Norway, all of the wallets were returned –
with the money intact.
The study illustrates why Danes are considered among the
world’s most trusting people. Danes avoid transaction costs
because trust replaces written agreements, and reducing
the number of expensive legal cases. Danes also have great
trust in their government and are positive towards public-
private partnerships and triple helix models (see Economy
chapter). Trust also makes it is easier for the public sector to
marshal agreement for new projects and goals.
COPENHAGENERS
ARE
TRUSTING
6
44 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Copenhageners are born and raised into a biking cul-
ture. As kids, many Copenhageners are carried on a par-
ent’s bike – either in one of the famous Christiania cargo-
bikes or in a children’s seat on the back.
A few years later, kids are for the first time set free on
their own two wheels – usually in one of the many pocket
parks all over town. By the time these young Copenhagen-
ers start school, most are confident enough in biking that
they bike the short route between home and school each
day.
This culture explains why more than 50 pct. of Copen-
hageners commute to work or school by bike. When asked
whether they might consider buying a car, many Copen-
hageners simply reply “What would I need a car for? I’ve
always biked everywhere. Biking is a much faster and more
convenient way of getting around.”
COPENHAGENERS
LOVE THEIR BIKES
7
45 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
Smile. Cyclists are more likely to experience enjoyment than bus riders
or car drivers.
Insist that your cargo bike can hold your two kids, dog and groceries for
an entire week – and prove yourself right.
Secretly pity people driving SUVs around town. A year’s worth of parking
fees will easily cost them more than the price of your bike. Not to mention
the time spared on searching for vacant parking spots.
Practice a facial expression mixing lenience and slight annoyance for
when people step in front of you on the bike lane without looking.
Signal anticipated actions. Point to the right or left if you plan to turn;
raise your hand if you plan to stop. If others fail to do the same, apply step 4.
Expect to live longer. Half-hour of daily cycling increases life expectancy
by 1-2 years.
Remember to look great. In Copenhagen, cycle chic is always in style.
Bikes are no excuse to leave the suit or cocktail dress at home.
Familiarise yourself with cyclist shortcuts: cross the water on bike bridg-
es, cycle both ways on one-way-streets and go right on red.
Make the 2-kilometre trip from the Nørrebro Runddel to Nørreport in 6
minutes flat. Don´t worry, the cycle super-highway and green wave ensures
an effortless average speed of 20 kilometres per hour.
Develop a secret crush on your bike. Longing to be close to it will make
you want to sit next to it on the train.
Bike like a
Copenhagener
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
46 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Imagine coming home and the lights turn on automati-
cally, the temperature is perfect; the washing machine is
already done cleaning your clothes, the apartment is full
of fresh air and best of all; everything has happened with
minimum environmental impact. Retrofitted buildings
with new windows, new insulation and modern technol-
ogy is the reality of the Copenhagen smart home.
The smart home not only tracks the consumption of the
resident, it also ensures that energy usage is always as ef-
ficient as possible, while not forcing people to change their
lifestyles. Residents tell their smart home how “green” they
want to be, and it will guide them through their options.
In many ways, the smart home is an energy butler making
homes as energy efficient as possible.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
A shared electric car is parked in front of the apartment building, which is
attached to a local charging station integrated into the building. The car is
shared by the building’s residents, as is the electric bike pump that makes
it easy and convenient for residents to keep their bikes ready for the road.
Water basin
A water basin next to the building
collects rainwater for use in toilets
and washing machines. An aver-
age citizen uses 33 litres each day
to flush the toilet and 19 litres for
washing clothes. Instead of using
pure drinking water for these
purposes, a big portion is replaced
by the rainwater.
Energy
and
Heating
The building receives its
outside energy supply
from wind farms off the
coast of the city and
from second-generation
biomass facilities. Heat-
ing is supplied through
the district heating
system, where excess
heat from biomass and
waste-burning facilities
is transported to homes.
VISITING THE COPEN-
HAGEN SMART HOME
47 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE
PEOPLE
&
CULTURE
Windows
Windows facing north are thicker and more heavily insulated to keep out the cold while windows facing
south are thinner to allow natural heating from the sun. Skylights ensure maximum exploitation of day-
light in buildings – following the mantra “daylight instead of light bulbs.”
Green roofs
Green walls, green roofs and even rooftop gardens are a natural
part of building design in Copenhagen. The benefits of greening
buildings are manifold: added insulation, reduced stormwater
runoff, absorption of air pollutants, natural habitat for birds,
bees and butterflies, and green recreational spots for Copenha-
geners.
Solar
colleCtors,
AND photo-
voltaics
Rooftop solar panels in Copenha-
gen are a mix of solar collectors
heating water for the buildings
and photovoltaic panels providing
electricity. During hours of excess
demand, solar power is supple-
mented by wind farms or biomass
facilities. Conversely, during times
when solar power systems are
producing a surplus, electricity
is sold back into the grid or heat
is stored by modern heat pumps
under the building for later usage.
Smartpanel
A Smartpanel just outside the building entrance shows the
energy, water and heat consumption of the whole building. This
allows for easy tracking of the energy efficiency of an apartment
block, and is used for community energy-saving initiatives. For
Copenhageners, there is a certain amount of pride in being
energy efficient.
LED
lighting
LED lighting ensures that
the home is consuming
minimal energy from
lighting. Furthermore,
sensors built into lamps
in each room control the
need for lighting based
on: occupancy in the
room, type of activity in
the room (e.g. reading or
watching a movie), and
the amount of daylight in
the room.
48 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
A young couple riding side-by-side talks intimately while
a large group of businessmen pedals past at full speed in
the fast lane of the bicycle super highway on Nørrebroga-
de. The intelligent traffic control system detects the front
of the large group of cyclists and switches the light at the
upcoming intersection to green.
Perhaps the biggest thrill you can experience in Copen-
hagen is joining the hordes of cyclists on Copenhagen’s
busiest bike corridor during the morning commute. Thou-
sands of cyclists pass here every day – businessmen in
suits, kids in cargo bikes, women in stilettos and couples
in love.
For Copenhageners, bicycles are the most popular form
of transport. Fifty percent of trips in Copenhagen are made
by bike – a world record, and part of the reason why Copen-
hagen achieved carbon neutrality this year.
The environment is not the main reason for the popular-
ity of the bike. For most, it is the transportation of choice
simply because it is the fastest and the cheapest way to
get around.
GETTING
AROUND
City of cyclists
Going the
distance:
Copenhageners
combined bike a
day, mill. km.
2025
‘09
1.5
1.2
1995
0.8
49 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
Copenhagen has
designed the city to
make people happy
- not cars
Bicycle trips a year in copenhagen
1970
240.000
200.000
160.000
120.000
80.000
40.000
2010
2000 2020
1990
1980 2025
50 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The
Opera
The Royal
Palace
The Royal
Danish
Playhouse The National
Film School
Christiania
Kongens
Nytorv
Christians-
borg
GOTHERSGADE
F
r
.
h
o
l
m
s
K
a
n
a
l
Ø
S
T
E
R
V
O
L
DGADE
Esplanaden
B
R
E
D
G
A
D
E
G
R
Ø
N
N
I
N
G
E
N
B
R
E
D
G
A
D
E
S
T
.
K
O
N
G
E
N
S
G
A
D
E
SØLVGADE
The bridge over the inner harbour opened in X and is one of
NEFITS OF GETTING
ROUND COPENHAGEN
BIKE
The bridge over the inner
harbour is one of the
many bridges in Copen-
hagen designed for
bicycles and pedestrians
only.
51 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
Benefits of getting
around Copenhagen
by bike
1
2
3
4
5
6
Combined – accounting for the total cost of air pollution,
accidents, congestion – the city saves 0.06 € for every kilo-
metre travelled by bike instead of by car.
Increases your life expectancy. According to the
British Medical Association, a half-hour of cycling
daily increases mean life expectancy by 1-2 years.
Increases your quality of life. Cyclists are more
likely to experience enjoyment from their rides
than do bus passengers or car drivers.
Reduces traffic jams and congestion.
Reduces noise.
Reduces the cost of accidents and wear and tear
on infrastructure.
Improves air quality and atmosphere in the city.
52 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Networks exist for businesses and institutions working with bicycles.
Contact: The Cycle Secretariat at the City of Copenhagen at
www.kk.dk/cityofcyclists. Or the Cycling Embassy of Denmark at
www.cycling-embassy.dk
Tip FOR the business traveller
Copenhageners
prefer the bike:
Daily commuters
going to work
and places of
education by
bike, pct.
2025
50
2010
35
Faster, smarter,
safer, further
Dedicated and prolonged efforts have improved the con-
ditions for cyclists in the city. Shortcuts have been created
across water and over railroads and squares, enabling bikes
to beat cars on several routes. Special “green wave” traffic
lights allow cyclists to trigger green lights when travelling
at a certain speed. Bikes, unlike cars, are allowed to turn
right on red and travel both ways on one-way streets. Ex-
tra-wide bicycle tracks have been created – 80 pct. of the
most popular bicycle routes have three lanes – so overtak-
ing even cycling couples holding hands is no trouble.
Because of these efforts, the average travel time for cy-
clists has been reduced by 15 pct. since 2010. Bicycle tracks
are kept in good condition, people feel safe on bikes, and
accidents have been reduced by 70 pct. in the past 20 years.
Only 10-15 years ago, cycling to work was reserved for
those fortunate to live close to the office. Today, bike rides
of 10-20 kilometres are not just for athletes. A combination
of electrically assisted bikes and bicycle highways has ex-
tended what is possible for two-wheeled commuters.
53 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
Bikes are
Convenient +
Safe +
Easy to park +
Low cost +
Low noise +
Better for your
health
= Giving you a higher
quality of life
Over the past 20 years, Copenhagen has topped the
rankings when it comes to livability. All of the surveys cite
the city´s bike culture as one of the reasons.
For Copenhageners, the road to improved quality of life
is best travelled on a low-cost, healthy, safe transportation
alternative that provides easy parking and offers fast and
direct transportation from A to B.
54 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Getting around
– e-mobility
Remember to look both ways when stepping out from
curbs toward the street in Copenhagen. Electric cars are
surprisingly quiet and are increasingly part of the vehicle
fleet in the city.
Electric vehicles – or EVs – make life in the city more
livable and sustainable. Fewer Copenhageners experience
noise- and pollution-related health problems, and the cars
function as a giant battery for renewable energy in the city.
Around 10 pct. of the private vehicle fleet in Copenhagen
is electric, hybrids or running on biofuels or hydrogen. For
the City of Copenhagen fleet, the figure is 85 pct. Large ve-
hicles such as garbage trucks are increasingly running on
anything but diesel.
Several factors explain the popularity of these cars.
Green cars were exempt from the hefty Danish car tax,
and free parking existed for electric vehicles when they
first appeared. Today, taxes on cars are linked to the level
of pollution. All municipal tendering and procurement
have fossil-free transportation demands. City zones for
green cars only are established. Equally important, the
range of most EVs is 300 kilometres – far more than the
average daily commute.
The fleet of electric vehicles in Copenhagen functions
as a giant distributed battery allowing the city to make
the most of the renewable energy. Most electric cars are
charged at night, when wind turbines often generate sur-
plus power. Energy is retrieved from the batteries during
peak-demand hours to meet the daytime power needs of
Copenhagen. (See Shopping chapter)
Tip
Copenhagen Clean Cab:
One way to experience
the sound of silence
while getting around in
Copenhagen is to hail
one of the city’s many EV
taxis. Notice the energy-
efficient behaviour of the
drivers – as eco-driving
courses are mandatory.
55 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Denmark, the
Knight of Wind was loved by the people as he would often
help them cook their food and wash their clothes.
But on stormy nights – when he wanted to help the
most – no one needed him and no bed existed in which the
Knight of Wind could rest. This left him exhausted by the
next morning, when the people needed him once again. So
the people were forced to burn oil – even though they had
very little of it left – to cook and wash their clothes.
Then, one stormy night, a princess arrived; a princess by
the name of Evie. That night, the Knight of Wind was once
again weary and looking for a place to rest. When the fair
princess saw this, she offered him a large battery on which
he could sleep.
The next morning, the knight had slept well and was full
of energy. All day and every day thereafter, he would help
the people wash their clothes, cook their food and drive
their cars. And Princess Evie and the Knight of Wind lived
happily ever after.
Princess Evie and
the Knight of Wind
A Danish fairytale
56 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
A vacation
destination
– for your
ears, heart and
lungs
Today, because of the popularity of e-mobility, bicycles,
public transportation and ambitious environmental poli-
cies – such as environmental zones – Copenhagen enjoys
reduced traffic noise and pollution.
However, only 20 years ago, a two-hour bicycle ride dur-
ing rush hour in Copenhagen, could be detected in your
blood. Particles from traffic and woodstoves accounted for
hundreds of premature deaths each year in the city. In fact,
more people died because of air pollution than in road ac-
cidents.
Today, fewer people suffer from health problems such
as hearing loss, lung cancer, asthma, stress, heart disease
and sleep disruption caused by pollution.
Tip
Most car owners charge
their EVs at home, but
due to a national action
plan for EV infrastruc-
ture, you can also charge
at stations throughout
Copenhagen. Most ho-
tels and some car parks
also feature charging
stations.
57 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
Don’t bother hailing a cab when you arrive at Copenha-
gen Airport. The Metro will take you to the heart of the
city in 14 minutes. Use this time to get acquainted with the
extensive public transit system in Copenhagen.
Buses arrive on time and at frequent intervals, transfer
stations are easy to navigate, and an integrated ticket sys-
tem allows you to transfer between Metro, train and bus
– on land and water.
All stations feature intelligent information systems – of-
fering riders transit and real-time arrival information for
easy use of different modes of transit. Stops are easily rec-
ognizable, featuring the same red and white symbol – for
the Metro, trains or buses. Notice how the Metro stations
are designed to allow natural light to shine below ground
– creating a pleasant, well-lit setting and achieving energy
and maintenance savings.
Besides allowing hassle-free transportation, the transit
system is also cited as a reason for Copenhagen’s impres-
sive air quality. A large share of the buses in the city run on
alternative fuels such as electricity or biofuels. These ef-
forts have reduced the carbon emissions of the bus service
in the city by 70 pct. in the last 15 years.
Getting Around
– by public
transportation
We recommend that you experience Copenhagen by bike, which can
easily be combined with public transport. Bring your bike onboard
trains for free. In especially designed bicycle compartments, you will
find bicycle pumps to inflate your tires. The City of Copenhagen works
continuously to improve the bike-public transportation connection as
an attractive alternative to cars.
Tip for the traveller – BIKE ON BOARD
Number of
passengers
travelling on the
metro per year,
millions
2018
2010
130
52
2004
34
58 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The metro stations in Copenhagen, are designed to ensure maximum
usage of daylight. Furthermore, they are designed to blend in well with
the surroundings. Here we see the Metro station at City Hall Square.
When planning and designing larger infrastructure
projects in the Capital, there is a great opportunity to use
the project to enhance neighbourhoods at the same time.
Therefore citizen involvement is encouraged. In order to
increase the quality of the area above the metro stations,
locals were involved in the design of the cityscape.
Quality – above
and below
59 // GETTING AROUND
GETTING
AROUND
The CITY ring
Trianglen
Nordhavn
Østerbro
Enghave Plads
Vanløse
Nørreport
Vest Amager
Kgs. Nytorv
Airport
Nørrebros Runddel
Frederiksberg
Name: Oliver Bech
Age: 40. Occupation: Bus driver
Do you have a green job?
I actually never considered whether my job is
green or not, but it is green– very green. I’m a
bus driver in the city driving a bus that runs
100 pct. on electricity, there is no exhaust, no particles pol-
luting the air and no gasoline consumption. The amount of
traffic in the city centre has been steadily declining over
the past 10 years; there are almost no large trucks left here
– my job has never been easier.
When my day is over, the bus is hooked up to the city
electric grid, feeding it with energy from the wind turbines
off the coast of Copenhagen – I guess I truly have a true
zero-emission job! The best part is that the more efficiently
I drive, the larger is my bonus.
Meet the
Copenhagener
‘‘
The Metro City Ring (the
blue line) opened in 2018
and knits the capital
even closer together.
Getting from Øster-
bro (Trianglen) to the
Generation Z stronghold
at Vesterbro (Enghave
Plads) is a 10-minute
ride. From Vesterbro,
you can get to vibrant
Nørrebro (Nørrebros
Runddel) in 6 minutes.
Right next to the Metro,
you’ll find Hans Christian
Andersen’s final rest-
ing place at Assistens
Cemetery.
60 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
A unique attribute of Copenhagen is how the city has
successfully managed to create an urban environment
that combines functional, sustainable and wonderful.
During the past 15 years, targeted investments in a green-
er and better urban landscape have helped develop a city
that not only is green, but also enhances the quality of life
of its citizens.
When visiting the city during spring, it becomes obvi-
ous that for Copenhageners spending time outside equals
the good life. Notice how, as soon as daytime temperatures
pass 10 degrees Celsius, parks, sidewalk cafes and city
squares are richly populated by Copenhageners enjoying
ENVIRON-
MENT
THE GREEN
AND BLUE
COPENHAGEN
Bike lanes in
Copenhagen,
km
1980
240
2010
369
2025
482
61 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
the sunshine and making up for the winter’s lack of vita-
min D.
To accommodate this need to get outdoors, the city of-
fers Copenhageners a multitude of recreational areas to
choose from. Since 2015, Copenhagen has vowed to ensure
that at least 90 pct. of its residents can reach a recreational
area on foot in less than 15 minutes. Today, small parks
known as pocket parks, harbour baths and green roofs can
be found all over town offering a diverse variety of recrea-
tional experiences for Copenhageners and visitors alike.
Dive into the urban environment of Green and Blue Co-
penhagen.
62 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
With a population that has increased by more than a
100,000 during the past 15 years, Copenhagen doesn’t offer
much room to create new big parks and recreational areas.
Therefore, two new phenomena, inspired by cities such as
New York and Zürich, emerged in the city: green roofs and
pocket parks.
A pocket park is a small urban green spot usually locat-
ed adjacent to surrounding streets. It is a spot where Co-
penhageners meet, drink a take-away coffee, play sports,
or simply just take a break from the fast-paced city life.
Each of the 14 pocket parks in Copenhagen has distinct
characteristics – ranging from green and flowery gardens
to a parkour playground for urban youngsters. The com-
mon denominator for the parks is that they were trans-
formed from unused urban spaces to green spots bring-
ing together Copenhageners. They are great places to kick
back and watch the Copenhagen way of life.
THE GREEN
COPENHAGEN
- POCKET PARKS,
GREEN ROOFS & URBAN
RECREATIONAL SPOTS
Green areas in
Copenhagen:
Copenhageners
that live within
15 min walking
distance of a
public park, pct.
2015
90
2010
63
63 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Vanløse skole
Gadekæret Litauens
plads
Dantes
plads
Reventlows-
gade
Stengade
Majporten
Cirklen
Ved siloerne
Poul
Henningsens
plads
Hillerød-
gade
Odinsgade
Glente plads
Tove
Ditlevsens
plads
Besides the 14 pocket parks, Copen-
hagen has a number of green bicycle
routes enabling Copenhageners to eas-
ily reach recreational areas.
Pocket park
Green bicycle route
64 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Besides pocket parks, Copenhagen has sought to improve the conditions
of existing urban squares, turning them into recreational spots. Israel’s
Square, in downtown Copenhagen, for instance, was once a worn-out
square. Today it flourishes, with Copenhageners enjoying sports facilities,
and it completes the corridor between Ørsted Park and the Botanical
Garden.
65 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
66 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon that oc-
curs when black roofs and grey pavement absorb and then
release heat that raises the ambient temperature in the
immediate area. In 2003, research conducted in London
showed temperature differences of up to 10 degrees Cel-
cius between rural and urban areas due to the urban “heat
island” effect.
Despite only occurring seldom in Denmark, these ex-
tra degrees result in overheated buildings and exacerbate
summer heat waves, making homes, workplaces and pub-
lic transport uncomfortable. Furthermore, increased tem-
peratures have a significant impact on the health of citi-
zens – especially the elderly. Lastly, higher temperatures
raise the demand for artificial, energy-consuming cooling
such as air-conditioning.
In Copenhagen, several solutions have been implement-
ed which amongst other things help minimizing the urban
heat island effect:
Green roof gardens on the buildings of Copenhagen have
significantly lowered the heat storing capacity of build-
ings in the city as excess heat is vaporized by water in the
plants.
Leaves on trees and plants absorb heat from the sun by
vaporizing some of the water they contain during the sum-
mer. Copenhagen’s many trees and green walls contribute
to keeping temperatures down
Copenhagen
and the Urban
Heat Island
effect
– INSIDE TIP FOR URBAN
PLANNERS
67 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Historically, Copenhagen has been a city of green roofs.
Many of the official historic buildings – Parliament, the
Stock Exchange and churches – were built with copper
roofs, which due to patina, turned green over time.
However, the green roofs of “modern” Copenhagen tell
a very different story. As the population grew and density
increased, new ways of bringing ”green” into the city had
to be found – a vision of green over grey was born. The first
green roof gardens were built 15 years ago, when it was
decided that all new buildings with flat roofs should have
gardens. Since then, many have followed. When looking at
Copenhagen from above today, you can spot hundreds of
small rooftop gardens all over town.
Being a city in the north, Copenhagen experiences its
fair share of heavy showers and snow storms. Green roofs
do not just make the city look pretty, they provide several
advantages. They collect precipitation, minimize the ur-
ban “heat island” effect and extend the life of the roof sig-
nificantly, as plants and dirt protect against UV radiation,
wind and water.
Copenhagen
roof gardens
– GREEN OVER GREY
The more plentiful green areas in Copenhagen help keep temperatures down in summers with heat waves.
Green open areas generally have lower temperatures and higher humidity than paved parts of the city. And
if parks are elevated compared to the surroundings, cooler air from the parks will during night time “tum-
ble” downhill into surrounding neighbourhoods, pushing hot air upwards – nature’s own air-conditioning.
68 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Although many rooftop parks are private, some of the
most interesting ones are open to the public. One worth
visiting is the Urban Green Corridor at Kalvebod Brygge.
Stretching across the roofs of The National Archives, a
bank headquarters and a 4-star hotel, this flowery corridor
for pedestrians and cyclists is a green short-cut, providing
Copenhageners with an alternative to the car-filled streets.
The Urban Green Corridor was a forerunner within the
green-over-grey vision, inspired by the High Line in New
York, and shows how to optimize the usage of urban space
in a busy metropolis.
When walking around Copenhagen, you might spot bees
flying from roof to roof cross-pollinating garden flowers.
This used to be a rare sight in Copenhagen, but the green
roofs have provided habitat for more insects, bees among
them. There are even examples of apartment co-ops host-
ing beehives and harvesting the delicious Copenhagen
Honey.
Bees in the city
The Urban
Green Corridor
69 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Previously, the Copenhagen harbourfront was dominat-
ed by commercial districts that divided the city between
the “mainland” and the island of Amager. Today, this area
has been revitalized with green promenades, harbour
swimming pools and cafés that bring Copenhageners liv-
ing on both sides of the water together.
The first Copenhagen harbour swimming pool opened
in 2002 at Islands Brygge. It quickly became a huge suc-
cess. Visit on a hot summer day and you will find families,
students and businessmen alike enjoying the promenade
and the water – enjoying the best of the green and the blue
Copenhagen.
The harbour in Copenhagen wasn’t always clean. At one
time, it was considered a health hazard to go for a swim in
it. Like many other big cities around the world, the harbour
functioned as a back up when sewers flooded. More than
100 overflow channels fed wastewater into the harbour.
The key to revitalizing the harbour was closing the over-
flow channels and constructing underground delay pools
capable of easing the pressure on the sewage system dur-
ing heavy rains.
THE BLUE
COPENHAGEN
PROMENADES AND HARBOUR SWIMMING
Feel like cooling off
on hot summer days?
Look for the lollipop-
coloured towers along
the harbour marking a
public swimming pool,
and feel free to take
a swim in the clean
Copenhagen waters.
The swimming pool
on Islands Brygge was
the first of these and
opened in 2002.
70 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Today, you can walk down Copenhagen Harbour along
promenades stretching all the way from the Valby Beach in
the south to UN City in the north. Several public harbour
pool areas offer you a place to cool down in the water, or
enjoy a coffee at shore.
5 blue
hot spots of
Copenhagen
3
4
2
1
Swimming
possibilities
Harbour
swimming
pool
Urban
beach
Winter
swimming
facility
71 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Kalvebod Wave
Kalvebod Wave is located just across from the popular
Islands Brygge neighbourhood, and is a wave-shaped pier.
Here, kayak-loving Copenhageners and visitors can rent
kayaks to tour the canals of Copenhagen, or enjoy cultural
activities at the new theatre scene established adjacent to
the wave.
Valby Beach
This recently established beach marks the southern tip of
the Copenhagen Harbour area. Make sure you visit in late
July when the annual “Green Concert” takes place. The musi-
cal event attracts thousands of Copenhageners who swim at
the beach during the day and listen to rock concerts in the
adjacent Valby Park at night.
Nordhavn harbour
swimming pool
Nordhavn is one of the city districts, and a place where
you can experience the lifestyle of Copenhagen families.
The local harbour swimming pool here is definitely worth
a visit. It has been built to resemble Swedish skerries, and
is made up of large pieces of rock placed in the water.
Trekroner fortress
This old military installation used to be part of Copenha-
gen’s defence towards the sea. Today, a newly established
beach lets you go for a swim, and on a clear day you can
spot the Swedish coast on the horizon. Grab one of the har-
bour buses, and bring nothing but a towel and your swim
trunks and visit this new Copenhagen hot spot.
The floating
swimming pool
When walking along the harbourfront, you might come
across a large, strange floating device. This is the new
floating swimming pool, which moves from place to place
during the summer. A day spent in this swimming pool
can take you past various sights, and let you see Copenha-
gen from the seaside while cooling off in the pool.
3
4
5
1
2
72 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The city adapts to the climate. In Copenhagen, climate
change has resulted in more extreme weather. Intense
summer heat waves and occasional heavy rains flood city
sewers, streets and basements. Pocket parks and green
roofs adapts the city to this new climate, as parks cool
down the city, and green roofs collect as much as 60 pct. of
the yearly precipitation.
The city has healthy and productive citizens. The avail-
ability of recreational opportunities affects how inhabit-
ants of a city function. Research shows that a lack of rec-
reational spaces has a lasting detrimental effect on people,
weakening their active participation in society, their pro-
ductivity at work and their health.
The city creates local economic growth. Real estate val-
ues of housing close to parks and harbour swimming pools
have increased significantly compared to other areas, add-
ing value for local residents. Furthermore, the activity gen-
erated by recreational areas creates a foundation for local
businesses such as cafés, restaurants, and bars that did
not exist before..
The city creates quality of life. Aristotle once said: “A
city exists for the sake of a good life – not for the sake of
life only.” It shouldn’t be overlooked that recreational areas
have a significant impact on the liveability of a city and on
the quality of life for its inhabitants.
The city is aesthetic. With rooftop gardens and pocket
parks all over town, Copenhagen shows off a new and
interesting look. Dominated by grey and black surfaces
before, the city is now a pallet of green natural colours,
changing form and expression along with the seasons.
5 Characteristics of
the green and blue
Copenhagen
1
2
3
4
5
73 // ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Name: Storm Anker
Age: 24. Occupation: Carpenter apprentice
What is your favourite spot in Copenhagen?
It depends on what I am in the mood for. When
I need to get out of my dorm and just want to
relax and read a book, I enjoy spending time in
the shared rooftop garden of my parents’ building, close by
the lakes. Here I can lie on the grass and listen to the quiet
humming coming from the city below or the bees flying
from roof to roof. But, when I hang out with friends during
the summer, we usually grab a water bus and go to Trekro-
ner Fortress with our portable barbeques. The new beach
there is amazing and the historic surroundings create a
cool atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying the summer va-
cation. We usually stick around until late evening, when
the last boat departs.
When I was younger and still lived with my parents, I
would usually go play basketball with my friends in the
Stengade pocket park; it has a great basketball court, and
is the place where all the local kids meet. And it was where
I had my first kiss.
Meet the
Copenhagener
‘‘
A regional water treatment company owned by eight municipalities
around Copenhagen makes sure that you can always jump in the har-
bour and enjoy clean water. Wastewater is cleaned and can be safely
disposed into the sea. The sludge is incinerated, creating energy that is
fed into the district heating system to keep you and the people around
Copenhagen warm.
Practical information:
Never worry about dirty water
74 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
HISTORY
However, Copenhagen did not evolve to be carbon neu-
tral overnight. In fact, the political, technical and cultural
building blocks that combined make the Copenhagen we
see today, were the result of more than a century of vision-
ary politicians, persistent citizens and innovative busi-
nesses.
The City of Copenhagen, citizens and local businesses
have, over the past century, taken important steps towards
creating an environmentally friendly city that fosters eco-
nomic growth and a high quality of life for its citizens.
Wind turbines, district cooling, the smart grid, biking
strategies, carbon neutral buildings, public harbour swim-
ming pools and pocket parks are only part of the story be-
hind the Copenhagen of today.
Today, Copenhagen
is famous for being
the world’s first
carbon-neutral
capital.
75 // HISTORY
76 // HISTORY
77 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Historic timeline
of carbon neutral
Copenhagen
1863
The first public transportation
option is unveiled in Copenhagen.
The horse tram carried 20 passen-
gers at a time from Sankt Annæ
Plads to Frederiksberg Runddel.
1992
Wind turbines are raised in
the waters just off the east-
ernmost part of Copenhagen
harbour, supplying 900
households with clean energy.
1976
The first Wastewater Manage-
ment Plan is formulated. The
plan is the first step towards
the revitalisation of the Copen-
hagen harbour and diminishes
the health hazards of sewage.
1947
The plan for Copenhagen’s
urban development, “The
Finger Plan,” is developed. It
emphasises green wedges of
recreational areas for Copenha-
geners to enjoy in between the
“fingers” of urbanization.
1910
The first bike lane is estab-
lished in Copenhagen as the
bridle paths paved with loose
stones along the lakes are
opened up to cyclists.
1925
The first steps towards a cen-
tralised district heating system
in Copenhagen are taken.
76 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
2008
“The Environmental Zone” is
launched. It prohibits diesel-
fuelled vehicles without
particle filters from entering
the city. Previously, it was
estimated that particle pol-
lution caused hundreds of
premature deaths annually in
Copenhagen.
2006
“Bryggebroen”, a bridge
solely for pedestrians and
bicyclists spanning the
harbour in Copenhagen,
opens – it creates a new
shortcut for cyclists over
the harbour.
2002
The first public harbour swim-
ming pool is opened, officially
marking the revitalisation of
the harbour.
2002
The first phase of the Copenhagen
Metro is opened with the inaugura-
tion of 11 stations.
2001
The world’s most efficient
Combined Heat and Power
plant is built, warming hous-
es in the city with excess
heat from power production.
1995
“Bycyklen” (The City Bike) is
introduced. It is the world’s
first large-scale urban bike-
sharing programme.
77 // HISTORY
CO2
2012
“Project Clean Cab” is
launched, introducing the city’s
first taxis running on 100 pct.
electricity.
2011
The first discussions on solu-
tions for traffic congestion in
Copenhagen commences.
2011
Copenhagen experienced
the worst floodsin for more
than 50 years leaving large
parts of the city kneedeep
in water for days – this
increased the awareness
and focus of climate adap-
tion amongst politicians
and citizens
2010
Copenhagen opens its first
district cooling system, mak-
ing it possible to cool office
buildings in the summer using
sea water..
2009
100 pct. electric-powered
buses become part of the
public transportation system
in Copenhagen.
2009
A unanimous City Council
signs the “Copenhagen
Climate Plan,” putting forth
ambitions of a carbon neu-
tral Copenhagen in 2025.
78 // HISTORY
2050
Denmark becomes
independent
of fossil
fuels.
2025
Copenhagen becomes
the first carbon-neutral
capital in the world.
2025
Half of all Copenha-
geners now commute
to work and places of
education by bike.
2018
The Metro City Ring opens,
making it more convenient
than ever to commute via
public transit.
2016
The first inhabitants
move into the new
Carlsberg district – the
first carbon neutral
part of Copenhagen,
with more than 3,000
homes and green areas
for residents.
2015
Fourteen new pocket parks are
opened to the public, making the
city greener than ever.
79 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
CURITIBA
People centered urban design, environ-
mental management and integrated
solutions.
New York city
The High Line is an old railway con-
verted into attractive park promenade.
London
Establishment of thousands of vegetable
gardens on rooftops and in community
gardens.
Portland
Active citizen engagement helped
Portland to focus on meaningful public
transportation.
CITIES THAT INSPIRED
COPENHAGEn
Hamburg
Instead of expanding the city into its
periphery, it is moving into the unused
old inner city area of the port. Creating
a new vibrant area and helping to reach
the city’s climate targets.
78 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Masdar City
First city with net-zero carbon emission.
Cars are banned. 80 pct. of water is
recycled.
Songpa
Engaging citizens via the “Green
Songpa” website with tips for energy-
reducing behavior.
Singapore
Abundant parks and gardens.
Beijing
4,000 outdoor gyms providing free
exercise opportunities.
Sønderborg
Although small, it is the first city in a
public-private partnership that works
to combine growth and climate change
and achieve carbon neutrality.
Melbourne
The world’s most livable city – a success
story in stopping urban sprawl and
instead using the urban spaces better,
building on top of existing buildings in a
well-known and comfortable scale.
79 // HISTORY
HISTORY
The Circle Bridge, resembling ship
masts, is a kind reference to the
maritime history of Christianshavn.
The bridge in the inner harbour
connects new architectural buildings
with the old warehouses across and
works for both cyclists and pedes-
trians but can swing to the side and
make way for ships needing to go
through.
80 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Designing a city for an extra
100,000 people in 2025, and
still reaching ambitious climate
targets was not always easy.
Here are two of the bumps on
the road to Copenhagen 2025.
Both turned out to become
great learning experiences for
the city in how to plan and
structure the Copenhagen we
see today.
BUMPS ON THE ROAD TO
COPENHAGEN 2025
81 // HISTORY
HISTORY
In 2011, the proposal for a congestion ring around Co-
penhagen was shot down. As in the cities that have suc-
cessfully introduced a congestion ring, the public discus-
sion in Copenhagen focused on the upfront cost of the
ring instead of its socio-economic benefits. Second, the
issue was used as a tool to oppose to the newly elected
national government. New strategy and communication
efforts shed more light on the benefits of the congestion
ring and were inspired by the solutions in other capitals.
When ready, Copenhagen will be able to introduce the best
possible solution to limit the amount of traffic in and out
of the city.
Combating
congestion
The ambitious plan for developing this part of the city
was to turn Copenhagen away from low houses and close
density and towards remarkable architectural icons and
new apartment buildings clustered along a new Metro
line. The results were indeed iconic buildings, but also
wind corridors, big empty spaces between the buildings,
and a dearth of local retail and grocery stores. What went
wrong, some say, is that life was built out of the buildings.
Large closed surfaces, and the big empty spaces, made the
area seem deserted. The lesson learned: Design your city
like you would your living room, with close proximity to
everything you need, comfort and small scales. The new
neighborhoods of Nordhavn and Carlsberg are filled with
small recreational spaces, shops, and the focus has been
to create life before iconic buildings. (See more in the Ar-
chitecture chapter).
Ørestaden
82 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Copenhagen boasts one of the world’s best business en-
vironments. It is easy to establish a business, interact with
public services, corporate taxation is low and a highly edu-
cated workforce exists. But perhaps the most interesting
part of the economy – and the core reason for its prosperity
– is the link between business and sustainability.
The city is a frontrunner when it comes to understand-
ing sustainability as an opportunity to develop new sourc-
es of growth rather than as a constraint.
Therefore, global economic trends have enormous posi-
tive impact on the economy and businesses of the city.
The resource crisis and the 8 billion people now inhabit-
ing the planet have fuelled skyrocketing prices of energy,
materials and commodities.
Because of these global trends, and due to encourag-
ing framework conditions, the Copenhagen economy is in
full bloom. Green business continues to be an important
growth engine for Copenhagen. This is the main reason
why the city has experienced 5 pct. economic growth an-
nually in the past decade.
ECONOMY
The green tiger
83 // ECONOMY
ECONOMY
World population
World Energy Consumption
Estimates in million
Quadrillion British thermal units (Btu)
2000
406
2025
671
2020
619
2015
573
2008
505
2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
6,115
6,512
6,909
7,302
7,675
8,012
84 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Today, however, the green sector has lost its special sta-
tus. No one talks of the “sustainable economy” anymore.
No one mentions “green jobs.” Now it´s just “jobs and econ-
omy” – and of course both are sustainable.
In recent years, green has been mainstreamed into eve-
ry corner of the economy – into the business plan of every
entrepreneur, into the shopping cart of every consumer
and into the strategy of every company, institution and or-
ganisation in Copenhagen.
Today, there is not a green economy and a brown econ-
omy. Today, there is just the economy. And it is booming.
Mainstreaming
sustainability
– an economy beyond
green
In the first decade of the century,
the green sector in Copenhagen
had soared. Turnover and
export generated in the sector
experienced double-digit
growth – even through the great
recession of the early 2010s.
85 // ECONOMY
ECONOMY
Reduced the consumption of electricity and heat by 30 pct. and 20 pct.
respectively compared to 2010.
Ensured that 50 pct. of all trips to work and study in Copenhagen are made
on bikes, keeping transportation costs down and improving public health,
with fewer sick days in return.
Installed 360 MW of wind power, which supplies cheap electricity at night
to the city’s vehicle fleet.
Monitored and reduced energy consumption via smart technologies.
Constructed a smart and flexible energy system that reduces losses and
hedges against expensive peak demand by integrating energy storage
from the district heating system.
Constructed a new combined heat and power plant running on cheap
biomass.
Developed a concept whereby plumbers, electricians and contractors act
as free energy consultants to small businesses.
Ensured a low total cost of ownership for new buildings, and invested in
smart solutions during the construction phase to keep annual costs down.
Changed taxation of low-energy buildings. Now net area instead of gross
area is taxed, creating incentives for increased insulation.
Educated all employees in climate-conscious behaviour such as eco-
driving.
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
A sustainable
economy
Sustainability in general and resource efficiency in par-
ticular make businesses in Copenhagen – and the city it-
self – highly competitive. In the past 10-15 years, Copen-
hagen has:
86 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
An important chapter in the history of the green econo-
my in Denmark has been the Danish Wind Turbine Adven-
ture, bringing with it thousands of jobs. The adventure was
made possible by the triple-helix model – a model for coop-
eration between academia, industry and the state. Begin-
ning in the late 1970s, the Danish government financially
supported energy providers in developing and testing big-
ger and better wind turbines.
The goal of the triple-helix model is to create the syner-
gies needed to ensure sustainable economic growth based
on technology and innovation. An important cultural trait
crucial to making the triple-helix model function efficient-
ly in Denmark, however, is trust (read more about trust
in the People and Culture chapter). A high level of trust
makes knowledge sharing easier, and is essential in creat-
ing an environment fostering innovation in the business
community and academia.
This triple-helix model, and the knowledge sharing it
has brought with it, has been claimed to be one of the main
reasons why Denmark is, today, the world leader in sus-
tainable solutions.
Three is a
welcomed
crowd
– The Danish windmill
adventure
ACADEMIA
INDUSTRY
STATE
87 // ECONOMY
ECONOMY
COPENHAGEN
2010-2025
2.500.000 0
Carbon emission in tons from the city
369 482
Kilometres of bike lane
in Copenhagen
33 50
Percentage of citizens going
to work on bikes 46360
MW electric capacity from windmills
63 90*
Percentage of Copenhageners
living within min walk
of a public park
80 95
Percentage of young Copenhageners who
complete a secondary education
535 640
Thousands of people
living in the city 68 90*
Percentage of food served in public
institutions which is organic
*2015 figure
*2015 figure
88 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
10 Economic
hotspots
1
Green City Exports
Copenhagen is carbon neutral. This stimulates the ex-
port of solutions within energy production, energy effi-
ciency, waste management, district heating and cooling,
and sustainable urban planning to cities around the world.
CO2
2
Home grown energy
Web-based tools for identifying suitable rooftops for so-
lar panels spur private installations in Copenhagen. Many
companies and cooperatives (Copenhagen was also a first-
mover with wind turbine cooperatives) are also solar en-
ergy producers. Residents and companies responded to the
city’s successful attempt to alter the framework conditions
for solar.
See Shopping chapter.
3
E-mobility
Close to 15 pct. of cars on the road in Copenhagen do not
run on fossil fuels. For small vehicles owned by the munic-
ipality, the share is 95 pct. The rise of e-mobility is closely
linked to investments in infrastructure for these cars.
89 // ECONOMY
ECONOMY
5
Upcycling and Urban
Mining
The practice of converting waste materials into products
of greater value has a long tradition in Copenhagen. Early
on, the REnescience facility at Amagerforbrændingen sort-
ed and secured valuable components from the waste gen-
erated in the city. Today, several companies are recycling
valuable metals and materials from old products and have
re-imagined and redefined the concept of waste.
6
Shared-use
Copenhagen was an early mover in shared transporta-
tion. The city bike – a shared fleet of bikes – was introduced
30 years ago, in 1995. At that time, cars were used inef-
ficiently. They used to sit idle 80 pct. of the time and oc-
cupied streets and areas now used for parks. Shared cars
paved the way for shared business models for other prod-
ucts Copenhageners seldom use such as gardening and
home improvement tools and suitcases.
4
Urban farming
Green roofs in the city allow residents to grow their own
vegetables. Many families and day-care centres take ad-
vantage of the rooftop gardens to teach children about
food production. The green roofs were originally imple-
mented under the adaption plan, as the plants absorb rain-
water and shelter buildings from extreme temperatures,
but for many Copenhageners they have become a favourite
pastime. And sources of pride, too, as the yearly competi-
tion for the biggest vegetables and most beautiful gardens
testify
90 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
7
Sights on bikes
– bicycle tourism
The “I bike Copenhagen” is as iconic and beloved as the
“I heart NY” – and with good reason. Tourists flock to the
Danish capital to experience sights on bikes. Today, 50 pct.
of Copenhagen residents cycle to work, and an increasing
share of tourists choose Copenhagen as their destination
because of the bicycle culture.
See Getting Around chapter.
91 // ECONOMY
ECONOMY
8
Quality of life
Copenhagen is frequently called the world’s best city to
live in, and is praised for the quality of life. The smart city
design facilitates a harmonised and advanced lifestyle.
Architects, urban planners and companies are working
towards bottling this “copenhagenism” through the intel-
ligent sustainable design of products, buildings and cities.
9
Smart Grid
The smart grid enables information and energy to run
both ways between consumers and energy companies.
Washing machines start automatically at night, when en-
ergy prices are low. Electric cars are programmed to sell
energy if energy prices are high and the battery has suf-
ficient energy to spare. The strategies reduce energy use at
times of peak demand and overall.
10
Smart City
It is not only the power grid that has become smart. The
entire city is becoming smarter for the convenience of its
citizens. Buildings, roads and even waste disposal systems
are intelligent and make the lives of Copenhageners easier
and more resource efficient.
92 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Copenhagen is carbon neutral, and Denmark is en route
to becoming independent of fossil fuels by 2050. What better
way to purchase a little bit of Copenhagen than a turbine?
In one of the first wind cooperatives in Copenhagen, 8,650
locals bought individual shares for $809, which represented
the production of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per year – increasing
public support for the project. The City of Copenhagen made
a profit from the sale of its first successful wind farm, and
revenue has been channelled back into city projects.
360 Megawatts of wind power have been installed, and
at least 20 pct. of the production is sold to wind turbine
cooperatives, where locals buy shares. For large inves-
tors, such as pension funds, green energy infrastructure
is an attractive asset in an era of volatile markets, as wind
farms have a very appealing risk-return profile.
However, the secret to Copenhagen´s success in becom-
ing carbon neutral is right below you. The Copenhagen en-
ergy system has been an integrated and smart system for
years.
The system combines the production of heat and power,
using all available types of technologies and fuels: waste,
solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, district heating and
cooling. The smart system can handle this diversified se-
lection of renewable energy sources, and even store and
exchange power and heat.
SHOPPING
If you are looking for a souvenir
– forget about Little Mermaid
figurines – bring back a wind
turbine.
93 // SHOPPING
SHOPPING
94 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
Copenhagen has plenty of businesses that help companies achieve
energy savings. In some partnerships, a portion of the savings is used
to develop renewable energy projects, by, for example, pledging to
buy blocks of power production from a wind farm.
While in Copenhagen, you will also notice much construction and ret-
rofitting under way. The reason for this is a new business and finance
model for low-energy buildings. The business model removes risk by
guaranteeing the building owner defined energy savings. Eliminating
that risk makes investments in energy savings more calculable and
attractive, and easier to finance .
Tip FOR the business traveller
– Energy Saving Companies and
Energy Finance Consultants
As mentioned, the Copenhagen energy system is the main
reason why the city has been able to reach its zero-carbon
target. However, Copenhageners take pride in fighting carbon.
Copenhageners are not just CONsumers anymore – they
have become PROsumers. A PROsumer is a resident who not
only consumes energy, but also produces it via local techni-
cal solutions. Many homeowners and apartment co-ops have
solar panels installed on rooftops, and are small-time energy
tycoons. The smart grid allows them to sell energy to the grid
when they have excess production or energy prices are high.
Also, if you walk into any apartment building in Copenha-
gen you will notice on some doors the green electron label.
These apartments purchase green energy from their energy
provider. The price is slightly higher than conventional en-
ergy – but part of the deal is an unburdened conscience and
the prestigious green electron label that Copenhageners love
to flash. A power brand in every sense.
Also, Copenhageners are doing their best to avoid consump-
tion – because when it comes to power shopping – less is more.
Power from
the people
95 // SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Cooking generates a lot of excess heat. Making Danish
meatballs will not only keep the wolf from the door, it also
warms your kitchen.
The same goes for power. In order to produce electricity
for your television, waste or straw is burned at the power
plant. This process yields a valuable byproduct: heat.
In conventional power generation, the heat is wasted,
but in Copenhagen 98 pct. of homes is heated by this
second-hand product. The combined heat and power sys-
tem provides low-cost, low-carbon heat. Besides being a
more environmentally friendly solution, district heating is
cheaper and more hassle-free for the end-user compared
to individual heat sources.
However, it is not just district heating that makes the
energy system worth looking at – it is the system itself.
Ever noticed how kitchens are
usually a warm place?
Second hand
– hot deals
Single technologies are great but not always sufficient to meet the
massive challenge of large-scale projects – such as building entirely
new, energy-efficient cities. Are you in the market for collective solu-
tions – systems already working? Then check out the one-stop shop
at the Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster where you can get an overview
of all the initiatives, knowledge and possible partners in the area. Visit
www.cphcleantech.com
Bulk buying – Tip for shopaholics
96 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
THE COPENHAGEN
ENERGY CIRCUIT
Solar
Collec-
tor
Sunlight heats up liquid
inside a collector, which
is then circulated to a
boiler heating up water.
Some solar collectors
can heat up the liquid to
temperatures as high as
100 degrees Celsius.
GeotHermal
ENERGY
Energy is extracted from the core
of the Earth by drilling down to
the hot rocks underneath the sur-
face. By injecting water into to the
drilled well, hot water can be ex-
tracted and turned into electricity
through a turbine above ground.
District Cooling
District cooling is a system where water is chilled – partly by cold water
from the sea – and distributed via insulated pipelines underground to cool
commercial and industrial buildings in central Copenhagen. The system
reduces electricity bills and strain on the environment.
Solar Panels
Solar panels generate electricity and also shade rooftops to lower build-
ings’ need for cooling in the summer. Larger solar farms are installed
outside the city to harvest power from the unlimited potential of the sun.
Heat
storage
Nordhavn holds one of
the world biggest heat
storages. Working as a
gigantic thermos, the
former dry dock can
hold up to 300,000
cubic meters of hot
water. The storage is
an integrated part of
the heat and power
production in the city.
The water is kept warm
until the Copenhageners
demand hot showers in
the morning - avoiding
the expensive peaks in
demand.
97 // SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Smart
Grid
The smart grid connects
various energy sources
into one system, to make
better use of fluctuat-
ing energy sources like
wind. The grid is able to
handle a two-way-flow
of electricity, meaning
that citizens are not only
able to consume energy,
but also to produce
energy and sell it back to
the grid.
COMBINED
HEAT AND
POWER PLANT
District heating exploits surplus heat
from electricity production and distrib-
utes it to Copenhagen homes through
large pipes. Today more than 98 pct. of
the heat demand in Copenhagen is cov-
ered by district heating. The system can
make use of various renewable sources
biomass, geothermal and solar and send
it into the system.
Off shore wind
Wind turbines installed off the costs of the city provide electricity to the
Copenhageners. These wind farms are sold as cooperatives to the locals
increasing public support and creating revenue for the city.
(This illustration is inspired by: Scientific American, September 2011)
International
perspective
The grid is connected to other countries.
Excess energy is sold internationally
when the demand is met in Denmark so
wind energy doesn’t go to waste.
Waste to
energy
Collected household
waste is separated and
turned into energy.
Excess heat from in-
cinerated waste is sent
into the district heating
system.
98 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
The heat and power exchange is a key part of the smart
energy system in Copenhagen.
What makes the system smart is its ability to handle
both stable and fluctuating sources of energy. The system
combines the strengths of different solutions, allowing for
clean but fluctuating wind to be backed up by more dis-
patchable sources of energy that in turn create balance
and resilience.
Copenhagen is continuously working to optimize the in-
terplay between wind, geothermal energy, biomass, com-
bined heat and power plants, and district heating. The sys-
tem enables renewable energy such as wind power to be
stored as heat.
Also, electric vehicles function in particular at night
as energy storage. When electric vehicles are plugged in
to charge the batteries, they relieve the energy system of
surplus production from wind power. Alternatively – and
this is the really smart point – the grid may shortly cut
off charging or even ‘borrow’ energy from the batteries if
there is too little energy in the grid. A seamless energy mo-
bility system.
The Heat and
Power Exchange
HEAT
POWER
Copenhagerner’s
organic food
consumption, pct.
2015
20
2010
16
99 // SHOPPING
SHOPPING
The current resource crisis have
spurred the need to redesign
the way we live, work, travel,
produce and consume. Here
are some items to add to your
sustainable shopping list while in
Copenhagen.
The Danes are famous for their design. And, to Danes,
design is more than mere aesthetics. Design is about mak-
ing life easier, better and more sustainable. Copenhagen
designers understand that less is more; acknowledge that
you may own a product, but only borrow the materials it
consists of; and respect that natural resources are some-
thing you hold and look after for the next generation.
Sustainable
Shopping
Eco design
(Ecouture)
100 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
For decades, Denmark has integrated environmental
considerations into its tax system, for a wide range of
products and services. For a long period, green cars were
exempt from the 180 pct. car tax. Today, polluting cars
are still taxed more heavily than green cars. Because of
Denmark’s green tax reforms, consumers have demanded
cleaner products, and industry has invested in materials
and processes with less environmental impact. Denmark
is considering lowering the VAT on fruits and vegetables
that are local and in season.
Tax free
shopping
– not just an airport thing
15 pct. of your electricity bill goes to lighting. But why
buy what you can get for free? When browsing in Copen-
hagen, notice how new houses and offices are designed to
harvest daylight, reducing the need to purchase artificial
light. Daylight has a better “light quality” than electric
lighting, and is linked to increased productivity, learning
capacity and well-being. Being a northern city, you will
find bargains on daylight during summer – whereas sun-
light on sale during winter can be hard to come by.
In the mood for some
light shopping?
Waste recycling:
Waste not
recycled and
thus sent to
landfill, pct.
2009
2
1988
40
101 // SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Bio based beauty
products
In Copenhagen, you will have a vast selection of alter-
natives to the high-value products we previously sourced
from oil, such as plastic. Copenhagen has been using waste
as a resource for decades – turning trash into treasure.
In refinery plants, industrial and household waste and
agricultural biomass are turned into bio-based commodi-
ties such as pharmaceutical ingredients, cosmetics, chem-
icals, materials and fuel.
The biomass and waste that does get incinerated gen-
erates power and heat for thousands of households, and
makes use of the valuable energy contained within the
city’s trash.
If you plan to stay in Copenhagen for a longer period,
we recommend you subscribe to a once-a-year company.
Instead of buying seldom-used power tools or ten chairs
for the annual dinner party, people in Copenhagen sub-
scribe to an OY company. The company guarantees deliv-
ery within two hours. Most companies have cargo bikes
cycling around the city, and will arrive much faster.
Orders are placed via your smart phone. You save a small
fortune, and avoid the hassle of storing the stuff.
The once-
a-year-
subscription
(OYs)
102 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
When you browse in the shops of Copenhagen, notice
how many of the products are labelled. Copenhageners
particularly love products that are organic, fair-trade and
made with wind power. Due to the Danes love affair with
wind, WindMade – the first global label dedicated to a sin-
gle renewable energy source – became immensely popular
when it was first introduced on products in Denmark.
Wind-made
products
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)
Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)

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Guide to Copenhagen 2025 (Sustainia)

  • 1. SUSTAINIA COPENHAGEN 2025 GUIDE TO Exploring the sustainable capital of tomorrow
  • 3. 4 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.” Niels Bohr, Nobel Laureate in Physics The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 builds on the existing plans for Copenhagen. Although we have added a few teaspoons of creativity and imagination, the book is a realistic scenario of a not so distant future – and not an utopian experiment. However, the future is yet to be written. New technologies may emerge and others may fail. Alternative solutions may appear and plans may change. But one thing remains certain: Our future destination depends on our course today.
  • 4. 5 // FOREWORD FOREWORD FOREWORD ARCHITECTURE PEOPLE AND CULTURE GETTING AROUND ENVIRONMENT HISTORY ECONOMY SHOPPING 24/72 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN COMING BACK IN 2050 6 10 36 48 60 74 82 92 104 114 CONTENTS
  • 5. 6 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 “A CITY EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF A GOOD LIFE, NOT FOR THE SAKE OF LIFE ONLY” - ARISTOTLE
  • 6. 7 // FOREWORD FOREWORD Sustainia welcomeS you to Copenhagen 2025 Sustainia is all about making what may seem impossi- ble possible. Turning dreams into reality. Making inspiring visions into concrete and achievable actions. Actions that will take us to the fascinating destination Sustainia – a de- sirable and achievable sustainable future. Allow us to take you on a journey: Copenhagen in the year 2025. We hope this journey will excite and inspire you. Open your eyes to the fascinating opportunities of living in a sustainianised city. The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 builds on the existing and extensive plans for Copenhagen. We visualise
  • 7. 8 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 these plans and make them tangible for visitors and citi- zens. Therefore this Guide isn’t an utopian experiment but a realistic image of a not so distant future. By 2025, Copenhagen will be carbon neutral. However, the city is already a beacon of sustainability. It is part of the city’s sense of self, woven into the heart, soul and mind of Copenhagen. For decades, the city has pursued sustainable policies. Copenhagen is evidence that a sustainable city is not only a cleaner and greener city – but also a city with a high quality of life. A smarter, healthier, happier city. And a more prosperous one. Sustainia is about just that: a better, happier, healthier, smarter – and more enjoyable - world. The journey to that world is fuelled by excitement and the appeal of the destination. In Guide to Sustainia, we explored the sustainable soci- ety of tomorrow. We developed the first version of the Sus- tainia City Principles. Since then we have developed them further, and we will continue to do so as we move along. The Sustainia Guide to Copenhagen 2025 is the first in Sustainia’s series of city guides, in which we envision the cities of tomorrow. By looking through a sustainable lens, we experience these principles in real life. Let the journey begin! We welcome you to Copenhagen in the year 2025. Enjoy the ride. Laura Storm Executive Director Sustainia
  • 8. 9 // FOREWORD FOREWORD All citizens should live within a 5-10 minute walk to green areas Citizens should have access to fresh food and clean water The city should work to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. New buildings must meet energy efficiency standards– such as LEED certification Attractive spaces between buildings invite citizens to interact Walking anywhere in the city should be easy and safe Easy and efficient public transportation Clean rivers, harbours and beaches. Educational opportunities to ensure a young a vibrant atmosphere Public electric car hires and plenty of charging stations will reduce air and noise pollution Well designed bike lane infrastructure Engage citizens in making cities sustainable – ownership and empower- ment through education City leaders should recognize sustainability as a driver for innovation, creativity and prosperity Sustainable cities improve the quality of life for its citizens 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 12 10 11 Sustainia City Principles
  • 9. 10 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 ARCHI- TECTURE When you explore the different architectural attractions of Copenhagen, remember to take in the best piece of Danish design – the city itself. Copenhagen is designed for people. A city designed to be convenient, creative, efficient and fun. A smart city.
  • 10. 11 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Less hassle Public transportation is integrated, convenient and fast. Less waste Flexible systems allow energy to be stored until needed. Less floods Green roofs, canals and pocket parks help absorb cloud bursts. Less noise Many cars run on electricity and are nearly silent. Less random use Appliances such as washing machines respond to infor- mation and start when energy prices are low. Less congestion Intelligent traffic systems adjust the streets of the city to avoid traffic jams. Less short-sightedness New sustainable buildings ensure low maintenance costs and low total cost of ownership. Smart city Spotting all of the smart improvements can be difficult. In order to explore this hidden side of the city, take notice of what is missing. Be on watch for:
  • 11. 12 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
  • 12. 13 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE NORDHAVN If you have the chance, take the Metro to Nordhavn and explore the new district that boosts Copenhagen’s image as an sustainable metropolis. You will discover how sus- tainability and quality of life go hand in hand. In the dense urban environment at Nordhavn, the natu- ral choice for residents and visitors is to walk, cycle or use public transport, rather than travel by car. Take a stroll through the intimate, compact neighborhood and take in the architecture where old meets new. Notice how old buildings, such as the silos, have been retrofitted and to- day are modern office buildings. Make sure to look up, too, as some older buildings have been outfitted with additional stories – building new atop the old. The rubble and gravel from the old buildings that were demolished have been reused in the construction of new buildings. Sustainability is an innate part of the district’s design. Efficiency is a top priority, and the neighbourhood is pow- ered by several kinds of renewable energy, including solar, wind and geothermal. Every drop of rainwater is used lo- cally to maintain green elements such as rooftop gardens, pocket parks and green boulevards. The water promenade in Nordhavn is a great place to spend a sunny day. If you get too hot, cool off inside, where seawater in the district cooling system holds temperatures down. Or, bring your swimsuit and dive into the clean harbour water. Soak up the warmth from the rocks situated in the water resembling Swedish skerries
  • 13. 14 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Little Venice. Nordhavn is a district of small islets with kilometres of coastline. It is characterised by houseboats, water sports, canals, harbour buses, a water pocket park, artificial islands, a marina, a harbour bath and direct access to water from the boardwalks. If you arrive by sea, you will see the neighbourhood. It is also home to the dock for cruise ships. When the cruise ships dock at Copenhagen they no longer pose the same envi- ronmental hazard as before. Previously, cruise ships burned diesel while in port to generate power – but today the shore to ship system provides cleaner energy from power plants and wind turbines of the city. It takes five minutes to walk four hundred metres. Installing conveniences such as shopping and public transport within this distance promotes walking and cycling. The area is designed on a five-minute-city principle. Short distances from housing and workplaces to public transport, bicycle paths, green areas, public institutions and shops provide resource efficiency and an interesting, inviting and lively urban landscape. This city is made for walking
  • 15. 16 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025
  • 16. 17 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE If you rent a bike, make sure you ride over the Two Tower Bridge at Marble Pier and the point of Langelinie. Cycling 65 metres above sea level while ferries pass beneath you is an unforgetable experience, and shows you to what lengths – and heights – this city will go for its bikes.
  • 17. 18 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 1,800 employees work in UN City – a state-of-the- art sustainable building that opened in 2013. The building has solar panels on the roof, is LEED (Lead- ership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified and an EU Green Building Partner. Due to security concerns, it is situated on its own island.
  • 18. 19 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Explore business opportunities in the biggest urban development project in Northern Europe. Nordhavn is still under construction, and the city is looking for busi- ness partners within smart energy, shore-to-ship technology, electric cars, district cooling, street lighting, smart houses and geothermal energy. When completed in 2060, Nordhavn will be home for 40,000 residents and another 40,000 workers. In 2060, the green loop – containing a super bicycle path and public transport – connects all of Nordhavn’s neighbourhoods, enabling cyclists to get to their destina- tions quickly. Tip for the business traveller Name: Noah Adamsen Age: 36. Occupation: Project Manager, UNICEF How do you get around Copenhagen? I bike almost all year round. I love the trip along the waterfront from my home in Islands Brygge to UN City. Often, I have meetings around town and go by bike as well. If I go with one of my colleagues who commute by car, he or she borrows one of the company bikes. On rainy days, though, I might take the Metro to Nordhavn and catch up on iNews. On weekends, my family and I love to spend time in our beach house. It is a two-hour drive from Copenhagen, so we have a weekend subscription to a shared car service. Meet the Copenhagener ‘‘
  • 19. 20 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Make sure you set aside a whole day to visit the Carls- berg district. Situated where the Carlsberg brewery was es- tablished and produced most of its beer for 150 years, this “new” part of town is now a cornucopia of cultural activi- ties, history and city life. The district is also a frontrunner in sustainable urban planning. Getting around Carlsberg requires nothing more than your two feet. This part of town has been specifically de- signed for the locals who enjoy experiencing the labyrinth- like charm of “secret” pathways and small green parks on foot. Should you feel tempted to join the locals on the bike lanes, take the Carlsberg Route, which connects the clas- sic district of Valby with the downtown bohemian dis- Carlsberg
  • 20. 21 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Old historic buildings combined with modern architecture surround the public squares at Carlsberg. This combination of old and new creates an urban atmosphere favoured by Copenhageners during night and day. trict of Vesterbro. Carlsberg has an extended grid of bike lanes, including shortcuts and passages between the buildings, which make biking the fastest way of getting around. In the Carlsberg district, you will notice how modern ar- chitecture builds upon the remains of the old brewery. In fact, 15 pct. of all the buildings in the area today date back more than 175 years; they tell the story of how hop, yeast and water built the foundation of one of Denmark’s largest companies. These buildings have been retrofitted and modified into energy-efficient structures that today host theatres, con- certs and exhibitions. All new buildings in the area have been built to meet stringent energy requirements.
  • 21. 22 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 In Copenhagen, sustainability has in no way compromised aesthetics – the city is as charming as ever. When walking around Carlsberg today, it can be hard to spot what energy efficiency and carbon neutrality actually looks like. The fact is, it is all around you. Beneath your feet, large pipes transport hot water thro- ugh the environmentally friendly district heating system, which is connected to all buildings in the area. In the walls surrounding you, a modern smart electric grid distributes clean electricity from wind turbines off the coast of Co- penhagen and biomass power plants in the city. This “covert” sustainability means that creating a car- bon-neutral district did not have to affect the architectural aesthetics of the urban environment. Today district heat- ing, clean energy and environmentally friendly transpor- tation are such common pieces of everyday life here that no one thinks about them. Aesthetics and sustainability
  • 22. 23 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE 1 2 3 Tip for the urban planner - Life before buildings In the transformation from industrial use to residential area, urban planners focused on creating life in the neigh- bourhood before building new houses. Early on, Carlsberg hosted various kinds of cultural events. This meant that by the time new residents started moving into the area, Carlsberg was already a popular des- tination for culturally aware Copenhageners. Concerts The old Bottling Hall Tap 1 proved to be a great venue for concerts, and quickly became one of the favourite music venues in Copenhagen. Tap 1 is still active today – make sure to check out the program while you are in Copenhagen. A youth environment Storage Cellar 3 was rebuilt into rehearsal rooms and a student café for the local music high school Sankt Annæ. This fostered a creative environment for the younger gen- erations and made the Carlsberg district a big part of the students’ everyday lives. Art In one of the old large garage buildings, the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts moved in and began hosting exhi- bitions from upcoming artists. When you visit Carlsberg, stop by – you might be lucky and get a glimpse of the next Picasso or Van Gogh.
  • 23. 24 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Strolling around parts of old Copenhagen in the Decem- ber cold you will not only see the shimmering lights from window decorations, you will also notice how the city roof- tops are covered by a layer of snow. The snow serves as a reminder that Christmas is around the corner, but the fact that it remains on the roof and doesn’t melt tells a tale of an Old Town whose buildings have been modernised, insulated and optimised to ensure maximum energy reduction. The Old Town On average, only 1 pct. of buildings are replaced per year. Therefore, it wasn’t enough for Copenhagen to merely fo- cus on energy requirements in new construction on the path to becoming carbon neutral. The city therefore initi- ated numerous retrofitting initiatives for old buildings. Retrofitting is the technique of modernising old build- ings with the aim of making them more energy efficient. It has a significant and measurable impact on energy con- sumption and the indoor climate in buildings. Retrofitting – an important step towards carbon neutrality
  • 25. 26 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 1 2 3 In Copenhagen, retrofitting alone accounts for a de- crease of more than 20 pct. in heat consumption and 30 pct. in total energy consumption when comparing 2025 with 2010. Citizens save money on their energy bills with- out changing their lifestyle. 3 Key benefits of the Copenhagen retrofitting initiatives The average EU citizen spends 90 pct. of his time in- doors. Research shows that improved day lighting and air quality in retrofitted buildings enhances productivity and has a positive impact on public health. The investments in retrofitting have positively affected the economy of the city: * Overall energy consumption in Copenhagen de creased, raising the productivity per kWh consumed. * The construction sector experienced a much wel- comed boost in demand for their services. * The value of retrofitted energy-efficient houses has in- creased, giving homeowners an economic gain.
  • 26. 27 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Make sure you visit some of the trendy old industrial ar- eas of Copenhagen such as Carlsberg, Nordhavn and vari- ous spots along the waterfront. Here you will get the im- pression of a city with an authentic historical charm that caters to the needs of a modern city focused on sustain- ability and livability. In Copenhagen, the focus has shifted from primarily the buildings to the spaces in between, too. An essential question has been: How does the city landscape help raise the quality of life for citizens while contributing to more sustainable development. In other words, how do old spots become hot spots? This mindset has brought with it creative initiatives that continuously find innovative uses of old city spaces for new recreational purposes. The former industrial areas of Carlsberg and Nordhavn serve as good examples of suc- cessful revitalization of old city districts. Another interesting case is the harbour baths located throughout Copenhagen. Many years ago, the city decided to clean up the water in the harbour; since then, new har- bour baths have sprung up all along the waterfront. To- day, the harbour fronts are some of the trendiest spots in Copenhagen. You will see couples strolling along the pier, businessmen and women having a swim after work, and exam-tormented students tanning while cramming in the heart of the Danish capital. Old spots become hot spots Since the water in the Copenhagen harbour was cleaned many years ago, several public baths have been built along the harbourfront, revitalising old industrial areas and bringing cafés and urban life with them. One of these harbour baths is the Coralbath in South Harbour
  • 27. 28 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The Sustainable ArchitecTOUR – 10 must-see sites If you want to experience the diversity and creativity of sustainable Copenhagen architecture, we recommend visiting these 10 sites. Each of them, in their own way, represents the innovative ideas that have helped shape the carbon-neutral Copenhagen of today. Do as Copenhageners do, hop on a bike – all 10 sites are easily accessed via the green bike- routes covering town. Bring nothing more than a bike and a camera and prepare for a day full of sustainability impressions.
  • 28. 29 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE 9 AM: SOLAR PANELS AND RAINWATER FLUSHING Start the day by enjoying a coffee and a famous Danish pastry at the harbourfront while observing UN officials from all over the world enter UN City to start their workday. Besides being a remarkable architectural icon shaped in the form of a star, UN City was one of the first buildings in Northern Europe to meet the requirements of LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Not only is the entire roof covered by solar panels that harvest the energy of the sun, but architects added rainwater tanks connected to the toilets, ensuring that all 1,800 employees flush with rainwater. 10 AM: WATER COOLING After enjoying the morning sun at UN City, grab your bike and ride across the Two Tower Bridge – or The Handshake as the locals call it - to Langelinie. Here you will find “The Warehouse,” a modern office building built after the principles of an old warehouse – with warm-coloured bricks and windows in varying shapes, giving the building a vivid and informal expression. Breathe in the fresh sea breeze and enjoy the view of the water surrounding Langelinie - and in this case water is not only pleasing to the eye. In fact, water is used for cooling down The Warehouse during warm summer days, as it is pumped from underground and circulated through the building. 11 AM: BOATS, KIDS AND CARROTS From Langelinie, continue along the bike-designated Harbour Route, which provides a nice view of the Copenhagen harbourfront. Eventually you will come across an unusual building that is literally dipping its toes into the water. This is the South Harbour School, a public elementary school with more than 800 pupils and a special maritime focus. Besides being an elementary school, the South Harbour School offers specialized classes in sailing and navigation. Take a moment to look at how the older kids sail small boats around the harbour and learn to appreciate nature, or how the younger ones sow car- rots and water them in the school’s kitchen gardens, giving them firsthand experience in food production and ecology.
  • 29. 30 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 11 AM: The South Harbour School NOON: The Korsgade Sports- and Culture Centre 1:30 PM: Green roof terraces Birkegade 3 PM: The Osram House 8:30 PM: The Valby Water Culture Centre The ArchitecTOUR
  • 30. 31 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE 9 AM: UN City 10 AM: The Warehouse 4 PM: The Green Campus 5 PM: The Arsenal 6 PM: Islands Brygge
  • 31. 32 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 NOON: LUNCH ON THE HILL From the South Harbour School, bike paths lead you through bohemian Vesterbro to the Lake Route, following the scenic Copenhagen lakes. Close to the third lake, you’ll come to the next stop: Korsgade, a small local street in Nørrebro. Feeling hungry? Grab a sandwich and enjoy lunch on an urban green hill. The citizens of dense Nørrebro wanted both a recreational spot and a sports and culture centre. With free space scarce, architects had to be creative. The result is found underneath your feet. The Korsgade Sports and Culture Centre literally “grows” out of the ground, forming a green hill. Sports courts are inside; a green roof and walls on the outside offer locals a place to relax and enjoy themselves in the sun, or for kids to go sledding down in the winter. The green roof is also an efficient climate adaptation, insulating against extreme heat and cold, and collecting excess rainwater, which relieves the sewage system during heavy rains. 1:30 PM: GREEN ROOF When biking through the streets of Nørrebro in the afternoon we would usually urge you to watch the traffic on the road. However, also make sure you look up every once in a while – you just might be lucky and spot one of the attractive green roof terraces. One of the most remarkable ones is found not far from Korsgade, in Birkegade. When the roof of a local apartment building started leaking and needed renovation, residents decided they wanted more than just a new roof – they wanted better and greener conditions for their children in the densely populated neighbourhood. The solution came in the form of a 490-square-metre roof terrace contain- ing a small playground, a green hill and an observation post, giving visitors a panoramic view of the Copenhagen skyline. Residents now have a place to enjoy the outdoors away from the busy streets below. 3 PM: DAYLIGHT INSTEAD OF LIGHT BULBS Continue your trip on the wide, pleasant bike paths of Nørrebro towards the Osram House. Opening hours Monday- Thursday: 7.50AM-11PM, Friday: 7.50AM-9PM. Opening hours Monday- Friday 9AM-10PM, make sure to book tour in advance.
  • 32. 33 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE A characteristic of Copenhageners is how much they enjoy spending time outside in the sun during summer. The next stop on the tour is an experi- ment in how much of the sun’s natural light can be brought indoors. The only light bulb factory ever to exist in Denmark, the Osram House was an iconic choice for a case study in how much of a building’s energy consumption could be displaced by daylight. Today, energy-efficient windows, skylights and glass walls ensure optimal exploitation of daylight and create natural heating of the building through sunlight. Note how electronic displays in the building, which functions as a neighbourhood cultural centre for nearby residents, present the energy consumption in an easily readable manner, making it simple and motivating for users to track and improve their environmental impact. 4 PM: AN INSPIRING STUDENT ENVIRONMENT In the afternoon, stop by the science faculty campus at the University of Copenhagen, in the corner of the University Park, and experience the vibrant student environment. The Green Campus initiatives started many years ago ensure that today sustainable thinking is an integrated part of all academic programmes and the students’ daily lives. A tangible example of the sustainable thinking is The Green Lighthouse, a university building built in 2009 as a result of a successful public-private partnership between governmental institutions and private partners. It was also the first public carbon neutral building in Copenhagen. Inspired by a sundial, the building’s shape ensures maximum exploitation of sunlight, giving a sun lit, inspiring environment for students. Furthermore, sunlight has been carefully incorporated into the building’s energy system through solar panels, and excess solar energy is stored as heat under- ground to be used later when the sun is weaker or at night. 5 PM: SUSTAINABLE PRESERVATION From the youthful student environment, we now bike back to the harbour and through history. In the late afternoon sun, the yellow buildings of the old military installation “The Arsenal” look pretty as ever. Built in 1740, these buildings for many years served as part of Copenhagen’s defences and today represent a city landmark. The buildings underwent comprehensive renovation in 2012, which lowered the energy consumption by 20 pct. Being a historic landmark under protection of the National Heritage Agency, the key to retrofitting the buildings was making inconspicuous changes. Besides new energy-efficient windows, one of the creative ideas was to store heat-emitting electronic equipment in an old underground bunker, ensuring a pleasant climate in the offices inside. Take a stroll around the buildings and enjoy how a city does not have to lose its historical value to become sustainable. To book a tour of the Green Light House go to www.greenlighthouse. ku.dk
  • 33. 34 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 6 PM: DINNER IN THE OLD COMMERCIAL HARBOUR The Long Bridge close to The Arsenal will take you to Islands Brygge. On a summer evening, make sure not to miss the vibrant atmosphere of this historic commercial harbour, which many years ago was revitalized and became a hip part of town. We recommend enjoying a barbeque with local Copenhageners, with the two old soy-cake silos as background. Being part of the cultural and industrial heritage of Copenhagen, it was de- cided that these two silos should remain after commercial activities in the harbour ended. They were transformed into residential buildings. Worth noting is how the apartments are “hanging” on the outside of the silos, giv- ing them an iconic look while staying true to their industrial history. Arrive early in the evening to find a spot for your barbeque; this place is a favourite spot for Copenhageners during the long summer evenings. 8:30 PM: TIME FOR SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS What better way to end a day of biking around town than by treating your- self to a visit to the spa? Our tour concludes at the Valby Water Culture Centre, which was early proof that sustainability did not have to come at the expense of well-being. The Centre houses an indoor swimming pool area with room for play and relaxation – and caters to the well-being of visitors in a sustainable manner. While relaxing in the hot water, note how the walls of the building are tilted inward. This, with the solar panels on the roof, ensures maximum reflection of cold wind and efficient use of sunlight to heat the building. These mea- sures, combined with recycling of excess heat from shower water to heat the pool area, enables the Valby Water Culture Centre to consume 30 pct. less energy than comparable swimming facilities. Opening hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday until 9.30PM.
  • 34. 35 // ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE Urban planning – the Sun Clock model Danes love to enjoy the sun. However, being a northern country, the annual number of sunshine hours is limited. The architects and urban specialists who designed Carls- berg knew that high density was essential to create lively neighbourhoods. But they also wanted to make room for sunlight in the district. They found inspiration in an old- fashioned sun clock. After carefully studying the path of the sun, parks and squares were located just like the hours on a sun clock. At any time, residents can find shaded areas to cool down or spots to enjoy the sun. The parks and squares of Carlsberg are carefully located according to the sun’s path over the sky. Enjoy the morning sun in one park, and the evening sun in another. This is also a great excuse for seeing various corners of the neighbourhood. 9 AM 4 PM
  • 35. 36 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Copenhageners are curious and open towards new ini- tiatives, and have many times taken it upon themselves to come up with innovative new ways of living. In aspects cov- ering food to fashion and exercise, many Copenhageners have embraced sustainability and the green way of living. PEOPLE AND CULTURE Population growth of Copenhagen, People living in Copenhagen, thousands. 2025 640 2010 535 When visiting Copenhagen, make sure you observe the locals. They are central to the city’s identity, and the personification of the Copenhagen sustainable lifestyle.
  • 36. 37 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE Free facts about Copenhagen Population 640,000 Time zone GMT + 1 hour Bike rental price Best way to annoy a Copenhagener Walk on the bike lanes Average yearly household spending on bikes DKK 1,190 Average living area per person 44m2 Grab one of the public bikes Best view in Copenhagen From the Two Tower Bridge Read more in the Architecture chapter
  • 37. 38 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 1 MEET THE LOCALS – CHARACTERISTICS OF A COPENHAGENER The Danes are a tribe of finders and keepers. Are you looking to update your favorite chair, or do you need that special little gizmo for your electrical device? When walk- ing around in Copenhagen you will encounter shops selling spare parts from bikes to electronics and even furniture. Urban mining is also big business, as valuable materi- als are harvested from old electronics. Fifteen years ago, Danes were the second-largest waste producers in the EU. But the financial crash turned past trends of happily using and throwing things out into a new mindset of finding and keeping. Even the fashionistas of Copenhagen have embraced the concept of finding and keeping. New designers are mak- ing clothing that will last years instead of seasons. This doesn’t mean being boring, but sticking with what Copen- hagen designers are famous for: the design, the materials and the edgy yet elegant Scandinavian feel. COPENHAGENERS ARE FINDERS AND KEEPERS
  • 38. 39 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE 2Copenhageners are crazy about local food. So, if you are a foodie, try eating local. Copenhagen restaurant Noma, the No. 1 restaurant in the world, started an international trend when they pop- ularised the concept of local food, in 2003 – serving food made entirely from the Nordic countries. A region known for anything but food. Saving carbon by eating an apple in- stead of a mango that has been transported from the other end of the world is now common sense. Community gar- dens, farmers markets and a renewed focus on personal health and organic, locally produced food has become a part of everyday life and habits. As early as 2012, 77 pct. of public institutions, from daycare centres to retirement homes, served only organic food. If you want to eat like a local, try an App – Locavore – which tells you what veggies are in season and grown in your area. It also shares recipes that you don’t have to be a Michelin Star chef to prepare. COPENHAGENERS ARE LOCAVORES Organic food served in public institutions, pct. 2015 90 2010 68
  • 39. 40 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 3Each year, at the end of May, thousands of Copenhageners participate in the Green Marathon. The Green Marathon is a 42 kilometre track that never loses touch with the green el- ements of the city. It runs within the city boundaries along tree-filled boulevards, and through many of Copenhagen’s green parks. When September comes, even more people gather for the DHL run – a 5-km route on which companies compete against each other. It is not unusual for more than 100,000 people to participate in this event. Besides running, Copenhagen-based companies also en- gage in bike-to-work campaigns encouraging employees to bike to work through inter-organisational competitions. Last, exercising is even considered an accepted treat- ment method – and the local doctor might prescribe a paid gym membership rather than medication to improve your health. COPENHAGENERS ARE EXERCISOHOLICS
  • 40. 41 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE 4Previously, living in downtown Copenhagen would have precluded the option of having a garden, but not anymore. Urban gardens have sprung up all over town, and Copen- hageners are enjoying spending ever-more time maintain- ing them. These gardens are for present generations what summer cabins were to generations before – a place to re- lax and enjoy the outdoors. Today, urban gardens can be found in many variants and at many altitudes – some between buildings, some on balconies and some atop roofs. To Copenhageners, these gardens represent a personal desire to mix the chic urban life with green living – despite living in the city, you can still grow your own carrots and tomatoes. COPENHAGENERS ARE URBAN GARDENERS Ever wonder why flowers grow in the strangest places in Copenhagen? There is a fair chance that this could be the result of the phenomenon known as “urban guerrilla gardening.” This modern graffiti is conducted by preparing so-called “seed bombs,” and then venturing into the night to sow them in small cracks in the street, or on empty spaces of dirt. This phenomenon has become increasingly common in the city over the years; you can even find small underground movements doing it together. Guerrilla Gardening
  • 41. 42 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Studies show that Danes rank in the top 3 of the most IT-literate countries in the world. Dealing with computers is no longer just for work and play. One time at which Copenhageners have embraced mod- ern technology is when they are sick. Instead of leaving home when they are ill and perhaps not as mobile, tele- medicine can offer patients better and more cost-efficient medical treatment while cutting emissions. Copenhagen- ers, young and old, now talk to their doctor in front of their web camera, and measure their blood pressure, pulse and weight with the data transferred directly to their doctors. Telemedicine not only saves Copenhageners multiple visits to the doctor, research shows that it leads to fewer hospital visits and saves hundreds of tons of carbon. COPENHAGENERS ARE COMPUTER SAVVY 5
  • 42. 43 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE Twenty-five years ago, a now-famous global study was conducted. Scientists left 1,100 wallets on the streets of 33 countries. Each wallet contained up to $50 in local cur- rency together with the name and address of the wallet’s owner. In every country but two, the money disappeared. In Denmark and Norway, all of the wallets were returned – with the money intact. The study illustrates why Danes are considered among the world’s most trusting people. Danes avoid transaction costs because trust replaces written agreements, and reducing the number of expensive legal cases. Danes also have great trust in their government and are positive towards public- private partnerships and triple helix models (see Economy chapter). Trust also makes it is easier for the public sector to marshal agreement for new projects and goals. COPENHAGENERS ARE TRUSTING 6
  • 43. 44 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Copenhageners are born and raised into a biking cul- ture. As kids, many Copenhageners are carried on a par- ent’s bike – either in one of the famous Christiania cargo- bikes or in a children’s seat on the back. A few years later, kids are for the first time set free on their own two wheels – usually in one of the many pocket parks all over town. By the time these young Copenhagen- ers start school, most are confident enough in biking that they bike the short route between home and school each day. This culture explains why more than 50 pct. of Copen- hageners commute to work or school by bike. When asked whether they might consider buying a car, many Copen- hageners simply reply “What would I need a car for? I’ve always biked everywhere. Biking is a much faster and more convenient way of getting around.” COPENHAGENERS LOVE THEIR BIKES 7
  • 44. 45 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE Smile. Cyclists are more likely to experience enjoyment than bus riders or car drivers. Insist that your cargo bike can hold your two kids, dog and groceries for an entire week – and prove yourself right. Secretly pity people driving SUVs around town. A year’s worth of parking fees will easily cost them more than the price of your bike. Not to mention the time spared on searching for vacant parking spots. Practice a facial expression mixing lenience and slight annoyance for when people step in front of you on the bike lane without looking. Signal anticipated actions. Point to the right or left if you plan to turn; raise your hand if you plan to stop. If others fail to do the same, apply step 4. Expect to live longer. Half-hour of daily cycling increases life expectancy by 1-2 years. Remember to look great. In Copenhagen, cycle chic is always in style. Bikes are no excuse to leave the suit or cocktail dress at home. Familiarise yourself with cyclist shortcuts: cross the water on bike bridg- es, cycle both ways on one-way-streets and go right on red. Make the 2-kilometre trip from the Nørrebro Runddel to Nørreport in 6 minutes flat. Don´t worry, the cycle super-highway and green wave ensures an effortless average speed of 20 kilometres per hour. Develop a secret crush on your bike. Longing to be close to it will make you want to sit next to it on the train. Bike like a Copenhagener 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • 45. 46 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Imagine coming home and the lights turn on automati- cally, the temperature is perfect; the washing machine is already done cleaning your clothes, the apartment is full of fresh air and best of all; everything has happened with minimum environmental impact. Retrofitted buildings with new windows, new insulation and modern technol- ogy is the reality of the Copenhagen smart home. The smart home not only tracks the consumption of the resident, it also ensures that energy usage is always as ef- ficient as possible, while not forcing people to change their lifestyles. Residents tell their smart home how “green” they want to be, and it will guide them through their options. In many ways, the smart home is an energy butler making homes as energy efficient as possible. ELECTRIC VEHICLES A shared electric car is parked in front of the apartment building, which is attached to a local charging station integrated into the building. The car is shared by the building’s residents, as is the electric bike pump that makes it easy and convenient for residents to keep their bikes ready for the road. Water basin A water basin next to the building collects rainwater for use in toilets and washing machines. An aver- age citizen uses 33 litres each day to flush the toilet and 19 litres for washing clothes. Instead of using pure drinking water for these purposes, a big portion is replaced by the rainwater. Energy and Heating The building receives its outside energy supply from wind farms off the coast of the city and from second-generation biomass facilities. Heat- ing is supplied through the district heating system, where excess heat from biomass and waste-burning facilities is transported to homes. VISITING THE COPEN- HAGEN SMART HOME
  • 46. 47 // PEOPLE AND CULTURE PEOPLE & CULTURE Windows Windows facing north are thicker and more heavily insulated to keep out the cold while windows facing south are thinner to allow natural heating from the sun. Skylights ensure maximum exploitation of day- light in buildings – following the mantra “daylight instead of light bulbs.” Green roofs Green walls, green roofs and even rooftop gardens are a natural part of building design in Copenhagen. The benefits of greening buildings are manifold: added insulation, reduced stormwater runoff, absorption of air pollutants, natural habitat for birds, bees and butterflies, and green recreational spots for Copenha- geners. Solar colleCtors, AND photo- voltaics Rooftop solar panels in Copenha- gen are a mix of solar collectors heating water for the buildings and photovoltaic panels providing electricity. During hours of excess demand, solar power is supple- mented by wind farms or biomass facilities. Conversely, during times when solar power systems are producing a surplus, electricity is sold back into the grid or heat is stored by modern heat pumps under the building for later usage. Smartpanel A Smartpanel just outside the building entrance shows the energy, water and heat consumption of the whole building. This allows for easy tracking of the energy efficiency of an apartment block, and is used for community energy-saving initiatives. For Copenhageners, there is a certain amount of pride in being energy efficient. LED lighting LED lighting ensures that the home is consuming minimal energy from lighting. Furthermore, sensors built into lamps in each room control the need for lighting based on: occupancy in the room, type of activity in the room (e.g. reading or watching a movie), and the amount of daylight in the room.
  • 47. 48 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 A young couple riding side-by-side talks intimately while a large group of businessmen pedals past at full speed in the fast lane of the bicycle super highway on Nørrebroga- de. The intelligent traffic control system detects the front of the large group of cyclists and switches the light at the upcoming intersection to green. Perhaps the biggest thrill you can experience in Copen- hagen is joining the hordes of cyclists on Copenhagen’s busiest bike corridor during the morning commute. Thou- sands of cyclists pass here every day – businessmen in suits, kids in cargo bikes, women in stilettos and couples in love. For Copenhageners, bicycles are the most popular form of transport. Fifty percent of trips in Copenhagen are made by bike – a world record, and part of the reason why Copen- hagen achieved carbon neutrality this year. The environment is not the main reason for the popular- ity of the bike. For most, it is the transportation of choice simply because it is the fastest and the cheapest way to get around. GETTING AROUND City of cyclists Going the distance: Copenhageners combined bike a day, mill. km. 2025 ‘09 1.5 1.2 1995 0.8
  • 48. 49 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND Copenhagen has designed the city to make people happy - not cars Bicycle trips a year in copenhagen 1970 240.000 200.000 160.000 120.000 80.000 40.000 2010 2000 2020 1990 1980 2025
  • 49. 50 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The Opera The Royal Palace The Royal Danish Playhouse The National Film School Christiania Kongens Nytorv Christians- borg GOTHERSGADE F r . h o l m s K a n a l Ø S T E R V O L DGADE Esplanaden B R E D G A D E G R Ø N N I N G E N B R E D G A D E S T . K O N G E N S G A D E SØLVGADE The bridge over the inner harbour opened in X and is one of NEFITS OF GETTING ROUND COPENHAGEN BIKE The bridge over the inner harbour is one of the many bridges in Copen- hagen designed for bicycles and pedestrians only.
  • 50. 51 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND Benefits of getting around Copenhagen by bike 1 2 3 4 5 6 Combined – accounting for the total cost of air pollution, accidents, congestion – the city saves 0.06 € for every kilo- metre travelled by bike instead of by car. Increases your life expectancy. According to the British Medical Association, a half-hour of cycling daily increases mean life expectancy by 1-2 years. Increases your quality of life. Cyclists are more likely to experience enjoyment from their rides than do bus passengers or car drivers. Reduces traffic jams and congestion. Reduces noise. Reduces the cost of accidents and wear and tear on infrastructure. Improves air quality and atmosphere in the city.
  • 51. 52 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Networks exist for businesses and institutions working with bicycles. Contact: The Cycle Secretariat at the City of Copenhagen at www.kk.dk/cityofcyclists. Or the Cycling Embassy of Denmark at www.cycling-embassy.dk Tip FOR the business traveller Copenhageners prefer the bike: Daily commuters going to work and places of education by bike, pct. 2025 50 2010 35 Faster, smarter, safer, further Dedicated and prolonged efforts have improved the con- ditions for cyclists in the city. Shortcuts have been created across water and over railroads and squares, enabling bikes to beat cars on several routes. Special “green wave” traffic lights allow cyclists to trigger green lights when travelling at a certain speed. Bikes, unlike cars, are allowed to turn right on red and travel both ways on one-way streets. Ex- tra-wide bicycle tracks have been created – 80 pct. of the most popular bicycle routes have three lanes – so overtak- ing even cycling couples holding hands is no trouble. Because of these efforts, the average travel time for cy- clists has been reduced by 15 pct. since 2010. Bicycle tracks are kept in good condition, people feel safe on bikes, and accidents have been reduced by 70 pct. in the past 20 years. Only 10-15 years ago, cycling to work was reserved for those fortunate to live close to the office. Today, bike rides of 10-20 kilometres are not just for athletes. A combination of electrically assisted bikes and bicycle highways has ex- tended what is possible for two-wheeled commuters.
  • 52. 53 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND Bikes are Convenient + Safe + Easy to park + Low cost + Low noise + Better for your health = Giving you a higher quality of life Over the past 20 years, Copenhagen has topped the rankings when it comes to livability. All of the surveys cite the city´s bike culture as one of the reasons. For Copenhageners, the road to improved quality of life is best travelled on a low-cost, healthy, safe transportation alternative that provides easy parking and offers fast and direct transportation from A to B.
  • 53. 54 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Getting around – e-mobility Remember to look both ways when stepping out from curbs toward the street in Copenhagen. Electric cars are surprisingly quiet and are increasingly part of the vehicle fleet in the city. Electric vehicles – or EVs – make life in the city more livable and sustainable. Fewer Copenhageners experience noise- and pollution-related health problems, and the cars function as a giant battery for renewable energy in the city. Around 10 pct. of the private vehicle fleet in Copenhagen is electric, hybrids or running on biofuels or hydrogen. For the City of Copenhagen fleet, the figure is 85 pct. Large ve- hicles such as garbage trucks are increasingly running on anything but diesel. Several factors explain the popularity of these cars. Green cars were exempt from the hefty Danish car tax, and free parking existed for electric vehicles when they first appeared. Today, taxes on cars are linked to the level of pollution. All municipal tendering and procurement have fossil-free transportation demands. City zones for green cars only are established. Equally important, the range of most EVs is 300 kilometres – far more than the average daily commute. The fleet of electric vehicles in Copenhagen functions as a giant distributed battery allowing the city to make the most of the renewable energy. Most electric cars are charged at night, when wind turbines often generate sur- plus power. Energy is retrieved from the batteries during peak-demand hours to meet the daytime power needs of Copenhagen. (See Shopping chapter) Tip Copenhagen Clean Cab: One way to experience the sound of silence while getting around in Copenhagen is to hail one of the city’s many EV taxis. Notice the energy- efficient behaviour of the drivers – as eco-driving courses are mandatory.
  • 54. 55 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Denmark, the Knight of Wind was loved by the people as he would often help them cook their food and wash their clothes. But on stormy nights – when he wanted to help the most – no one needed him and no bed existed in which the Knight of Wind could rest. This left him exhausted by the next morning, when the people needed him once again. So the people were forced to burn oil – even though they had very little of it left – to cook and wash their clothes. Then, one stormy night, a princess arrived; a princess by the name of Evie. That night, the Knight of Wind was once again weary and looking for a place to rest. When the fair princess saw this, she offered him a large battery on which he could sleep. The next morning, the knight had slept well and was full of energy. All day and every day thereafter, he would help the people wash their clothes, cook their food and drive their cars. And Princess Evie and the Knight of Wind lived happily ever after. Princess Evie and the Knight of Wind A Danish fairytale
  • 55. 56 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 A vacation destination – for your ears, heart and lungs Today, because of the popularity of e-mobility, bicycles, public transportation and ambitious environmental poli- cies – such as environmental zones – Copenhagen enjoys reduced traffic noise and pollution. However, only 20 years ago, a two-hour bicycle ride dur- ing rush hour in Copenhagen, could be detected in your blood. Particles from traffic and woodstoves accounted for hundreds of premature deaths each year in the city. In fact, more people died because of air pollution than in road ac- cidents. Today, fewer people suffer from health problems such as hearing loss, lung cancer, asthma, stress, heart disease and sleep disruption caused by pollution. Tip Most car owners charge their EVs at home, but due to a national action plan for EV infrastruc- ture, you can also charge at stations throughout Copenhagen. Most ho- tels and some car parks also feature charging stations.
  • 56. 57 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND Don’t bother hailing a cab when you arrive at Copenha- gen Airport. The Metro will take you to the heart of the city in 14 minutes. Use this time to get acquainted with the extensive public transit system in Copenhagen. Buses arrive on time and at frequent intervals, transfer stations are easy to navigate, and an integrated ticket sys- tem allows you to transfer between Metro, train and bus – on land and water. All stations feature intelligent information systems – of- fering riders transit and real-time arrival information for easy use of different modes of transit. Stops are easily rec- ognizable, featuring the same red and white symbol – for the Metro, trains or buses. Notice how the Metro stations are designed to allow natural light to shine below ground – creating a pleasant, well-lit setting and achieving energy and maintenance savings. Besides allowing hassle-free transportation, the transit system is also cited as a reason for Copenhagen’s impres- sive air quality. A large share of the buses in the city run on alternative fuels such as electricity or biofuels. These ef- forts have reduced the carbon emissions of the bus service in the city by 70 pct. in the last 15 years. Getting Around – by public transportation We recommend that you experience Copenhagen by bike, which can easily be combined with public transport. Bring your bike onboard trains for free. In especially designed bicycle compartments, you will find bicycle pumps to inflate your tires. The City of Copenhagen works continuously to improve the bike-public transportation connection as an attractive alternative to cars. Tip for the traveller – BIKE ON BOARD Number of passengers travelling on the metro per year, millions 2018 2010 130 52 2004 34
  • 57. 58 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The metro stations in Copenhagen, are designed to ensure maximum usage of daylight. Furthermore, they are designed to blend in well with the surroundings. Here we see the Metro station at City Hall Square. When planning and designing larger infrastructure projects in the Capital, there is a great opportunity to use the project to enhance neighbourhoods at the same time. Therefore citizen involvement is encouraged. In order to increase the quality of the area above the metro stations, locals were involved in the design of the cityscape. Quality – above and below
  • 58. 59 // GETTING AROUND GETTING AROUND The CITY ring Trianglen Nordhavn Østerbro Enghave Plads Vanløse Nørreport Vest Amager Kgs. Nytorv Airport Nørrebros Runddel Frederiksberg Name: Oliver Bech Age: 40. Occupation: Bus driver Do you have a green job? I actually never considered whether my job is green or not, but it is green– very green. I’m a bus driver in the city driving a bus that runs 100 pct. on electricity, there is no exhaust, no particles pol- luting the air and no gasoline consumption. The amount of traffic in the city centre has been steadily declining over the past 10 years; there are almost no large trucks left here – my job has never been easier. When my day is over, the bus is hooked up to the city electric grid, feeding it with energy from the wind turbines off the coast of Copenhagen – I guess I truly have a true zero-emission job! The best part is that the more efficiently I drive, the larger is my bonus. Meet the Copenhagener ‘‘ The Metro City Ring (the blue line) opened in 2018 and knits the capital even closer together. Getting from Øster- bro (Trianglen) to the Generation Z stronghold at Vesterbro (Enghave Plads) is a 10-minute ride. From Vesterbro, you can get to vibrant Nørrebro (Nørrebros Runddel) in 6 minutes. Right next to the Metro, you’ll find Hans Christian Andersen’s final rest- ing place at Assistens Cemetery.
  • 59. 60 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 A unique attribute of Copenhagen is how the city has successfully managed to create an urban environment that combines functional, sustainable and wonderful. During the past 15 years, targeted investments in a green- er and better urban landscape have helped develop a city that not only is green, but also enhances the quality of life of its citizens. When visiting the city during spring, it becomes obvi- ous that for Copenhageners spending time outside equals the good life. Notice how, as soon as daytime temperatures pass 10 degrees Celsius, parks, sidewalk cafes and city squares are richly populated by Copenhageners enjoying ENVIRON- MENT THE GREEN AND BLUE COPENHAGEN Bike lanes in Copenhagen, km 1980 240 2010 369 2025 482
  • 60. 61 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT the sunshine and making up for the winter’s lack of vita- min D. To accommodate this need to get outdoors, the city of- fers Copenhageners a multitude of recreational areas to choose from. Since 2015, Copenhagen has vowed to ensure that at least 90 pct. of its residents can reach a recreational area on foot in less than 15 minutes. Today, small parks known as pocket parks, harbour baths and green roofs can be found all over town offering a diverse variety of recrea- tional experiences for Copenhageners and visitors alike. Dive into the urban environment of Green and Blue Co- penhagen.
  • 61. 62 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 With a population that has increased by more than a 100,000 during the past 15 years, Copenhagen doesn’t offer much room to create new big parks and recreational areas. Therefore, two new phenomena, inspired by cities such as New York and Zürich, emerged in the city: green roofs and pocket parks. A pocket park is a small urban green spot usually locat- ed adjacent to surrounding streets. It is a spot where Co- penhageners meet, drink a take-away coffee, play sports, or simply just take a break from the fast-paced city life. Each of the 14 pocket parks in Copenhagen has distinct characteristics – ranging from green and flowery gardens to a parkour playground for urban youngsters. The com- mon denominator for the parks is that they were trans- formed from unused urban spaces to green spots bring- ing together Copenhageners. They are great places to kick back and watch the Copenhagen way of life. THE GREEN COPENHAGEN - POCKET PARKS, GREEN ROOFS & URBAN RECREATIONAL SPOTS Green areas in Copenhagen: Copenhageners that live within 15 min walking distance of a public park, pct. 2015 90 2010 63
  • 62. 63 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Vanløse skole Gadekæret Litauens plads Dantes plads Reventlows- gade Stengade Majporten Cirklen Ved siloerne Poul Henningsens plads Hillerød- gade Odinsgade Glente plads Tove Ditlevsens plads Besides the 14 pocket parks, Copen- hagen has a number of green bicycle routes enabling Copenhageners to eas- ily reach recreational areas. Pocket park Green bicycle route
  • 63. 64 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Besides pocket parks, Copenhagen has sought to improve the conditions of existing urban squares, turning them into recreational spots. Israel’s Square, in downtown Copenhagen, for instance, was once a worn-out square. Today it flourishes, with Copenhageners enjoying sports facilities, and it completes the corridor between Ørsted Park and the Botanical Garden.
  • 65. 66 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon that oc- curs when black roofs and grey pavement absorb and then release heat that raises the ambient temperature in the immediate area. In 2003, research conducted in London showed temperature differences of up to 10 degrees Cel- cius between rural and urban areas due to the urban “heat island” effect. Despite only occurring seldom in Denmark, these ex- tra degrees result in overheated buildings and exacerbate summer heat waves, making homes, workplaces and pub- lic transport uncomfortable. Furthermore, increased tem- peratures have a significant impact on the health of citi- zens – especially the elderly. Lastly, higher temperatures raise the demand for artificial, energy-consuming cooling such as air-conditioning. In Copenhagen, several solutions have been implement- ed which amongst other things help minimizing the urban heat island effect: Green roof gardens on the buildings of Copenhagen have significantly lowered the heat storing capacity of build- ings in the city as excess heat is vaporized by water in the plants. Leaves on trees and plants absorb heat from the sun by vaporizing some of the water they contain during the sum- mer. Copenhagen’s many trees and green walls contribute to keeping temperatures down Copenhagen and the Urban Heat Island effect – INSIDE TIP FOR URBAN PLANNERS
  • 66. 67 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Historically, Copenhagen has been a city of green roofs. Many of the official historic buildings – Parliament, the Stock Exchange and churches – were built with copper roofs, which due to patina, turned green over time. However, the green roofs of “modern” Copenhagen tell a very different story. As the population grew and density increased, new ways of bringing ”green” into the city had to be found – a vision of green over grey was born. The first green roof gardens were built 15 years ago, when it was decided that all new buildings with flat roofs should have gardens. Since then, many have followed. When looking at Copenhagen from above today, you can spot hundreds of small rooftop gardens all over town. Being a city in the north, Copenhagen experiences its fair share of heavy showers and snow storms. Green roofs do not just make the city look pretty, they provide several advantages. They collect precipitation, minimize the ur- ban “heat island” effect and extend the life of the roof sig- nificantly, as plants and dirt protect against UV radiation, wind and water. Copenhagen roof gardens – GREEN OVER GREY The more plentiful green areas in Copenhagen help keep temperatures down in summers with heat waves. Green open areas generally have lower temperatures and higher humidity than paved parts of the city. And if parks are elevated compared to the surroundings, cooler air from the parks will during night time “tum- ble” downhill into surrounding neighbourhoods, pushing hot air upwards – nature’s own air-conditioning.
  • 67. 68 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Although many rooftop parks are private, some of the most interesting ones are open to the public. One worth visiting is the Urban Green Corridor at Kalvebod Brygge. Stretching across the roofs of The National Archives, a bank headquarters and a 4-star hotel, this flowery corridor for pedestrians and cyclists is a green short-cut, providing Copenhageners with an alternative to the car-filled streets. The Urban Green Corridor was a forerunner within the green-over-grey vision, inspired by the High Line in New York, and shows how to optimize the usage of urban space in a busy metropolis. When walking around Copenhagen, you might spot bees flying from roof to roof cross-pollinating garden flowers. This used to be a rare sight in Copenhagen, but the green roofs have provided habitat for more insects, bees among them. There are even examples of apartment co-ops host- ing beehives and harvesting the delicious Copenhagen Honey. Bees in the city The Urban Green Corridor
  • 68. 69 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Previously, the Copenhagen harbourfront was dominat- ed by commercial districts that divided the city between the “mainland” and the island of Amager. Today, this area has been revitalized with green promenades, harbour swimming pools and cafés that bring Copenhageners liv- ing on both sides of the water together. The first Copenhagen harbour swimming pool opened in 2002 at Islands Brygge. It quickly became a huge suc- cess. Visit on a hot summer day and you will find families, students and businessmen alike enjoying the promenade and the water – enjoying the best of the green and the blue Copenhagen. The harbour in Copenhagen wasn’t always clean. At one time, it was considered a health hazard to go for a swim in it. Like many other big cities around the world, the harbour functioned as a back up when sewers flooded. More than 100 overflow channels fed wastewater into the harbour. The key to revitalizing the harbour was closing the over- flow channels and constructing underground delay pools capable of easing the pressure on the sewage system dur- ing heavy rains. THE BLUE COPENHAGEN PROMENADES AND HARBOUR SWIMMING Feel like cooling off on hot summer days? Look for the lollipop- coloured towers along the harbour marking a public swimming pool, and feel free to take a swim in the clean Copenhagen waters. The swimming pool on Islands Brygge was the first of these and opened in 2002.
  • 69. 70 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Today, you can walk down Copenhagen Harbour along promenades stretching all the way from the Valby Beach in the south to UN City in the north. Several public harbour pool areas offer you a place to cool down in the water, or enjoy a coffee at shore. 5 blue hot spots of Copenhagen 3 4 2 1 Swimming possibilities Harbour swimming pool Urban beach Winter swimming facility
  • 70. 71 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Kalvebod Wave Kalvebod Wave is located just across from the popular Islands Brygge neighbourhood, and is a wave-shaped pier. Here, kayak-loving Copenhageners and visitors can rent kayaks to tour the canals of Copenhagen, or enjoy cultural activities at the new theatre scene established adjacent to the wave. Valby Beach This recently established beach marks the southern tip of the Copenhagen Harbour area. Make sure you visit in late July when the annual “Green Concert” takes place. The musi- cal event attracts thousands of Copenhageners who swim at the beach during the day and listen to rock concerts in the adjacent Valby Park at night. Nordhavn harbour swimming pool Nordhavn is one of the city districts, and a place where you can experience the lifestyle of Copenhagen families. The local harbour swimming pool here is definitely worth a visit. It has been built to resemble Swedish skerries, and is made up of large pieces of rock placed in the water. Trekroner fortress This old military installation used to be part of Copenha- gen’s defence towards the sea. Today, a newly established beach lets you go for a swim, and on a clear day you can spot the Swedish coast on the horizon. Grab one of the har- bour buses, and bring nothing but a towel and your swim trunks and visit this new Copenhagen hot spot. The floating swimming pool When walking along the harbourfront, you might come across a large, strange floating device. This is the new floating swimming pool, which moves from place to place during the summer. A day spent in this swimming pool can take you past various sights, and let you see Copenha- gen from the seaside while cooling off in the pool. 3 4 5 1 2
  • 71. 72 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The city adapts to the climate. In Copenhagen, climate change has resulted in more extreme weather. Intense summer heat waves and occasional heavy rains flood city sewers, streets and basements. Pocket parks and green roofs adapts the city to this new climate, as parks cool down the city, and green roofs collect as much as 60 pct. of the yearly precipitation. The city has healthy and productive citizens. The avail- ability of recreational opportunities affects how inhabit- ants of a city function. Research shows that a lack of rec- reational spaces has a lasting detrimental effect on people, weakening their active participation in society, their pro- ductivity at work and their health. The city creates local economic growth. Real estate val- ues of housing close to parks and harbour swimming pools have increased significantly compared to other areas, add- ing value for local residents. Furthermore, the activity gen- erated by recreational areas creates a foundation for local businesses such as cafés, restaurants, and bars that did not exist before.. The city creates quality of life. Aristotle once said: “A city exists for the sake of a good life – not for the sake of life only.” It shouldn’t be overlooked that recreational areas have a significant impact on the liveability of a city and on the quality of life for its inhabitants. The city is aesthetic. With rooftop gardens and pocket parks all over town, Copenhagen shows off a new and interesting look. Dominated by grey and black surfaces before, the city is now a pallet of green natural colours, changing form and expression along with the seasons. 5 Characteristics of the green and blue Copenhagen 1 2 3 4 5
  • 72. 73 // ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Name: Storm Anker Age: 24. Occupation: Carpenter apprentice What is your favourite spot in Copenhagen? It depends on what I am in the mood for. When I need to get out of my dorm and just want to relax and read a book, I enjoy spending time in the shared rooftop garden of my parents’ building, close by the lakes. Here I can lie on the grass and listen to the quiet humming coming from the city below or the bees flying from roof to roof. But, when I hang out with friends during the summer, we usually grab a water bus and go to Trekro- ner Fortress with our portable barbeques. The new beach there is amazing and the historic surroundings create a cool atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying the summer va- cation. We usually stick around until late evening, when the last boat departs. When I was younger and still lived with my parents, I would usually go play basketball with my friends in the Stengade pocket park; it has a great basketball court, and is the place where all the local kids meet. And it was where I had my first kiss. Meet the Copenhagener ‘‘ A regional water treatment company owned by eight municipalities around Copenhagen makes sure that you can always jump in the har- bour and enjoy clean water. Wastewater is cleaned and can be safely disposed into the sea. The sludge is incinerated, creating energy that is fed into the district heating system to keep you and the people around Copenhagen warm. Practical information: Never worry about dirty water
  • 73. 74 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 HISTORY However, Copenhagen did not evolve to be carbon neu- tral overnight. In fact, the political, technical and cultural building blocks that combined make the Copenhagen we see today, were the result of more than a century of vision- ary politicians, persistent citizens and innovative busi- nesses. The City of Copenhagen, citizens and local businesses have, over the past century, taken important steps towards creating an environmentally friendly city that fosters eco- nomic growth and a high quality of life for its citizens. Wind turbines, district cooling, the smart grid, biking strategies, carbon neutral buildings, public harbour swim- ming pools and pocket parks are only part of the story be- hind the Copenhagen of today. Today, Copenhagen is famous for being the world’s first carbon-neutral capital.
  • 76. 77 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Historic timeline of carbon neutral Copenhagen 1863 The first public transportation option is unveiled in Copenhagen. The horse tram carried 20 passen- gers at a time from Sankt Annæ Plads to Frederiksberg Runddel. 1992 Wind turbines are raised in the waters just off the east- ernmost part of Copenhagen harbour, supplying 900 households with clean energy. 1976 The first Wastewater Manage- ment Plan is formulated. The plan is the first step towards the revitalisation of the Copen- hagen harbour and diminishes the health hazards of sewage. 1947 The plan for Copenhagen’s urban development, “The Finger Plan,” is developed. It emphasises green wedges of recreational areas for Copenha- geners to enjoy in between the “fingers” of urbanization. 1910 The first bike lane is estab- lished in Copenhagen as the bridle paths paved with loose stones along the lakes are opened up to cyclists. 1925 The first steps towards a cen- tralised district heating system in Copenhagen are taken.
  • 77. 76 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 2008 “The Environmental Zone” is launched. It prohibits diesel- fuelled vehicles without particle filters from entering the city. Previously, it was estimated that particle pol- lution caused hundreds of premature deaths annually in Copenhagen. 2006 “Bryggebroen”, a bridge solely for pedestrians and bicyclists spanning the harbour in Copenhagen, opens – it creates a new shortcut for cyclists over the harbour. 2002 The first public harbour swim- ming pool is opened, officially marking the revitalisation of the harbour. 2002 The first phase of the Copenhagen Metro is opened with the inaugura- tion of 11 stations. 2001 The world’s most efficient Combined Heat and Power plant is built, warming hous- es in the city with excess heat from power production. 1995 “Bycyklen” (The City Bike) is introduced. It is the world’s first large-scale urban bike- sharing programme.
  • 78. 77 // HISTORY CO2 2012 “Project Clean Cab” is launched, introducing the city’s first taxis running on 100 pct. electricity. 2011 The first discussions on solu- tions for traffic congestion in Copenhagen commences. 2011 Copenhagen experienced the worst floodsin for more than 50 years leaving large parts of the city kneedeep in water for days – this increased the awareness and focus of climate adap- tion amongst politicians and citizens 2010 Copenhagen opens its first district cooling system, mak- ing it possible to cool office buildings in the summer using sea water.. 2009 100 pct. electric-powered buses become part of the public transportation system in Copenhagen. 2009 A unanimous City Council signs the “Copenhagen Climate Plan,” putting forth ambitions of a carbon neu- tral Copenhagen in 2025.
  • 79. 78 // HISTORY 2050 Denmark becomes independent of fossil fuels. 2025 Copenhagen becomes the first carbon-neutral capital in the world. 2025 Half of all Copenha- geners now commute to work and places of education by bike. 2018 The Metro City Ring opens, making it more convenient than ever to commute via public transit. 2016 The first inhabitants move into the new Carlsberg district – the first carbon neutral part of Copenhagen, with more than 3,000 homes and green areas for residents. 2015 Fourteen new pocket parks are opened to the public, making the city greener than ever.
  • 80. 79 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 CURITIBA People centered urban design, environ- mental management and integrated solutions. New York city The High Line is an old railway con- verted into attractive park promenade. London Establishment of thousands of vegetable gardens on rooftops and in community gardens. Portland Active citizen engagement helped Portland to focus on meaningful public transportation. CITIES THAT INSPIRED COPENHAGEn Hamburg Instead of expanding the city into its periphery, it is moving into the unused old inner city area of the port. Creating a new vibrant area and helping to reach the city’s climate targets.
  • 81. 78 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Masdar City First city with net-zero carbon emission. Cars are banned. 80 pct. of water is recycled. Songpa Engaging citizens via the “Green Songpa” website with tips for energy- reducing behavior. Singapore Abundant parks and gardens. Beijing 4,000 outdoor gyms providing free exercise opportunities. Sønderborg Although small, it is the first city in a public-private partnership that works to combine growth and climate change and achieve carbon neutrality. Melbourne The world’s most livable city – a success story in stopping urban sprawl and instead using the urban spaces better, building on top of existing buildings in a well-known and comfortable scale.
  • 82. 79 // HISTORY HISTORY The Circle Bridge, resembling ship masts, is a kind reference to the maritime history of Christianshavn. The bridge in the inner harbour connects new architectural buildings with the old warehouses across and works for both cyclists and pedes- trians but can swing to the side and make way for ships needing to go through.
  • 83. 80 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Designing a city for an extra 100,000 people in 2025, and still reaching ambitious climate targets was not always easy. Here are two of the bumps on the road to Copenhagen 2025. Both turned out to become great learning experiences for the city in how to plan and structure the Copenhagen we see today. BUMPS ON THE ROAD TO COPENHAGEN 2025
  • 84. 81 // HISTORY HISTORY In 2011, the proposal for a congestion ring around Co- penhagen was shot down. As in the cities that have suc- cessfully introduced a congestion ring, the public discus- sion in Copenhagen focused on the upfront cost of the ring instead of its socio-economic benefits. Second, the issue was used as a tool to oppose to the newly elected national government. New strategy and communication efforts shed more light on the benefits of the congestion ring and were inspired by the solutions in other capitals. When ready, Copenhagen will be able to introduce the best possible solution to limit the amount of traffic in and out of the city. Combating congestion The ambitious plan for developing this part of the city was to turn Copenhagen away from low houses and close density and towards remarkable architectural icons and new apartment buildings clustered along a new Metro line. The results were indeed iconic buildings, but also wind corridors, big empty spaces between the buildings, and a dearth of local retail and grocery stores. What went wrong, some say, is that life was built out of the buildings. Large closed surfaces, and the big empty spaces, made the area seem deserted. The lesson learned: Design your city like you would your living room, with close proximity to everything you need, comfort and small scales. The new neighborhoods of Nordhavn and Carlsberg are filled with small recreational spaces, shops, and the focus has been to create life before iconic buildings. (See more in the Ar- chitecture chapter). Ørestaden
  • 85. 82 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Copenhagen boasts one of the world’s best business en- vironments. It is easy to establish a business, interact with public services, corporate taxation is low and a highly edu- cated workforce exists. But perhaps the most interesting part of the economy – and the core reason for its prosperity – is the link between business and sustainability. The city is a frontrunner when it comes to understand- ing sustainability as an opportunity to develop new sourc- es of growth rather than as a constraint. Therefore, global economic trends have enormous posi- tive impact on the economy and businesses of the city. The resource crisis and the 8 billion people now inhabit- ing the planet have fuelled skyrocketing prices of energy, materials and commodities. Because of these global trends, and due to encourag- ing framework conditions, the Copenhagen economy is in full bloom. Green business continues to be an important growth engine for Copenhagen. This is the main reason why the city has experienced 5 pct. economic growth an- nually in the past decade. ECONOMY The green tiger
  • 86. 83 // ECONOMY ECONOMY World population World Energy Consumption Estimates in million Quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) 2000 406 2025 671 2020 619 2015 573 2008 505 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 6,115 6,512 6,909 7,302 7,675 8,012
  • 87. 84 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Today, however, the green sector has lost its special sta- tus. No one talks of the “sustainable economy” anymore. No one mentions “green jobs.” Now it´s just “jobs and econ- omy” – and of course both are sustainable. In recent years, green has been mainstreamed into eve- ry corner of the economy – into the business plan of every entrepreneur, into the shopping cart of every consumer and into the strategy of every company, institution and or- ganisation in Copenhagen. Today, there is not a green economy and a brown econ- omy. Today, there is just the economy. And it is booming. Mainstreaming sustainability – an economy beyond green In the first decade of the century, the green sector in Copenhagen had soared. Turnover and export generated in the sector experienced double-digit growth – even through the great recession of the early 2010s.
  • 88. 85 // ECONOMY ECONOMY Reduced the consumption of electricity and heat by 30 pct. and 20 pct. respectively compared to 2010. Ensured that 50 pct. of all trips to work and study in Copenhagen are made on bikes, keeping transportation costs down and improving public health, with fewer sick days in return. Installed 360 MW of wind power, which supplies cheap electricity at night to the city’s vehicle fleet. Monitored and reduced energy consumption via smart technologies. Constructed a smart and flexible energy system that reduces losses and hedges against expensive peak demand by integrating energy storage from the district heating system. Constructed a new combined heat and power plant running on cheap biomass. Developed a concept whereby plumbers, electricians and contractors act as free energy consultants to small businesses. Ensured a low total cost of ownership for new buildings, and invested in smart solutions during the construction phase to keep annual costs down. Changed taxation of low-energy buildings. Now net area instead of gross area is taxed, creating incentives for increased insulation. Educated all employees in climate-conscious behaviour such as eco- driving. 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A sustainable economy Sustainability in general and resource efficiency in par- ticular make businesses in Copenhagen – and the city it- self – highly competitive. In the past 10-15 years, Copen- hagen has:
  • 89. 86 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 An important chapter in the history of the green econo- my in Denmark has been the Danish Wind Turbine Adven- ture, bringing with it thousands of jobs. The adventure was made possible by the triple-helix model – a model for coop- eration between academia, industry and the state. Begin- ning in the late 1970s, the Danish government financially supported energy providers in developing and testing big- ger and better wind turbines. The goal of the triple-helix model is to create the syner- gies needed to ensure sustainable economic growth based on technology and innovation. An important cultural trait crucial to making the triple-helix model function efficient- ly in Denmark, however, is trust (read more about trust in the People and Culture chapter). A high level of trust makes knowledge sharing easier, and is essential in creat- ing an environment fostering innovation in the business community and academia. This triple-helix model, and the knowledge sharing it has brought with it, has been claimed to be one of the main reasons why Denmark is, today, the world leader in sus- tainable solutions. Three is a welcomed crowd – The Danish windmill adventure ACADEMIA INDUSTRY STATE
  • 90. 87 // ECONOMY ECONOMY COPENHAGEN 2010-2025 2.500.000 0 Carbon emission in tons from the city 369 482 Kilometres of bike lane in Copenhagen 33 50 Percentage of citizens going to work on bikes 46360 MW electric capacity from windmills 63 90* Percentage of Copenhageners living within min walk of a public park 80 95 Percentage of young Copenhageners who complete a secondary education 535 640 Thousands of people living in the city 68 90* Percentage of food served in public institutions which is organic *2015 figure *2015 figure
  • 91. 88 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 10 Economic hotspots 1 Green City Exports Copenhagen is carbon neutral. This stimulates the ex- port of solutions within energy production, energy effi- ciency, waste management, district heating and cooling, and sustainable urban planning to cities around the world. CO2 2 Home grown energy Web-based tools for identifying suitable rooftops for so- lar panels spur private installations in Copenhagen. Many companies and cooperatives (Copenhagen was also a first- mover with wind turbine cooperatives) are also solar en- ergy producers. Residents and companies responded to the city’s successful attempt to alter the framework conditions for solar. See Shopping chapter. 3 E-mobility Close to 15 pct. of cars on the road in Copenhagen do not run on fossil fuels. For small vehicles owned by the munic- ipality, the share is 95 pct. The rise of e-mobility is closely linked to investments in infrastructure for these cars.
  • 92. 89 // ECONOMY ECONOMY 5 Upcycling and Urban Mining The practice of converting waste materials into products of greater value has a long tradition in Copenhagen. Early on, the REnescience facility at Amagerforbrændingen sort- ed and secured valuable components from the waste gen- erated in the city. Today, several companies are recycling valuable metals and materials from old products and have re-imagined and redefined the concept of waste. 6 Shared-use Copenhagen was an early mover in shared transporta- tion. The city bike – a shared fleet of bikes – was introduced 30 years ago, in 1995. At that time, cars were used inef- ficiently. They used to sit idle 80 pct. of the time and oc- cupied streets and areas now used for parks. Shared cars paved the way for shared business models for other prod- ucts Copenhageners seldom use such as gardening and home improvement tools and suitcases. 4 Urban farming Green roofs in the city allow residents to grow their own vegetables. Many families and day-care centres take ad- vantage of the rooftop gardens to teach children about food production. The green roofs were originally imple- mented under the adaption plan, as the plants absorb rain- water and shelter buildings from extreme temperatures, but for many Copenhageners they have become a favourite pastime. And sources of pride, too, as the yearly competi- tion for the biggest vegetables and most beautiful gardens testify
  • 93. 90 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 7 Sights on bikes – bicycle tourism The “I bike Copenhagen” is as iconic and beloved as the “I heart NY” – and with good reason. Tourists flock to the Danish capital to experience sights on bikes. Today, 50 pct. of Copenhagen residents cycle to work, and an increasing share of tourists choose Copenhagen as their destination because of the bicycle culture. See Getting Around chapter.
  • 94. 91 // ECONOMY ECONOMY 8 Quality of life Copenhagen is frequently called the world’s best city to live in, and is praised for the quality of life. The smart city design facilitates a harmonised and advanced lifestyle. Architects, urban planners and companies are working towards bottling this “copenhagenism” through the intel- ligent sustainable design of products, buildings and cities. 9 Smart Grid The smart grid enables information and energy to run both ways between consumers and energy companies. Washing machines start automatically at night, when en- ergy prices are low. Electric cars are programmed to sell energy if energy prices are high and the battery has suf- ficient energy to spare. The strategies reduce energy use at times of peak demand and overall. 10 Smart City It is not only the power grid that has become smart. The entire city is becoming smarter for the convenience of its citizens. Buildings, roads and even waste disposal systems are intelligent and make the lives of Copenhageners easier and more resource efficient.
  • 95. 92 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Copenhagen is carbon neutral, and Denmark is en route to becoming independent of fossil fuels by 2050. What better way to purchase a little bit of Copenhagen than a turbine? In one of the first wind cooperatives in Copenhagen, 8,650 locals bought individual shares for $809, which represented the production of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per year – increasing public support for the project. The City of Copenhagen made a profit from the sale of its first successful wind farm, and revenue has been channelled back into city projects. 360 Megawatts of wind power have been installed, and at least 20 pct. of the production is sold to wind turbine cooperatives, where locals buy shares. For large inves- tors, such as pension funds, green energy infrastructure is an attractive asset in an era of volatile markets, as wind farms have a very appealing risk-return profile. However, the secret to Copenhagen´s success in becom- ing carbon neutral is right below you. The Copenhagen en- ergy system has been an integrated and smart system for years. The system combines the production of heat and power, using all available types of technologies and fuels: waste, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, district heating and cooling. The smart system can handle this diversified se- lection of renewable energy sources, and even store and exchange power and heat. SHOPPING If you are looking for a souvenir – forget about Little Mermaid figurines – bring back a wind turbine.
  • 97. 94 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 Copenhagen has plenty of businesses that help companies achieve energy savings. In some partnerships, a portion of the savings is used to develop renewable energy projects, by, for example, pledging to buy blocks of power production from a wind farm. While in Copenhagen, you will also notice much construction and ret- rofitting under way. The reason for this is a new business and finance model for low-energy buildings. The business model removes risk by guaranteeing the building owner defined energy savings. Eliminating that risk makes investments in energy savings more calculable and attractive, and easier to finance . Tip FOR the business traveller – Energy Saving Companies and Energy Finance Consultants As mentioned, the Copenhagen energy system is the main reason why the city has been able to reach its zero-carbon target. However, Copenhageners take pride in fighting carbon. Copenhageners are not just CONsumers anymore – they have become PROsumers. A PROsumer is a resident who not only consumes energy, but also produces it via local techni- cal solutions. Many homeowners and apartment co-ops have solar panels installed on rooftops, and are small-time energy tycoons. The smart grid allows them to sell energy to the grid when they have excess production or energy prices are high. Also, if you walk into any apartment building in Copenha- gen you will notice on some doors the green electron label. These apartments purchase green energy from their energy provider. The price is slightly higher than conventional en- ergy – but part of the deal is an unburdened conscience and the prestigious green electron label that Copenhageners love to flash. A power brand in every sense. Also, Copenhageners are doing their best to avoid consump- tion – because when it comes to power shopping – less is more. Power from the people
  • 98. 95 // SHOPPING SHOPPING Cooking generates a lot of excess heat. Making Danish meatballs will not only keep the wolf from the door, it also warms your kitchen. The same goes for power. In order to produce electricity for your television, waste or straw is burned at the power plant. This process yields a valuable byproduct: heat. In conventional power generation, the heat is wasted, but in Copenhagen 98 pct. of homes is heated by this second-hand product. The combined heat and power sys- tem provides low-cost, low-carbon heat. Besides being a more environmentally friendly solution, district heating is cheaper and more hassle-free for the end-user compared to individual heat sources. However, it is not just district heating that makes the energy system worth looking at – it is the system itself. Ever noticed how kitchens are usually a warm place? Second hand – hot deals Single technologies are great but not always sufficient to meet the massive challenge of large-scale projects – such as building entirely new, energy-efficient cities. Are you in the market for collective solu- tions – systems already working? Then check out the one-stop shop at the Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster where you can get an overview of all the initiatives, knowledge and possible partners in the area. Visit www.cphcleantech.com Bulk buying – Tip for shopaholics
  • 99. 96 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 THE COPENHAGEN ENERGY CIRCUIT Solar Collec- tor Sunlight heats up liquid inside a collector, which is then circulated to a boiler heating up water. Some solar collectors can heat up the liquid to temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius. GeotHermal ENERGY Energy is extracted from the core of the Earth by drilling down to the hot rocks underneath the sur- face. By injecting water into to the drilled well, hot water can be ex- tracted and turned into electricity through a turbine above ground. District Cooling District cooling is a system where water is chilled – partly by cold water from the sea – and distributed via insulated pipelines underground to cool commercial and industrial buildings in central Copenhagen. The system reduces electricity bills and strain on the environment. Solar Panels Solar panels generate electricity and also shade rooftops to lower build- ings’ need for cooling in the summer. Larger solar farms are installed outside the city to harvest power from the unlimited potential of the sun. Heat storage Nordhavn holds one of the world biggest heat storages. Working as a gigantic thermos, the former dry dock can hold up to 300,000 cubic meters of hot water. The storage is an integrated part of the heat and power production in the city. The water is kept warm until the Copenhageners demand hot showers in the morning - avoiding the expensive peaks in demand.
  • 100. 97 // SHOPPING SHOPPING Smart Grid The smart grid connects various energy sources into one system, to make better use of fluctuat- ing energy sources like wind. The grid is able to handle a two-way-flow of electricity, meaning that citizens are not only able to consume energy, but also to produce energy and sell it back to the grid. COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PLANT District heating exploits surplus heat from electricity production and distrib- utes it to Copenhagen homes through large pipes. Today more than 98 pct. of the heat demand in Copenhagen is cov- ered by district heating. The system can make use of various renewable sources biomass, geothermal and solar and send it into the system. Off shore wind Wind turbines installed off the costs of the city provide electricity to the Copenhageners. These wind farms are sold as cooperatives to the locals increasing public support and creating revenue for the city. (This illustration is inspired by: Scientific American, September 2011) International perspective The grid is connected to other countries. Excess energy is sold internationally when the demand is met in Denmark so wind energy doesn’t go to waste. Waste to energy Collected household waste is separated and turned into energy. Excess heat from in- cinerated waste is sent into the district heating system.
  • 101. 98 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 The heat and power exchange is a key part of the smart energy system in Copenhagen. What makes the system smart is its ability to handle both stable and fluctuating sources of energy. The system combines the strengths of different solutions, allowing for clean but fluctuating wind to be backed up by more dis- patchable sources of energy that in turn create balance and resilience. Copenhagen is continuously working to optimize the in- terplay between wind, geothermal energy, biomass, com- bined heat and power plants, and district heating. The sys- tem enables renewable energy such as wind power to be stored as heat. Also, electric vehicles function in particular at night as energy storage. When electric vehicles are plugged in to charge the batteries, they relieve the energy system of surplus production from wind power. Alternatively – and this is the really smart point – the grid may shortly cut off charging or even ‘borrow’ energy from the batteries if there is too little energy in the grid. A seamless energy mo- bility system. The Heat and Power Exchange HEAT POWER Copenhagerner’s organic food consumption, pct. 2015 20 2010 16
  • 102. 99 // SHOPPING SHOPPING The current resource crisis have spurred the need to redesign the way we live, work, travel, produce and consume. Here are some items to add to your sustainable shopping list while in Copenhagen. The Danes are famous for their design. And, to Danes, design is more than mere aesthetics. Design is about mak- ing life easier, better and more sustainable. Copenhagen designers understand that less is more; acknowledge that you may own a product, but only borrow the materials it consists of; and respect that natural resources are some- thing you hold and look after for the next generation. Sustainable Shopping Eco design (Ecouture)
  • 103. 100 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 For decades, Denmark has integrated environmental considerations into its tax system, for a wide range of products and services. For a long period, green cars were exempt from the 180 pct. car tax. Today, polluting cars are still taxed more heavily than green cars. Because of Denmark’s green tax reforms, consumers have demanded cleaner products, and industry has invested in materials and processes with less environmental impact. Denmark is considering lowering the VAT on fruits and vegetables that are local and in season. Tax free shopping – not just an airport thing 15 pct. of your electricity bill goes to lighting. But why buy what you can get for free? When browsing in Copen- hagen, notice how new houses and offices are designed to harvest daylight, reducing the need to purchase artificial light. Daylight has a better “light quality” than electric lighting, and is linked to increased productivity, learning capacity and well-being. Being a northern city, you will find bargains on daylight during summer – whereas sun- light on sale during winter can be hard to come by. In the mood for some light shopping? Waste recycling: Waste not recycled and thus sent to landfill, pct. 2009 2 1988 40
  • 104. 101 // SHOPPING SHOPPING Bio based beauty products In Copenhagen, you will have a vast selection of alter- natives to the high-value products we previously sourced from oil, such as plastic. Copenhagen has been using waste as a resource for decades – turning trash into treasure. In refinery plants, industrial and household waste and agricultural biomass are turned into bio-based commodi- ties such as pharmaceutical ingredients, cosmetics, chem- icals, materials and fuel. The biomass and waste that does get incinerated gen- erates power and heat for thousands of households, and makes use of the valuable energy contained within the city’s trash. If you plan to stay in Copenhagen for a longer period, we recommend you subscribe to a once-a-year company. Instead of buying seldom-used power tools or ten chairs for the annual dinner party, people in Copenhagen sub- scribe to an OY company. The company guarantees deliv- ery within two hours. Most companies have cargo bikes cycling around the city, and will arrive much faster. Orders are placed via your smart phone. You save a small fortune, and avoid the hassle of storing the stuff. The once- a-year- subscription (OYs)
  • 105. 102 // GUIDE TO COPENHAGEN 2025 When you browse in the shops of Copenhagen, notice how many of the products are labelled. Copenhageners particularly love products that are organic, fair-trade and made with wind power. Due to the Danes love affair with wind, WindMade – the first global label dedicated to a sin- gle renewable energy source – became immensely popular when it was first introduced on products in Denmark. Wind-made products