city overview

copenhagen, the capital of denmark, stands as a beacon of sustainability and innovation in the heart of scandinavia. renowned for its commitment to green living, this vibrant city combines historical charm with a forward-looking approach to urban development. copenhagen's dedication to becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2025, alongside its flourishing bike culture, makes it an exemplary model for zero waste and circular economy practices. its residents are actively engaged in reducing waste, enhancing product longevity, and embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

fun facts

- copenhagen aims to be the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025, showcasing its leadership in sustainable urban planning.

- over 50% of copenhageners commute by bike every day, thanks to the city's extensive network of bike lanes.

- the city hosts numerous repair cafes and workshops, encouraging the repair and reuse of items rather than discarding them.

- copenhagen's harbors are so clean that residents can safely swim in them, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining a pristine environment.

- it is home to copenhill, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a ski slope and hiking area, symbolizing the fusion of sustainability and recreation.

- the city's green roofs policy, which requires certain new buildings to have vegetated roofs, aids in biodiversity and helps manage rainwater runoff.

- copenhagen has implemented an efficient waste-sorting system, making recycling easier and more accessible for all residents.

- it boasts a thriving market for second-hand goods, from clothes to electronics, promoting a circular economy.

- the city offers a wealth of community gardens, where locals can grow their own produce, fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.

copenhagen's commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship serves as a shining example to cities worldwide. its initiatives and policies not only benefit the planet but also enhance the quality of life for its residents, proving that eco-friendly practices and urban living can go hand in hand.

sustainability snapshot

zero waste accomplishments:

copenhagen, denmark's capital, has a strong reputation for sustainability and has made significant strides towards becoming a zero-waste city. in recent years, copenhagen has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that prioritizes reduction, reuse, and recycling over landfilling and incineration. notably, the city has developed an ambitious plan with the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025, which includes substantial waste reduction strategies.

circular economy strategies:

copenhagen has been a frontrunner in embracing the circular economy, integrating it into city planning and business practices. the city has supported initiatives such as the establishment of 'sharing' neighborhoods, where communal living and resource sharing are encouraged to reduce waste. they've also invested in the development of the resource city project in amager, where businesses focus on recycling and reusing materials in innovative ways. copenhagen’s businesses and startups are encouraged to design products with their entire lifecycle in mind, minimizing waste and facilitating recycling or repurposing.

repair initiatives:

repair is a crucial component of copenhagen's approach to waste reduction. the city has seen a rise in repair cafes and workshops where residents can bring items ranging from electronics to textiles to be fixed, fostering a culture of repair and maintenance. additionally, various non-profit organizations and social enterprises operate in the city, offering repair services and educational workshops to empower residents with diy repair skills, further supporting the longevity of products.

notable achievements:

- the implementation of a highly efficient waste-sorting system, with households separating organic waste, plastics, metals, glass, paper, and hazardous waste.

- the success of initiatives like 'reparationsguiden', an online guide that helps citizens locate repair services throughout the city.

- hosting events such as the copenhagen circular challenge, which invites innovators to develop solutions to circular economy challenges.

ongoing projects:

- development of new recycling stations to make waste sorting more accessible.

- expansion of the copenhagen city bikes system, which not only reduces traffic but also lowers waste associated with personal vehicle use.

future goals:

- achieving a 70% recycling rate for city waste by 2024.

- reduction of plastic waste through new legislation and public awareness campaigns.

- further integration of circular principles into city procurement and infrastructure projects.

waste statistics:

- as of the last assessment, copenhagen's waste diversion rate was estimated at around 45%, with ongoing efforts to improve this figure.

- the city has drastically reduced landfill waste, with most non-recyclable waste being used in energy recovery processes.

- there has been a significant decrease in the amount of municipal solid waste per capita, reflecting the effectiveness of waste reduction initiatives.

copenhagen’s strategic approach to waste management, circular economy, and repair initiatives demonstrate the city’s commitment to sustainability and serve as a model for urban areas worldwide. by continuing to innovate and implement progressive policies, copenhagen aims to set a global standard for zero waste and circular practices.