city overview

located at the heart of slovenia, ljubljana is a city where history meets modernity, green spaces embrace urban life, and sustainability is not just a goal but a way of living. as the european green capital of 2016, ljubljana has been leading the way in zero waste initiatives, circular economy practices, and fostering a culture of repair and reuse. this vibrant city offers a model for urban environments worldwide on how to successfully integrate sustainability into the fabric of city life, proving that being green can be part of a city's identity.

fun facts

- ljubljana was the first european capital to commit to going zero waste, setting an ambitious target to become a zero waste city by 2025.

- the city boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, making bicycles a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation among residents.

- ljubljana has a unique waste management system, with underground containers for separated waste collection, reducing the carbon footprint associated with waste disposal.

- in 2015, the city center was transformed into a pedestrian-only zone, significantly reducing vehicle emissions and making the streets safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists.

- ljubljana is home to the "ljubljana repair cafe," a community-driven initiative where locals can bring broken items to be repaired by volunteers, promoting a culture of repair and reuse.

- the city's commitment to green spaces is evident in its parks and the lush ljubljanica riverbanks, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy nature in the urban environment.

- ljubljana's farmers markets, such as the central market, encourage local consumption and provide a platform for zero waste shopping, where people can buy fresh produce without unnecessary packaging.

- innovative projects like the "library of things" allow residents to borrow items they need rather than buying new, fostering a sharing economy and reducing waste.

through these initiatives and more, ljubljana is not just talking about sustainability; it is living it. the city serves as an inspiring example of how urban environments can thrive while prioritizing the planet and its people.

sustainability snapshot

ljubljana, the capital of slovenia, is often heralded as a green capital, having won the european green capital award in 2016. its commitment to sustainability is evident in its zero waste efforts, circular economy strategies, and repair initiatives.

notable achievements:

- zero waste pioneer: ljubljana was the first capital in the eu to adopt a zero waste goal, with an ambitious plan to manage waste sustainably.

- waste separation: over 68% of the city’s waste is separated, which is one of the highest rates in europe.

- biological waste treatment: the city has a state-of-the-art facility for biological waste treatment, turning organic waste into compost.

- reuse centre: the reuse centre in ljubljana promotes the repair, reuse, and repurposing of items, diverting them from landfills.

ongoing projects:

- smart waste collection: ljubljana is implementing a smart waste collection system, using sensors to optimize collection routes and frequencies.

- public awareness campaigns: continuous public campaigns are run to educate residents on the importance of waste reduction and proper waste management.

- expansion of repair services: the city is focusing on expanding repair services and promoting repair cafes where citizens can learn to fix items.

future goals:

- zero waste 2025: ljubljana aims to continue reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills with the goal of becoming a zero waste city by 2025.

- circular economy strategy: the city plans to integrate circular economy principles more deeply into local businesses and municipal operations.

- sustainable tourism: efforts are underway to develop sustainable tourism, which includes managing waste effectively even with the influx of visitors.

waste statistics:

- waste generation: as of the latest data, each resident in ljubljana generates approximately 150 kilograms of waste per year, which is below the eu average.

- recycling rate: the recycling rate has consistently improved, with the city surpassing its own targets year-on-year.

- landfill diversion: ljubljana has reduced the amount of waste going to landfills by 80% since initiating its zero waste program.

ljubljana's holistic approach to waste management encompasses the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, making it a model city for sustainable living. its continued focus on education and community engagement ensures that both residents and the local government are active participants in the journey towards zero waste.