Cities are at the heart of environmental challenges

Three out of four Europeans live in towns and cities, placing mayor cities at the heart of environmental challenges. For a considerable period of time now, Copenhagen has taken on the challenge. Copenhageners are good at leaving the car in the garage and taking their bikes instead, they can go for a swim in the clean water of the harbour and Copenhagen has just published a green account that shows remarkable reductions in carbon emissions. For these reasons, the Danish capital is now, ahead of 17 other European countries, receiving the prize as European Green Capital 2014 - a green pat on the back from the EU Commission.

Frank Jensen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen: ”This is international recognition of our dedicated efforts”

He continues, ”And it is something Copenhageners can be really proud of every time they get on their bikes or take a swim in one of the harbour swimming pools. Our efforts are not only about a greener Copenhagen. They are also about a healthier Copenhagen and a Copenhagen which is nice to live in.”

View the City of Copenhagen's profile on stateofgreen.com.

Copenhagen awarded top marks on environment, climate and green growth

To become European Green Capital 2014, Copenhagen and the other 17 candidates were judged by a panel of experts in twelve specific areas within the sectors of environment, climate and green growth. Copenhagen was awarded top marks ahead of all the other cities. In nine of the twelve areas, the technical jury assessed Copenhagen to have achieved the best or second best results of all 18 cities.

”Copenhagen leads the field in many areas, but we are constantly working on giving Copenhageners an even greener and more liveable city. So, we want to show the rest of Europe how to make green urban solutions that work and create new possibilities for the citizens. At the same time, we want to learn new things from other cities all over Europe so we can make Copenhagen an even better place to live,” says Ayfer Baykal, Copenhagen’s Technical and Environmental Mayor.

Past winners include Stockholm, Hamburg and Vitoria-Gasteiz. In 2013, Nantes takes over the title from Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Learn more about Copenhagen's plan to become the world's first CO2-neutral capital. 

Quotes on Copenhagen as Europes Green Capital 2014

Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Building, Martin Lidegaard:

”Congratulations! It is a very prestigious award. The last couple of years the climate agenda has lacked awareness on the international political scene. Fortunately cities, ngo’s, regions and countries are innovative first movers. Especially the major cities play a key role in solving the climate challenges we all face. I hope that Copenhagen as Europes Green Capital will be a platform of inspiration in 2014 to politicians from other visionary cities.”

Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster’s Executive Director, Marianna Lubanski looks forward to Copenhagen show casing Copenhagens Green solutions:

”To showcase our Region’s strong cleantech competences we need global attention. The European Green Capital Award is a great platform for this and at the CCC we look forward to help turning the attention into tangible results like growth and job creation.”

WWF Denmark, Secretary General Gitte Seeberg:

”The award will create awareness of Copenhagen as a major city focusing on sustainable development. The major cities play a key role in solving the climate challenges and with the award, Copenhagen will be a role model city, where other ambitious cities can find inspiration.”

Hamborg held the titel as European Green Capital in 2011. Olaf Scholz, First Mayor of the City of Hamburg, congratulates Copenhagen:

“Congratulations to Copenhagen on the selection as European Green Capital 2014. The title is another feature that Hamburg and Copenhagen have in common. I had an opportunity exactly one year ago to learn a great deal about Copenhagen, and to see what a liveable and sustainable city it is. I look forward to even closer cooperation with our Danish neighbours in the future.”