SUSTAINIA
COPENHAGEN 2025
GUIDE TO
Exploring the sustainable capital of tomorrow
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FOREWORD
SUSTAINIA
COPENHAGEN 2025
GUIDE TO
“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.
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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
“A CITY
EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF A GOOD
LIFE, NOT FOR THE SAKE OF LIFE ONLY”
- ARISTOTLE
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FOREWORD
SUSTAINIA
WELCOMES
TO COPENHAGEN 2025 YOU
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
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
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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
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SUSTAINIA
CITY PRINCIPLES
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.
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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:
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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
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
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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.
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.
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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
‘‘
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
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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.
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
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ARCHITECTURE
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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.
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
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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
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.
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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.
9 AM: UN City
10 AM: The Warehouse
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 4 PM:
The Green Campus
5 PM: The Arsenal
6 PM: Islands Brygge
8:30 PM: The Valby Water Culture Centre
THE ARCHITECTOUR
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9 AM: UN City
10 AM: The Warehouse
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 4 PM:
The Green Campus
5 PM: The Arsenal
6 PM:
Islands Brygge
8:30 PM: The Valby Water Culture Centre
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.
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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
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.
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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
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.
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PEOPLE & CULTURE
Free
FACTS ABOUT COPENHAGEN
Population
640,000
Time zone+ 1 hour GMT
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
44 m2
Grab one of the public bikes
Best view in Copenhagen
From the Two Tower
Bridge
Read more in the Architecture chapter
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
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PEOPLE & CULTURE
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Copenhageners 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
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Each 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
EXERCISOHOLICS ARE
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Previously, 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
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
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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 TRUSTING ARE
6
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
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.
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
The Opera The Royal
Palace
The Royal Danish
Playhouse The National
Film School
Christiania Kongens
Nytorv
Christians- borg
GOTHERSGADE
Fr. holms
Kanal
ØSTER VOLDGADE Esplanaden
BREDGADE GRØN
NINGEN
BREDGADE ST. KONGENSGADE SØLVGA
DE
The bridge over the inner harbour opened in X and is one of
BENEFITS OF GETTING AROUND COPENHAGEN BY 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.
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.
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
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
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.
