Copenhagen, Denmark's capital and largest city, had a population of 638 790 in 2021. The city has made public-private partnerships a cornerstone of its eco-innovation and sustainable employment approach. By collaborating with companies, universities and organisations through dedicated forums, Copenhagen fosters green growth and sustainable development. One notable example is the North Harbour project, which features a ‘Green Laboratory’ focused on eco-technologies – an innovative model with strong potential for replication in other cities and regions. This approach to green economic development effectively addresses environmental, economic and social challenges, positioning Copenhagen as a leader in sustainable urban growth.
The jury highlighted Copenhagen as an exemplary model of urban planning and design. The city is also recognised as a pioneer in sustainable transportation with a bold vision to become the world’s most bike-friendly city. The cycling initiative is crucial for the city to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. Notably, around 75% of the city’s CO2 reductions are expected to come from initiatives related to its energy system, particularly by increasing the share of renewable energy in the city’s district heating.
Copenhagen’s success extends beyond infrastructure, showcasing its ability to effectively engage citizens. With highly efficient communication strategies,, the city fosters a sense of shared responsibility among Copenhageners who feel actively involved in the city’s green transition. Initiatives like the KARMA project, which promotes cycling, and the city’s pedestrian strategy have received strong support from both residents and stakeholders. The jury concluded that Copenhagen serves as a highly successful role model for the green economy, with a robust communication strategy and a firm commitment to sustainability, setting an example for Europe and beyond.
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For more information on Copenhagen’s sustainability initiatives and achievements, you can explore Copenhagen's application, which outlines the city’s green strategies and goals. Additional insights into Copenhagen’s innovative approaches are available in Copenhagen's presentation. The 1-Year Report Copenhagen and 5-Year Report Copenhagen provide comprehensive updates on the city’s progress during and after its European Green Capital year. Key highlights are summarised in the Winning City Leaflet 2014, with further details available in the Copenhagen EGCA Brochure 2014 in English and Danish.