city overview

nestled amidst rolling hills and fjords, oslo stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation in the heart of norway. this vibrant capital city is renowned for its commitment to green living, boasting an ambitious vision to become carbon neutral by 2040. oslo's dedication to zero waste principles, circular economy efforts, and repair initiatives is not only evident in its policies but also in the daily practices of its residents. as a city that harmoniously blends nature with urban life, oslo offers a unique model for sustainable living in the 21st century.

fun facts

- oslo was awarded the european green capital title in 2019, reflecting its leading role in environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.

- the city is home to the world's most extensive electric car charging network, making electric vehicle use both practical and preferred by its citizens.

- oslo has implemented a "smart city" waste management system, which includes underground vacuum waste collection systems in some areas, reducing the need for traditional garbage trucks and lowering emissions.

- the city encourages repair and reuse through various initiatives, including the oslo repair days, where people can bring items for repair and learn about the importance of extending the life of products.

- in an effort to promote biodiversity, oslo has developed a "bee highway" – a network of rooftop gardens and green spaces designed to support urban bee populations.

- the city's public transportation system is considered one of the most efficient and greenest in the world, with a significant portion of its fleet running on renewable energy.

- oslo's ambitious "car-free city centre" initiative aims to reclaim streets for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing pollution and enhancing the quality of urban life.

- the municipality supports local food production through urban farming projects, reducing food miles and encouraging residents to connect with the source of their food.

oslo's approach to sustainability and zero waste is holistic, integrating environmental concerns with social and economic policies. this makes oslo not just a city to watch but a source of inspiration for communities worldwide aiming to make the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.

sustainability snapshot

zero waste achievements and objectives:

oslo, the capital of norway, has made significant strides in its journey towards zero waste. the city's commitment to sustainability is evident through its ambitious target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2030, compared to 2009 levels. this goal is intrinsically linked to waste management practices, as reducing waste directly contributes to lowering emissions.

key achievements:

- implementation of a comprehensive waste management system that segregates waste into different categories for recycling, composting, or energy recovery.

- the introduction of the 'oslo standard' for waste management in new residential developments, which mandates the inclusion of waste-sorting facilities.

- innovations in waste collection, including the use of underground pneumatic waste collection systems in some districts, reducing the need for collection vehicles and associated emissions.

future goals:

- achieve a circular economy where all resources are utilized efficiently, and waste generation is minimized.

- further develop the infrastructure for waste sorting and recycling, with the aim of increasing the city's waste recycling rate.

- expand initiatives for reducing food waste in collaboration with businesses, ngos, and residents.

circular economy strategies:

oslo has been integrating circular economy principles into its urban development and economic activities. the city has focused on creating closed-loop systems where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, and waste is seen as a resource rather than a disposal problem.

notable initiatives:

- the city's agency for urban environment (bymiljøetaten) works closely with businesses to support circular economy models, including sharing platforms and repair services.

- promotion of green public procurement policies that prioritize products and services which are repairable, recyclable, and energy-efficient.

- support for local markets and events that encourage the exchange, repair, and reuse of goods, thereby reducing the demand for new products.

repair initiatives:

oslo recognizes the importance of repair as a means to extend the life of products and reduce waste. the city has actively supported repair cafes, workshops, and initiatives that teach residents how to fix various items, from electronics to textiles.

highlights:

- the establishment of community repair events where volunteers help residents repair items for free, fostering a culture of repair and maintenance.

- partnership with local educational institutions to offer courses and programs focused on repair skills, contributing to job creation and a skilled workforce in the repair industry.

- incentive programs for businesses that offer repair services or design products for longevity and easy repair.

waste statistics:

- recycling rate: oslo has a strong recycling rate, with over 50% of household waste being recycled or composted.

- waste-to-energy: a significant portion of oslo's non-recyclable waste is converted into energy, supplying power to the city's heating network.

- landfill reduction: oslo has successfully reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills, with the goal of further minimizing landfill use by increasing recycling and composting rates.

oslo's dedication to zero waste and circular economy practices continues to evolve, with the city embracing innovation and collaboration to create a sustainable urban environment. as residents become more engaged with these initiatives, oslo moves closer to its aim of becoming a leading zero waste city.