Factsheet Copenhagen Climate Plan Centre stage for global climate policy Climate and the environment are key focus areas for the Copenhagen. In 2007, we decided that the city was to be an eco-metropolis – Europe’s capital of the environment. We are now putting these words into action. Since 1990, we have restricted CO2 emissions in the city by more than 20 %. In terms of electricity, district heating and transport, Copenhageners emit on average 30 % less CO2 than the Danish average: cycle paths, public transport, recreation areas, pedestrianised streets, wind turbines, district heating networks and visionary town planning are making our capital a model for cities all over the world. But we want to go even further. With our draft climate plan, we are presenting 50 specific initiatives to ensure that we reduce CO2 emissions by 20 % over the period 2005-2015. But the action on climate will not stop in 2015. We are therefore also launching an ambitious but realistic vision for Copenhagen to be the world’s first CO2 neutral capital city by 2025.
With reference to our climate plan we will → Reduce CO2 emissions. → Create an even better city, which is pleasant to live, move about and work in. → Improve health with cleaner air, less noise and more opportunities for exercise – and with an improved indoor climate, so that children and adults alike have fewer headaches, less stress and fewer days off sick Specific initiatives: Energy supply A reduction of 375,000 tons of CO2 per annum
Lighthouse project: We are spearheading an ambitious wind turbine project
New building and renovation A reduction of 50,000 tons of CO2 per annum
Lighthouse project: We are eco-refurbishing schools, institutions and sports facilities
Transport A reduction of 50,000 tons of CO2 per annum
Lighthouse project: We are ensuring that cars can run on electricity or hydrogen
The city’s residents A reduction of 20,000 tons of CO2 per annum
Lighthouse project: We are raising a new climate-aware generation
City planning A reduction of 5,000 tons of CO2 per annum
Lighthouse project: We are ensuring new buildings in the lowest energy class at all times
Climate adaptation
Lighthouse project: We are creating mini-parks as lungs for the city
(CO2: 2005 figures)
Two key dates: 2015 and 2025 2015: → Objective: Objective Copenhagen has resolved to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20 % in the period 2005-2015. • This equates to a reduction from approx. 2.5 million tons to approx. 2 million tons of CO2. • The objective will be achieved through the 50 specific initiatives outlined in the climate plan. 2025: → Vision: Vision Copenhagen to be CO2 neutral by 2025. • Copenhagen will be CO2 neutral when the city’s net emissions of CO2 are zero. In other words, when Copenhagen has reduced its CO2 emissions to a minimum and offset the remaining emissions through initiatives outside the city (e.g. via wind turbines). • The vision will be realised by implementing even more measures than those in the climate plan. For example, by installing even more wind turbines, doing even more to limit emissions from cars and buses, or by encouraging even more inhabitants of Copenhagen to save energy.
Climate plan - the process • •
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The climate plan is an invitation to debate and cooperation. Up to 15 May 2009, we hope to receive input and feedback to make the plan even better. From Copenhagen residents and businesses and from organisations and associations who take an interest in our city’s future. Following the consultation process, the climate plan will be adopted by the City Council.