The city of Hamburg, located along the banks of the Elbe River, is home to approximately 1.8 million residents. Despite a range of metropolitan challenges, Germany’s second-largest city has successfully combined comprehensive strategies, strong policy commitments and dedicated funding to address these issues. Hamburg employs an integrated, participative planning approach and remains steadfast in its commitment to a ‘green’ vision. The city boasts excellent local air quality, clearly defined climate targets and robust monitoring systems, all contributing to its outstanding performance in combating climate change.
As the European Green Capital of 2011, Hamburg pursued innovative solutions to key metropolitan challenges such as urban mobility and energy efficiency, while sharing its experiences and best practices on an international stage. The city introduced measures to expand sustainable transport infrastructure and improve the energy performance of buildings—areas critical to managing growth while cutting emissions. Hamburg has set ambitious climate goals, aiming for a 40% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Since 1990, the city has reduced per capita CO₂ emissions by about 15%, while achieving annual energy savings of approximately 46,000 MWh—a notable achievement for a city of its size.
The Port of Hamburg, situated on the Elbe, is Europe’s second largest in terms of container volume. While the growing number of containers has sparked discussions about expansion, the city has consciously avoided geographical expansion into surrounding areas. Instead, Hamburg has focused on optimising existing land and creating new areas by repurposing expendable harbour basins. This approach aligns with the city’s broader environmental goals and efficient land use strategies.
Hamburg has also excelled in promoting sustainable urban mobility. The city maintains high environmental standards and strong performance in cycling and public transport. Nearly all residents have access to public transport within 300 metres of their homes and the systematic network of green spaces ensures that natural areas are easily accessible to everyone.
One of Hamburg’s most notable initiatives was the launch of the ‘Train of Ideas’ on 15 April 2011. This mobile exhibition featured seven carriages, each focusing on a different aspect of life in a green city –mobility, energy, climate protection, nature, economy and consumption. The Train of Ideas targeted a broad international audience, presenting Hamburg’s best practices alongside sustainable solutions from other cities worldwide. The exhibition attracted visitors of all ages, offering insights into how urban areas can become more sustainable and enjoyable places to live. The train travelled through several major European cities, including Warsaw, Malmö, Copenhagen, Brussels, Vienna, Barcelona and Marseilles, inspiring cities across the continent to embrace greener futures.
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Explore Hamburg's sustainability initiatives in detail by reviewing their application, which outlines the city’s environmental strategies and commitments. Gain additional insights from Hamburg's presentation and discover the progress made during its Green Capital year in the 1-Year Report Hamburg 2011,. For a long-term perspective, the 5-Year Report – ‘Hamburg European Green Capital: 5 Years On’ reflects on the city’s environmental impact while the Winning City Leaflet in English offers a concise summary of key highlights.