Europe’s innovative green cities
Europe's urban areas are booming and more than two thirds of EU citizens now live in cities. As the 'Cities of Tomorrow' conference takes place in Brussels this week, DW looks at innovation in sustainable urban living.
Green Copenhagen
Scandinavia is home to some of Europe’s cleanest and most innovative cities. Copenhagen was named the European Green Capital for 2014. The Danish capital is on track to be carbon neutral by 2025. They are improving transit, capping emissions and encouraging residents to hop on their bikes.
Renewables power public transport in Stockholm
Stockholm is one of Europe’s leaders when it comes to clean air and environmentally friendly transport. Seventy-five percent of the city’s network runs on renewable energy and a congestion tax on cars has helped encourage locals to use public transport. In 2007, Stockholm’s air had the lowest level of particulate matter in Europe, and its air quality has continued to improve.
Siena: first carbon neutral city in Europe
A year ahead of schedule, the Italian city of Siena has become the first carbon neutral city within the EU. How? By reducing the use of fossil fuels, protecting forests, switching to biomass and producing geothermal sources of energy. Siena also came up with a new energy plan focusing on reducing energy consumption among citizens and businesses.
Hydrogen buses in Iceland
Thanks to its location, surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs, Reykjavik is rich in renewable energy options. The city has plans to be 100 percent free of fossil fuels by 2050 and will depend instead on hydrogen and geothermal energy. Hydrogen buses transport residents around the island, and well over 90 percent of the buildings in the capital are powered by geothermal energy.
Streetcars in Nantes
France’s sixth largest city, Nantes, has a green transport policy that focuses on public transport and bicycles. In fact, Nantes was the first city in France to reintroduce streetcars, which dramatically reduced air pollution and CO2 emissions.
Breath of fresh air in Vilnius
Despite rising levels of traffic in the city center, Lithuania’s capital enjoys some of the best air quality in Europe. The key to success here isn’t so much innovation as good old fashioned trees. Large forests, parks and gardens surround the city and local politicians work hard to preserve green spaces.
Homes warmed with human waste
Residents of the city of Didcot in Oxfordshire, England, are the first in the UK to heat their homes with gas made from their own waste. It takes about three weeks to process raw sewage and provide households with the biomethane it produces. It's odourless, sustainable and in abundant supply.
Sustainable splash in Berlin
The German capital has created an 'urban waterscape' to draw attention to the importance of sustainable water use. This system of green rooftops and pools collects rainwater, which is used to irrigate canals at Potsdamer Platz and supply both bathrooms and fire extinguishing systems in nearby buildings.
Challenges of tomorrow
Europe's booming cities face huge challenges in addition to environmental protection. Demographic decline, social polarization, and the vulnerability of different types of cities will increasingly impact urban development. These issues will top agendas at the Cities of Tomorrow meeting in Brussels this week.