URBAN ECOLOGY PROGRAMME 2011-2026
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URBAN ECOLOGY PROGRAMME 2011-2026 Adopted by the City Council 23 March 2011.
VISION AND OVERALL OBJECTIVE: Oslo will be a sustainable urban community where everyone is entitled to clean air, clean water and access to attractive outdoor recreation areas. The City of Oslo will give priority to the following areas in seeking to achieve its vision of environmentally sound and sustainable urban development: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Oslo will reduce noise levels, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions Oslo will have an eco-efficient transport system Urban development in Oslo will be environmentally sustainable, with an environmentally sound built environment and urban spaces Waste management in Oslo will be based on a life-cycle approach Oslo will maintain and strengthen its blue-green structure Oslo will develop an eco-efficient city administration Oslo will work together with its inhabitants, the business sector and the central government to improve the city’s environment Oslo will take part in regional, national and global cooperation to improve the environment.
More details of the priority areas are given below, including important targets, indicators that can be used to evaluate performance, strategies and measures for achieving the targets, and time limits for implementation. All municipal bodies share the responsibility for formulating relevant parts of the programme in more specific terms and incorporating them into their plans, budgets and annual reports.
1. Oslo will reduce noise levels, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions Targets
Strategies and measures
1.1 Oslo will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% relative to the 1991 level by 2030, and will be climate neutral by 2050.
1.1.1 Oslo’s climate policy is being implemented through the Sustainable Climate and Energy Action Plan (Cities of the Future Oslo), which has the following goals: • stationary energy use in Oslo will be made more effective; • there will be no greenhouse gas emissions from stationary energy use in Oslo after 2020: • emissions from waste management in Oslo will be reduced by at least 80% by 2030 (from 1991); • greenhouse gas emissions from transport will be reduced by at least 50% by 2030 (from 1991); • indirect greenhouse gas emissions from Oslo’s residents will be as low as possible; • Oslo will take steps to minimise the negative impacts of climate change.
Indicators Per capita greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions from municipal bodies in Oslo. Total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalents). Total energy use by Oslo’s inhabitants.
Greenhouse gas inventories will be drawn up for all municipal bodies in Oslo. The new Climate and Energy Agency will be assigned the main responsibility for ensuring that Oslo achieves its targets for reducing energy use and increasing the share of renewables, including coordinating efforts across agencies to achieve the climate- and energy-related goals adopted by the City Council. 1.2 Oslo will improve local air quality.
1.2.1 Implement measures such as charging for using vehicles with studded tyres, grants for the replacement of old woodburning stoves with new clean-burning models, reducing dust emissions from roads where emissions are particularly high, particle filters for diesel vehicles and promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles, in accordance with the decisions set out in the Air Quality Action Plan. 1.2.2 Continue to promote the use of energy-efficient and climateneutral vehicles. Continue the arrangements for free parking and passage through the toll ring for zero-emission vehicles Continue to encourage the establishment of charging stations for electric vehicles in multi-storey car parks and public on-street parking, with the aim of establishing at least 100 new charging stations a year.
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No. of days per year statutory limit values for PM10 are exceeded. Annual mean concentration of PM10. Number of hours per year statutory limit values for NO2 are exceeded. Annual mean concentration of NO2. Proportion of population exposed to noise levels exceeding Lden 55dB over a 24-hour period or Lnight 45dB at night.
Targets
Strategies and measures
1.3 Oslo will reduce noise levels to which inhabitants are exposed.
1.3.1 Carry out the measures set out in the Noise Action Plan in cooperation with owners responsible for key noise sources. Revise noise maps (2012) and the Noise Action Plan (2013) in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Pollution Regulations.
Indicators
1.3.2 Complete mapping of noise bands for Oslo in accordance with the government guidelines for incorporating noise into land use planning.
Proportion of population exposed to noise levels exceeding Lden 55dB over a 24-hour period or Lnight 45dB at night
1.3.3 Obtain good statistics on road traffic for use in mapping and monitoring noise and air quality. 1.3.4 Continue the establishment of quiet areas in Oslo (see the Noise Action Plan). 1.4 Oslo will increase the proportion of locally produced renewable energy for heating and the proportion of locally produced renewable electricity.
1.4.1 Initiate a feasibility study to reveal the potential for local production of renewable energy and electricity from the sun, wind, sea and ground.
1.5 Oslo will adapt to climate change.
1.5.1 Draw up a climate change adaptation strategy for the City, including: • a strategy for dealing with storm water, including opening up culverted rivers; • the establishment of more green spaces and green roofs; • climate change assessments as part of planning for new infrastructure; • mapping of areas where there is a risk of landslides; • mapping of areas where there is a risk of flooding; • a strategy for the protection of large trees; • sectoral action plans for climate change adaptation.
1.4.2 Take steps to facilitate and encourage local electricity production.
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Proportion of locally produced renewable energy for heating Proportion of renewable electricity produced locally
2. Oslo will have an eco-efficient transport system Targets
Strategies and measures
2.1 Oslo will make it easy for people to live and work in the city without using a car.
2.1.1 Oslo will seek to reduce car use and the volume of car traffic in the inner city by improving public transport and making good provision for pedestrians and cyclists. More streets will be developed to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport . Oslo will take steps to coordinate the different modes of transport to improve eco-efficiency, the urban environment and traffic safety, focusing particularly on public transport.
Indicators Proportion of population using different modes of transport for journeys of under 5 km. Proportion of population who walk, cycle or use public transport to and from work.
2.1.2 Proportion of residents in the Reduce the volume of through traffic on streets that are not part of the main road network. Through traffic will be inner city who own a car. confined mainly to the major roads. Proportion of journeys made by public transport in the 2.1.3 Oslo will apply a strict norm for the provision of parking for inner city. all new urban development projects, reduce the number of on-street parking spaces and introduce a system of resident parking permits. 2.1.4. Continue to facilitate good coordination between rail, sea and road transport so that as much freight as possible is transported by rail or ship. The Alnabru rail-based national logistics centre and the southern section of Oslo Port (Sydhavna) will be further developed. Freight transport will be made more efficient. 2.2 Oslo will encourage walking and cycling.
2.2.1 Encourage as many children and adolescents as possible to walk or cycle to school by providing safe and attractive routes. The Safe School Journeys project will be continued. Mobility plans for schools will be developed and implemented. Cooperate with Grønn Hverdag (a green consumer organisation) on campaigns to encourage children to walk to school. Maintain short-cuts in residential areas. 2.2.2 Improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians. Improve streets used by large numbers of pedestrians. Establish cycle lanes on pavements where possible. Ensure high standards of maintenance in winter to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in winter as well.
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Proportion of children who walk, cycle or use public transport to and from school.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
2.2.3 Increase the proportion of journeys within Oslo made by bicycle to 12% by 2015. Improve accessibility and safety for cyclists by: • completing implementation of the Plan for Oslo’s Main Cycle Network by 2012; • further developing the subsidiary cycle network: • establishing cycle routes across the city centre: • establishing a network of off-road cycle tracks linked to other path networks; • expanding the provision of cycle parking, especially at stations, bus stops, etc.; • giving priority to cyclists at crossroads; • expanding the Oslo City Bike scheme beyond the inner ring road (Ring 2) and increasing the number of bicycles by at least 3000. 2.2.4 Encourage cycling by city employees on official business. Retain the allowance paid to employees who use their own bicycles on official business and provide more information on the scheme.
Length of dedicated cycle routes per resident, in kilometres.
Number of city bikes.
2.2.5 Draw up a plan for universal design. This will be based on an evaluation of conditions for pedestrians in each district, with proposals for maps and other measures that will make it easier and safer to move around on foot in Oslo. Footpaths and pavements are to be attractively designed, so that they are pleasant to use, not merely safe and satisfactory routes on foot. Public spaces, including streets, roads and squares, must be designed to be inclusive for everyone, regardless of age or ability. 2.3 Oslo will increase the proportion of journeys made by public transport relative to the proportion by car.
2.3.1 Continue the focus on public transport in Ruter’s business plan K2010 (Ruter coordinates public transport in the Oslo region): • upgrading infrastructure, vehicles and rolling stock; • eliminating the maintenance backlog; • expanding the public transport system with new routes in line with the decisions set out in Ruter’s business plan K2010; • improving public transport in the evening, at night and at weekends; • reducing journey times for public transport by giving priority to buses and trams. 2.3.2 Oslo will continue and strengthen regional cooperation to ensure sustainable development of the transport system in the Oslo region. A regional plan for coordinated landuse and transport planning will be drawn up, including the development of public transport nodes and the expansion of public transport services. Oslo will take the initiative for a plan for more park and ride facilities and cycle parking at public transport nodes in Oslo and the surrounding region.
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Proportion of population who live within 300 m of a public transport service. Proportion of journeys made by public transport in Oslo and the Oslo region.
Targets
Strategies and measures
2.4 Oslo will promote the use of cars and buses that run on more environmentally friendly power sources.
2.4.1 As a general rule, all municipal vehicles used by Oslo will be powered by zero-emissions technologies (e.g. biofuel, electricity or hydrogen).
Indicators
2.4.2 Ruter will require all bus traffic to be climate-neutral by 2020. This will entail the use of buses powered by zeroemissions technologies and purchasing of certified renewable electricity and the use of hydrogen and biofuels instead of diesel.
Number of electric cars and proportion of vehicles in Oslo that run on renewable fuels instead of traditional fossil fuels. Proportion of buses within Ruter’s operating area that run on certified renewable electricity or biofuel.
2.4.3 Oil companies that run filling stations in Oslo will be encouraged to provide pumps for biofuels, including E85, biodiesel and biogas. 2.4.4 More filling stations for hydrogen will be provided in Oslo as one element in the development of infrastructure to make it practicable for more people to use hydrogen vehicles instead of vehicles that run on traditional fossil fuels.
3. Urban development in oslo will be environmentally sustainable, with an environmentally sound built environment and urban spaces Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
3.1 Oslo will promote ecoefficient urban development in accordance with the principles of urban ecology.
3.1.1 In accordance with the municipal master plan, commercial and residential developments are to be based on densification within the built-up area and near public transport nodes. Densification should not take place at the expense of the green structure. Environmental requirements are to be integrated into zoning plans to ensure the environmental quality of land development. Oslo will encourage developers to calculate carbon footprints when planning major urban development projects. 3.1.2 Improve environmental conditions in the districts, residential areas and local communities where this is most necessary. The Groruddalen area (covering the eastern districts of Oslo) will be given priority under an agreement between the City of Oslo and the Norwegian Government, which focuses on sustainable development, better quality of life, and improved living conditions through four programmes of action: • sustainable transport in the Groruddalen area; • green structure, sports and the cultural environment along the Alna river; • local community development; • children and young people, education, living conditions, culture and social inclusion.
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Proportion of new developments on brownfield sites. Population density in new residential areas. Area acquired for development of green structure in m2.
Proportion of population living within 300 m of local services.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
3.1.3 Municipal purchases and sales of properties must promote a sustainable urban ecology. Property purchases are to be used to achieve targets for a continuous green structure, allotments and school gardens, opening up culverted rivers and streams, and ensuring public access to the shoreline. 3.1.4 Seek to ensure that the 10-year urban development and architecture programme FutureBuilt is based on the lifecycle approach and other principles of urban ecology, and includes environmentally sound shared housing projects. 3.1.5 Oslo will make arrangements to provide a satisfactory level of services within walking distance of people’s homes. Important services include outdoor recreation areas, waste collection points, stopping points for public transport services, day care centres, schools and food shops. 3.2 Properties owned by Oslo will be managed eco-efficiently, and the city’s construction projects will be energy- and eco-efficient. Both regulatory and economic instruments will be used to achieve permanent reductions in stationary energy use, including phasing out all oilfired heating by 2020. Cultural heritage management in Oslo will maintain the city’s historical qualities.
3.2.1. Draw up environmental management plans to ensure that important environmental considerations are taken into account in all major urban development projects, for example the Fjord City projects and developments in areas such as Ensjø, Økern and Gjersrud/Stensrud. The city administration will implement the environmental management plans so that environmental qualities are maintained and a life-cycle approach to new projects results in reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and costs. 3.2.2. Improve, manage and maintain the city’s properties, buildings, streets, green spaces, facilities and infrastructure ecoeffectively. Oslo will follow a cost-effective maintenance policy. Repair and maintenance of protected and historically important buildings, structures and cultural environments will to be based on restoration principles. Take steps to ensure that all existing municipal buildings that are reasonably close to the district heating system are connected to the system. Energy certification of municipal buildings will be required on sale. The solutions chosen for properties, buildings, etc must be user-friendly and encourage environmentally sound use. 3.2.3 Draw up environmental programmes for all municipal building projects and major renovation projects. The solutions chosen must be user-friendly and encourage environmentally sound use. New municipal buildings, including renovation projects exceeding 250 m2 in size, will be provided with water-based heating systems and connected to the district heating network where possible.
Proportion of municipal construction projects with environmental programmes. Energy use per m2 in municipal buildings. Energy use per m2 in a lifecycle perspective (construction, operation, demolition) in municipal buildings. Greenhouse gas emissions per m2 in a life-cycle perspective (construction, operation, demolition) in municipal buildings.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
3.2.4 The proportion of new municipal buildings that meet passive house or equivalent criteria for energy use will be increased up to 2014. The relevant municipal undertakings are phasing in requirements for “green building” and for new educational buildings, social service buildings (day care centres, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, etc) and social housing to satisfy passive house or equivalent standards. From 1 January 2014, all new municipal buildings must as a general rule satisfy passive house or equivalent standards. From 2011, the minimum requirement for renovation of public buildings is based on energy performance class B, where this is possible and appropriate. Oslo will draw up a strategy for the introduction of lowenergy and passive houses in Oslo, and propose ways of encouraging an increase in the number of low-energy and passive houses in the private market. 3.2.5 Oslo will lead the way in developing and testing new energyand eco-efficient solutions and products in its own building projects, operations and administration. Environmental specifications will be included in procurement processes for architect and building consultancy services, and when selecting construction managers, contractors and subcontractors. When protected and historically important buildings and structures are repaired and restored, replacement of materials and features should be kept to a minimum, and they should as far as possible be re-used and adapted to the older construction fabric. Stricter requirements must be introduced for expertise in this field. Oslo will strive to follow best practices in managing its own cultural heritage, and should maintain a close dialogue with the cultural heritage authorities. A dialogue will be maintained with the Cultural Heritage Management Office on how best to combine aims for lowenergy/passive houses and cultural heritage conservation for buildings that are protected or historically important (the Cultural Heritage Management Office maintains a “yellow list” of these buildings). 3.2.6 Buildings that Oslo rents in the private market must as a general rule satisfy low-energy standards from 2015 and passive house or equivalent standards from 2020. 3.2.7 Major renovation projects will aim to achieve a low-energy standard as far as possible in the context of the building physics and historical value. 3.2.8 Cooperate with developers on energy-efficient buildings and urban development projects. Set the strictest possible requirements when drawing up zoning plans and processing building applications, in order to ensure high eco-efficiency.
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Targets
Strategies and measures
3.3 Urban spaces will be maintained, developed and made greener, and kept free of graffiti and litter.
3.3.1 Oslo’s public spaces will be upgraded in accordance with official plans: the plan for outdoor meeting places, the action plan for rehabilitation and upgrading of streets, squares and meeting places, the outdoor lighting plan and the aesthetic design plan. The continuation of the project “Oslo Alive” is being considered as a tool for upgrading public spaces in the city centre. 3.3.2 Establish a coordinated system of inspection, supervision, cleaning, maintenance and management for public spaces such as streets and parks in the city centre, involving cooperation between relevant municipal bodies. Continue to impose fines for littering and enforce relevant provisions of the police regulations for Oslo. Improve street cleaning routines to ensure that public urban spaces and meeting spaces in the city centre are perceived as clean and well-kept. 3.3.3 A strategy for reducing graffiti will be drawn up, based on continued zero tolerance and cooperation with the Agency for Roads and Transport, the districts, the police, Ruter (which coordinates public transport), housing cooperatives, the business sector and others. The Stop Graffiti campaign will be expanded to include all the city’s districts. The removal of graffiti from municipal property (buildings and other structures) will be coordinated for the entire city by concluding joint contracts for as many municipal bodies as possible. 3.3.4 A strategy will be drawn up for revitalising the annual “Rusken” spring clean-up and raising people’s awareness of the importance of taking responsibility for their own wellbeing and for cleaning up the local community.
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Indicators Number of cases of illegal graffiti reported to the police. Number of cases of graffiti per km2. Number of complaints about street cleaning. Number of tonnes of litter removed from the city centre. Number of active participants in the annual “Rusken” spring clean-up .
Targets
Strategies and measures
3.4 Oslo will clean up contaminated soil.
3.4.1 An action plan will be drawn up for systematic remediation of contaminated areas, using data from the soil contamination risk map and investigations of ground conditions. Ways of re-using contaminated soil will be sought. Remediation will be carried out at municipal properties that are classed as “impact level 3” (meaning that there is a risk that pollution will spread): polluted soil will be removed or other steps taken to prevent the dispersal of hazardous substances to the environment.
Indicators
3.4.2 Establish an overview of soil contamination before municipal properties are sold. When properties are purchased, the city administration must obtain information on any soil contamination and if necessary take steps to prevent the dispersal of hazardous substances to the environment.
Number of municipal properties where soil remediation has been completed, as a proportion of the number of sites where this is necessary. Area (decares) of municipal property where soil remediation is needed and proportion of this area where remediation has been completed.
3.4.3 Draw up an action plan for radon measurements in Oslo. This will be coordinated with Oslo’s Public Health Plan and the environmental health authorities. 3.4.5 A sufficient number of suitable snow disposal sites with meltwater treatment will be established. 3.4.6 Remediation will be carried out at old landfills in the Groruddalen valley, and surveys will be continued to find and deal with illegal landfills. 3.5 Economic instruments will be used to achieve permanent reductions in stationary energy use, including phasing out all oil-fired heating by 2020. Regulatory instruments will be used to achieve permanent reductions in stationary energy use, including phasing out all oil-fired heating by 2020. Grants and/or concessional loans and exemption from processing fees will be offered to developers whose plans satisfy or exceed passive house standards.
3.5.1 Grant and loan schemes for energy-effective new buildings, energy-effective renovation projects and energy efficiency measures in existing buildings will be straightforward, predictable and based on clear criteria. 3.5.2 The guidelines for grants from Oslo’s Climate and Energy Fund will be made technology-neutral. 3.5.3 The scale of fees used by the Agency for Planning and Building Services must not discourage energy efficiency and climate-related measures. Exemptions and appropriate discounts will be introduced to encourage energy efficiency and climate-related measures. The City Government will regularly assess the need to amend the scale of fees to promote real improvements in the environmental profile of energy supplies to all types of buildings. 3.5.4 Simplify processes for obtaining exemptions from the requirement for connection to the district heating system for energy-efficient buildings. Construction solutions that have a lower climate impact than connection to the district heating network are to be exempted from this requirement.
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Oslo’s Climate and Energy Fund: grants and loans awarded and actual payments from the fund. Number of construction projects where developers plan for energy use corresponding to passive-house level or better.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
3.5.5 Oslo will regularly consider sending applications to central government schemes under which municipalities can obtain grants and/or interest-free loans for measures to improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildings. 3.5.6 Actors who have surplus renewable energy and connect their buildings to the district heating network must be entitled to deliver surplus energy back to the network. 3.6 Oslo will play an active role in protecting and maintaining valuable buildings, structures and cultural environments as shared, non-renewable environmental resources.
3.6.1 Priority elements of the cultural heritage will be safeguarded in line with Report to the City Council 4/2003 on cultural heritage conservation in Oslo and the protection plans subsequently adopted, in order to maintain the distinctive features of the cultural heritage and its function as a repository of knowledge. Buildings and other structures should as a general rule be used for purposes that will benefit the general public and enhance the character and identity of the local environment. The same applies to archaeological monuments and sites. 3.6.2 Plans for major development projects should include an evaluation of whether older buildings can be retained and re-used as an expression of local identity and the sense of place. 3.6.3 New buildings and other developments must not be designed and constructed with deep cellars or in other ways that may lower the groundwater level or cause vibrations and result in settling damage to surrounding buildings. Roads and streets must be properly maintained so that traffic does not cause vibrations or settling damage to surrounding buildings. Oslo will monitor ground conditions. 3.6.4 Oslo will take steps to increase expertise as regards traditional materials, technology and architecture through the educational system, the apprenticeship system, municipal building management and in connection with repairs and renovation of the city’s own historical buildings and structures.
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Losses of archaeological monuments and sites. Annual losses of buildings on the SEFRAK register and the Cultural Heritage Management Office’s “yellow list”. Zoning plans under which valuable historical buildings or features are safeguarded.
4. WASTE MANAGEMENT IN OSLO WILL BE BASED ON A LIFE-CYCLE APPROACH Targets
Strategies and measures
4.1 Oslo will prevent waste generation and promote re-use.
4.1.1 Make Oslo’s inhabitants and the business sector more aware of their consumption levels, the lifetime costs of products, and the possibility of re-use and repair. Further develop cooperation with schools, Grønn hverdag (a green consumer organisation), LOOP (the waste recovery industry’s information organisation) and other relevant organisations: for example by establishing a forum for waste reduction. Oslo will urge the Government to provide a better framework for preventing waste generation, so that per capita waste generation in Oslo can be reduced by 25% by 2020.
Indicators Total per capita waste generation, kg. Per capita household waste generation, kg. Proportions of household waste and total waste re-used.
Proportion of industrial 4.1.2 waste generated in Oslo Update the Waste Management Plan with a view to maximcollected in separate fracising eco-efficiency in Oslo’s waste management system. The tions. system will be based on the priorities of the waste hierarchy - in descending order of preference, prevention, re-use, recycling, energy recovery (incineration) and landfilling. The Waste Management Plan will also describe how Oslo can minimise waste generation. 4.1.3 Provide and develop facilities for delivering waste for re-use. Oslo will continue cooperation with NGOs on collection points for textiles and other articles for re-use. 4.1.4 Encourage the expansion of home composting of garden waste by cooperating with Grønn Hverdag. 4.2 Oslo will promote recycling.
4.2.1 Introduce collection of food waste and plastic packaging as separate fractions, in addition to paper and residual waste. Ensure adequate provision of waste collection points and recycling centres for glass, metal, hazardous waste and dry bulky waste. These will be sited so that at least 90% of the population lives within 300 m of the nearest waste collection point. Oslo will promote recycling in the business sector. 4.2.2 Incorporate waste management into Oslo’s planning processes. Land use plans must describe the infrastructure development and allocation of land that will be needed, taking into account projected growth in waste generation, waste separation at source, and requirements for effective and up-to-date waste collection systems, such as underground and vacuum-based collection systems. This means that appropriate areas for waste management must be set aside in all new residential and commercial construction projects and major renovation projects.
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Household waste collected/ delivered for recycling, by fraction. Proportion of the population living within 300 m of the nearest waste collection point. Proportion of materials re-used and landfilled in construction projects Proportion of household waste used for energy recovery.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
4.2.3 Actively promote waste separation at source in construction, demolition and renovation projects. Construction waste, particularly if harmful to health and the environment, must be managed in an environmentally sound manner and in descending order of priority re-used, recycled, used for energy recovery (incineration) or landfilled. Fines must be imposed if construction and demolition waste is handled inappropriately. A waste management report is required at the end of all demolition and renovation projects. 4.2.4. All hazardous waste will be collected. Permanent arrangements will be established for collecting hazardous waste from households, and the number of collection points for such waste will be increased. Dumping of hazardous waste will be reported to the police. Steps will be taken to make distributors more aware of their responsibility for take-back of waste electrical and electronic equipment from households. 4.2.5 Intensify efforts to combat illegal dumping of waste. Follow up cases of littering under the Pollution Control Act and require clean-up of waste that is dumped illegally on public or private land. Dumping of waste will be reported to the police. 4.2.6 Waste that cannot be recycled will be used for energy recovery in the district heating system.
5. Oslo will maintain and strengthen its blue-green structure Targets
Strategies and measures
5.1 Oslo will protect and enhance biodiversity.
5.1.1 Oslo will take its share of the national responsibility for reducing the loss of biodiversity. The most seriously threatened areas of natural habitat will be safeguarded and their value enhanced. Ecologically sound restoration and management will be a priority. Oslo will focus specially on its responsibility for ensuring the survival of red-listed species. 5.1.2 Continuously update information on biodiversity in Oslo for use in municipal case handling. 5.1.3 Efforts to contain and control non-native species will be given priority.
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Indicators No. of localities and proportion of total area of particular value for biodiversity. No. of localities where selected non-native species have been registered.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
5.1.4. Oslo will protect and restore ecosystems, natural habitats and viable populations of threatened species in accordance with the objectives of the Bern Convention and the Rio conventions. Take special measures for the conservation of habitat types that are under particular threat in Oslo. 5.2 Oslo will maintain and further develop its green structure, focusing on continuity and quality.
5.2.1 Oslo’s forests will be maintained and the current boundary of the built-up area retained. The forest zone nearest the built-up area is a recreation area, and provision will be made for a combination of nature and human activity. Management of the forest closest to the built-up area will be adapted to the high intensity of use and the resulting wear and tear on the environment. 5.2.2 Make arrangements for public access to and use of designated outdoor recreation areas by purchasing them or through agreement with landowners, in addition to improvements. Valuable unregulated areas of natural environment will be safeguarded by zoning. Designated outdoor recreation areas and other important areas of natural environment and green spaces in the built-up areas are to be retained. The quality and accessibility of green spaces and any barriers to access will be analysed. Any new outdoor recreation areas must be of high quality. 5.2.3 Develop an indicator to monitor green spaces as regards accessibility, universal design, size and quality. This indicator should be considered in conjunction with the indicator for designated outdoor recreation areas. 5.2.4 Implement the plans and investment projects that have been adopted for the green structure in the built-up area. Complete the construction of the planned network of footpaths/cycle tracks, and further develop plans for this network in connection with revision of the Urban Green Spaces Plan. Ensure public access to the shoreline and establish a continuous coastal path where this is possible. Unauthorised barriers and other obstacles to free access along the fjord will be removed. 5.2.5 Establish routes across the Groruddalen valley between the forest areas Ă˜stmarka and Lillomarka for pedestrians and cyclists. 5.2.6 The city districts have taken over the responsibility for managing local green spaces, and the results of this will be evaluated. 5.2.7 Retain and acquire new areas for school gardens and allotments.
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Proportion of population who live within 300 m of the nearest green space. Area of designated outdoor recreation areas and green spaces with public access, m2. Area of school gardens and allotments in m2. Number of children and adults who use school gardens and allotments.
Targets
Strategies and measures
5.3 Oslo will re-open culverted rivers and streams and create blue-green corridors.
5.3.1 Work systematically to open up culverted rivers and streams, and construct footpaths and cycle paths along Oslo’s seven rivers where possible and appropriate. If possible, re-opened sections will follow the original course of the stream. An updated list of priority projects and progress plans will be maintained. Natural regulatory processes in rivers that reduce pollution and prevent pollution damage will be enhanced by re-opening culverted rivers and streams and by installing systems for infiltration and retention of contaminated storm water.
Indicators Length of culverted rivers and streams opened up, in metres.
5.3.2 Establish green corridors and urban spaces along the rivers in connection with urban development projects. An interdisciplinary working group on re-opening of streams and the EU Water Framework Directive will be appointed to draw up a draft action plan. 5.4 Oslo will ensure that management of drinking water supplies, river systems, ground water and the fjord is eco-efficient.
5.4.1 Drinking water must satisfy the quality standards and other requirements set out in Norwegian regulations. The Overall Plan for Oslo’s Drinking Water Supplies will be revised with a view to further developing the drinking water supply system for the period 2000–15. Work on security of supply and reducing leakage will be continued. The introduction of water metering in Oslo and other relevant measures to reduce water consumption are being considered. 5.4.2 Clean up and manage Oslo’s rivers in accordance with the Strategic Plan for Management of Wastewater and the Aquatic Environment 2001–16. The purpose of wastewater treatment (collection, treatment and discharge) is to prevent adverse effects on property and people’s lives and health. When wastewater is discharged after treatment, it must not cause pollution or have adverse effects on biodiversity. The VEAS and Bekkelaget waste water treatment plants will remove at least 70% of the nitrogen from the waste water. Old, poor-quality sewers will be replaced in accordance with the strategic plan, which is updated during every four-year City Council period. The replacement of old sewers in the inner city (the Midgard Serpent project) will be completed. 5.4.3 Deal with storm water runoff locally in a way that maintains the natural water cycle and makes use of natural regulatory processes that reduce pollution. Runoff of pollution from areas where there is vehicle traffic will be reduced using retention ponds and other sustainable urban drainage techniques. Priority will be given to using rain water as a natural resource and an aesthetic element in outdoor areas. Plans for managing storm water runoff sustainably and maintaining aquatic ecosystems will be drawn up for major development projects. 5.4.4. Survey ground water quality in Oslo and assess the need for measures to improve its quality.
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Per capita water consumption. Percentage water loss in pipelines. Proportion of the city’s buildings that have water meters. Proportion of rivers classified as at least of “good” status (EU classification). Scope of consumption advisories for fish caught in the inner Oslofjord.
Targets
Strategies and measures
5.5 Oslo will provide opportunities for and access to varied outdoor recreation and outdoor learning and environmental teaching.
5.5.1 Green spaces, the islands in the fjord and the forest areas closest to the city will be set aside and maintained in accordance with the Plan for Sports and Outdoor Recreation. Outdoor recreation areas will be acquired and improved through the project for public outdoor recreation areas. The goals and guidelines for forest areas owned by the City of Oslo will be used as a basis for use of all the forests surrounding Oslo. Rezoning of the lakes Alunsjøen and Breisjøen, which have been part of the city’s drinking water supplies, will be considered to permit outdoor recreation and bathing. 5.5.2 Schools and day care centres will arrange to visit buildings, structures and sites of environmental and historical interest in their neighbourhood as part of their teaching. Each school is encouraged to “adopt” a stretch of a river of stream in cooperation with the organisation Oslo Elveforum. 5.5.3 Protect wooded areas near homes, schools, etc., to provide local opportunities for physical activity and enjoying natural surroundings. An overview of the relevant areas will be drawn up when the Urban Green Spaces Plan is updated.
Indicators Proportion of the total builtup area zoned as outdoor recreation areas. Proportion of schools and day care centres that run regular outdoor learning activities. Proportion of the population who use green spaces, split by user group. Proportion of green spaces, the islands and the forest zone nearest the built-up area where arrangements have been made for universal access.
5.5.4 Establish a database of buildings, objects and sites of environmental and historical interest that can be used in educational activities. Activities related to the natural environment that the city can offer schools should be incorporated into their teaching. 5.5.5 Encourage more groups of the population to become active users of Oslo’s forests through cooperation with minority organisations and the city districts. 5.6 Biologically important areas and cultural landscapes on the islands in the inner Oslofjord will be safeguarded.
5.6.1 The number of species on the islands in the inner Oslofjord will be surveyed regularly. 5.6.2 Areas of cultural landscape on the islands will be safeguarded through active management by the city, the private sector and voluntary organisations.
Number of species registered on the islands in the inner Oslofjord. Scope of management measures and changes in the quality and area of existing cultural landscapes on the islands.
6. Oslo will develop an eco-efficient city administration Targets
Strategies and measures
6.1 Oslo will make sound information on the state of the environment in Oslo and the city’s environmental performance publicly available.
6.1.1 Oslo will set a good example in compliance with the Environmental Information Act. Advice, information and supervision will be organised in accordance with the overall communication strategy for Oslo’s environmental efforts to ensure that municipal bodies are aware of public-sector obligations under the Act and that there are sound routines for ensuring compliance. Oslo’s environmental portal will be used as a channel for information requested by the public. 6.1.2 Communicate the content of the Urban Ecology Programme to all city employees, Oslo’s inhabitants, NGOs, the central government, the business sector and other important actors in an eco-effective way.. The Urban Ecology Programme and Oslo’s state of the environment report will be updated at the beginning of each City Council period.
Indicators Number of users of Oslo’s environmental portal. No. of visitors to Oslo’s environmental portal and no. of pages accessed per visitor. Oslo’s score in international sustainable city rankings.
6.1.3 Further develop measurement, reporting and evaluation routines in connection with implementation of the Urban Ecology Programme. This includes continuing to develop a web-based reporting system where information on action being taken and the state of the environment can be presented as it becomes available, as part of the environmental portal. 6.2 Oslo will promote eco-efficient municipal administration through certified environmental management systems.
6.2.1 Eco-efficiency will be an integral element of the management systems of municipal bodies, on a par with financial, ethical and other considerations. This means not only that municipal services will be produced in a cost-effective manner, but also that resources will be utilised as effectively as possible, with as little negative impact as possible on the environment. The introduction of environmental management systems for all municipal bodies will be completed, and good routines for re-certification will be established. 6.2.2 Integrate environmental management into the city’s central management training programme and other development programmes. The environmental management network will be continued, with a focus on the exchange of experience and competence-building. Newly established bodies will be offered introductory courses in environmental management. 6.2.3 Integrate the Urban Ecology Programme into municipal bodies’ environmental management systems. Municipal bodies will use the strategies and measures set out in the programme in drawing up strategic and annual plans and planning eco-efficiency measures. 6.2.4 All municipal bodies will have environmental certification by 2014.
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Proportion of municipal bodies with certified environmental management systems (ISO 1401, EMAS or Eco-Lighthouse).
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
6.3 Oslo will ensure high standards in its environmental work.
6.3.1 Coordinate and strengthen the environmental agencies to achieve Oslo’s environmental goals and provide support for Oslo’s environmental management system. Give relevant employees the opportunity to take courses to improve their environmental expertise. 6.3.2 Establish an urban ecology forum, a cross-sectoral network to strengthen cooperation between municipal bodies on environmental issues. A catalogue of environmental expertise available in the municipal administration will be drawn up. Participation by external actors (environmental organisations, central government agencies, etc) in the urban ecology forum will be considered. 6.3.3 Strengthen environmental expertise and capacity in Oslo’s districts so that small and medium-sized enterprises and agencies in the city’s districts can qualify for certification under the Eco-Lighthouse scheme. 6.3.4 Strengthen environmental teaching in schools in accordance with the goals of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Develop closer cooperation between schools, municipal agencies and environmental organisations on teaching in environmental subjects.
6.4 Oslo will follow green public procurement practices.
6.4.1 Through cooperation with public and private stakeholders and with the supplier market, the municipal authorities will lead the way in carrying out cost-effective, eco-efficient public procurements. They will apply their influence to encourage suppliers of goods and services to engage in environmentally sound production and conduct. Relevant environmental specifications will be included in all procurement processes. When procurement committees are appointed, they must include the necessary environmental expertise. 6.4.2 Further develop a green procurement system. Criteria are to be developed and arrangements put in place for green procurement at all levels.
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Proportion of procurement processes with a focus on the environment. Proportion of central procurement processes where environmental award criteria were applied. Eco-labelled goods as % of total purchases.
Targets
Strategies and measures 6.4.3 Implement the following measures towards eco-efficient procurement in Oslo: • require that electricity purchased by municipal bodies is certified as renewable; • introduce a general rule that products containing substances on the observation list drawn up by the Climate and Pollution Agency (chemicals whose use requires special caution) or the List of Dangerous Substances are not to be purchased; • choose to purchase eco-labelled products (Nordic Swan or EU flower) if possible; • when tenders are invited for transport services, require tenderers where possible to deliver the service using lowemission vehicles; • suppliers of products for which there are take-back schemes and/or that are subject to producer responsibility obligations should document that they are or will be members of a take-back scheme or have taken other steps to meet their producer responsibility.
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Indicators
7. OSLO WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH ITS INHABITANTS, THE BUSINESS SECTOR AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE CITY’S ENVIRONMENT Targets
Strategies and measures
7.1 Oslo will work together with the central government, NGOs and the business sector to improve its environment and reduce its ecological footprint.
7.1.1 Strengthen the dialogue and cooperation with the central government, the business sector and the public on shared responsibility for improving the environment and for sustainable development in Oslo. Key topics here are waste reduction, lower greenhouse gas emissions and making goods transport and customer and staff travel more sustainable. Environmental considerations should be on the agenda in all cooperation forums involving the City of Oslo, the central government and the business sector.
Indicators
7.1.2 Continue cooperation with NGOs to create a sustainable urban environment in Oslo. Encourage and provide opportunities for people to use the forest, islands and fjord more in teaching and for outdoor recreation.
Ecological footprint. Proportion of city districts that have adopted their own LA 21/environmental plan. Proportion of private companies and public bodies with certified environmental management systems. Number of candidates nominated for the Oslo Environmental Prize.
Number of participants in the Green Market each year. 7.1.3 Intensify Local Agenda 21 efforts in the city districts as a means of improving the environment and achieving sustainable development locally. All city districts should have an LA 21 forum or equivalent arrangement involving the city administration, schools, the business sector, local NGOs and other relevant expertise. The city districts are encouraged to draw up their own local environmental plans. 7.1.4 Continue cooperation with the Eco-Lighthouse scheme and encourage as many companies, organisations and other bodies as possible in Oslo to obtain environmental certification. The inclusion of environmental specifications in all procurement processes will be an important tool in this work. Continue cooperation with the green consumer organisation Grønn hverdag, Nordic Ecolabelling and Oikos – Organic Norway to raise awareness of green procurement practices and ecolabelled, fair-trade and organic products among businesses and consumers. 7.1.5 Continue to award the annual Oslo Environmental Prize to candidates whose environmental efforts can serve as a good example for others. 7.1.6 Continue to celebrate World Environment Day on 5 June, Oslo Green Week, and European Mobility Week and CarFree Day in September in cooperation with the central government, the business sector and environmental and other NGOs.
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Targets
Strategies and measures
7.2 Oslo will cooperate with the central government to achieve sustainable development and a better environment in the capital.
7.2.1 Oslo is seeking the development of an integrated environmental policy for the Oslo region by the central government, in accordance with the Urban Ecology Programme. This is intended to result in a coherent approach to land use, transport, energy use, and production and consumption. The costs of maintaining satisfactory environmental standards in a large city should be reflected in the block allocations from the government. Rules and taxes that act as barriers to environmentally sound behaviour will be reviewed. Tax exemption for season tickets on public transport paid for by employers should be considered. 7.2.2 Seek to ensure that the central government takes its share of the responsibility for lower greenhouse gas emissions and a better environment. Important activities in this connection include Cities of the Future, the projects in the Groruddalen area, Bjørvika and Ă˜kern, road and public transport packages Oslopakke 2 and 3, the Plan for Oslo’s Main Cycle Network, the reduction of noise from main roads and railways, remediation of the harbour basin in Oslo, and protection of biologically important areas. 7.2.3 Seek to ensure that the central government, oil and energy companies and the auto industry work together to promote the use of low-emission vehicles so that they make up at least 50% of the traffic in Oslo. Oslo, the central government and the transport sector should cooperate on measures to encourage a switch to cleaner and more sustainable fuels. 7.2.4 Seek to ensure that the central government encourages sound environmental practices and consumption patterns through systematic use of appropriate policy instruments. Oslo urges the central government, which is the second largest employer and landlord/occupier in the city, to manage all its activities in the city eco-effectively. This applies to state-owned enterprises as well. Central government agencies and enterprises should be environmentally certified.
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Indicators Proportion of central government agencies with environmental certification. Proportion of vehicles in Oslo that emit less than 200, 150, and 100 g CO2 per km respectively.
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
7.3 Oslo will profile itself as an internationally recognised sustainable city.
7.3.1 Continue cooperation with the government, the business sector and environmental NGOs on developing and promoting Oslo as an internationally recognised sustainable city, using Oslo’s position as a finalist in the first round of applications for the European Green Capital Award as a starting point. Oslo will be applying again in 2012 once lifecycle-based waste management has been fully implemented. 7.3.2 Continue cooperation with experts and NGOs on the development of environmental expertise and participation in relevant national and international development programmes in the environmental field, such as the climate and environment programme Cities of the Future. 7.3.3 Draw up a strategy for eco-tourism in Oslo in cooperation with Visit Oslo. 7.3.4 Oslo will use the supplier development programme for the capital region (LuHo) to promote innovation and the development of new products that bring environmental benefits to the City as a public procurer. Public procurement will be used to promote more research and innovation in the private and public sectors.
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8. OSLO WILL TAKE PART IN REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL COOPERATION TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT Targets
Strategies and measures
8.1 Oslo will play a leading role in cooperation to improve the environment and achieve sustainable development in the region.
8.1.1 Continue the regional cooperation on climate change within the framework of the Cities of the Future programme. Cooperate with the central government and regional bodies on participation in the climate awareness campaign “Klimaløftet” in order to encourage the engagement of households, firms, municipalities and other public-sector bodies in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 8.1.2 Expand cooperation between Oslo and the research and business community in the Oslo region on further development of energy- and environment-related expertise and technology. Oslo will act as a pioneer and pilot city by developing and testing new energy- and eco-efficient products and solutions for use in its own activities, operations and administration. Oslo will seek to profile and market environmental expertise and technology in the region more strongly in cooperation with Oslo Teknopol and Innovation Norway. Take part in developing a network of institutions and firms with environmental expertise in the Oslo region and within the framework of the Oslo-Göteborg collaboration and the Scandinavian Arena. 8.1.3 The establishment of an environmental information centre in Oslo in cooperation with interested parties in the voluntary and private sectors and municipal and central government agencies is being reviewed. 8.1.4 Continue its efforts to implement the 10-year urban development and architecture programme FutureBuilt, which focuses on the development and testing of eco-efficient and energy-efficient homes.
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Indicators
Targets
Strategies and measures
Indicators
8.2 Oslo will cooperate with other large cities and international organisations to improve the environment.
8.2.1 Continue environmental cooperation with other European capital cities and major cities directly and/or through the Eurocities network and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Cooperation on the development, testing and use of models for environmental management and of environmental and sustainability indicators for towns and cities will be an important element of this work. Oslo endorses the Aalborg Commitments on sustainable development.
Oslo’s participation in international cooperation programmes in the environmental field. Proportion of environmental plans and reports translated into English.
8.2.2 The Earth Charter is an important ethical platform for Oslo’s international cooperation. Continue cooperation with and assistance to Oslo’s partner cities Vilnius, St Petersburg and Shanghai. Cooperation with Mbombela will be reviewed. Any increase in the level of commitment or in the number of partnership agreements would require funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norad (the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) or other sources. 8.2.3 Encourage environmental NGOs, firms, religious communities and schools in Oslo to establish contact and environmental cooperation with similar organisations in Oslo’s partner and twin cities. 8.2.4 Oslo will share environmental information, expertise and experience with other cities abroad, and will arrange for important environmental plans, reports and information to be translated into English. Translated material will be made available on Oslo’s environmental portal. Information on environmental projects and results from Oslo that are of international interest will be spread to Oslo’s international network. 8.3 Oslo will establish closer cooperation with the other Nordic and Baltic capitals and major cities on shared environmental and climate problems.
8.3.1 A framework will be established specifying the years by which the different elements of the Aalborg Commitments are to be implemented. 8.3.2 An annual status report for the City of Oslo and municipal bodies will be presented describing progress in implementing the Urban Ecology Programme and the Aalborg Commitments.
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Development of a platform for cooperation with the other Nordic and Baltic capitals, based on the Aalborg Commitments.
Contact information City of Oslo Department of Environmental Affairs and Transport City Hall, NO-0037 Oslo Norway postmottak@byr.oslo.kommune.no miljo.oslo.kommune.no
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