COPENHAGENERS’ GREEN ACCOUNTS 2001 NEW LIFE IN ECO-DISCUSSIONS

he 2001 Green Accounts actually are not that A few years back, a number of local authorities shook T ”green”. In we have drawn up hands on being frontrunners for a better environment and ”Copenhageners’ Green Accounts” since 1997. more sustainable local communities. Just as in the world In our view, this year’s accounts are the most of the movies we wrote down some rules – dogma – on interesting so far. It reveals two clear trends in the how to work towards the green targets. The result was environmental area: On the one hand economic growth ”Dogma 2000” – a close and committing co-operation means that car traffic keeps increasing – and a similar with participation of the municipalities of Albertslund, picture is seen for waste arisings and energy Ballerup, Fredericia and Herning in addition to the City of consumption. Copenhagen. The idea is to pin each other down to On the other hand there concrete areas of effort and are also lots of good news. targets so as to get sub- We use the bicycle more stance and direction in the than ever. Public transport environmental work. is recovering after a long The green Dogma co- overdue vitamin cure. The operation means that Co- Copenhagen Harbour is penhagen’s environmental now so clean that you can work is collected under one swim in it. The Middel- hat. By having the City, grunden Windmill Farm is a enterprises and residents success. Sustainable building of Copenhagen joining is booming. Contaminated forces we can make a sites are being cleaned up. difference. And since some- Private enterprises commit to voluntary environmental one must take the lead, the City of Copenhagen readily work. And all over the City the scenery is greening with has accepted this role. This will be perceived all over the trees and green courtyards. public administration, for example in canteens converting This is all something we appreciate. We are on the to organic food. right track – but things do not change automatically. We have achieved some fine results in Copenhagen, Figures in ”Copenhageners’ Green Accounts 2001” but there is still much scope for improvement. So we do illustrate that the broad public commitment must be hope that you will take part in the eco-discussions – and enhanced. If we just let matters take their course CO2 that you will be inspired by this publication. But more emissions, for example, will be on the increase before than that we hope that you will help suit the action to the long. So it is important that Copenhageners, the City and word. This is how we achieve progress. its enterprises take their part of responsibility.

We wish you pleasant reading.

Ms Winnie Berndtson, Mayor of the Energy, Mr Søren Pind, Mayor of the Building Water and Environment Administration and Construction Administration HOW TO READ THE GREEN ACCOUNTS

The Green Accounts give a broad outline of the environment in Copenhagen. You will find tables and figures that illustrate the development, and you can read about its causes. You can compare the development within specific areas with the proposed targets. And you can read what the City of Copenhagen does to save and improve the environment. Finally you get a long range of phone numbers and website addresses where you can find advice on how to make an effort for the environment. You can read more about the City of Copenhagen on www.copenhagencity.dk.

CONTENTS

ENERGY pages 6-7 Energy consumption is increasing – which is reflected in CO2 emissions.

IF YOU WANT DETAILS ABOUT LOCAL WATER pages 8-9 ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES The groundwater is generally clean – and total water consumption is decreasing.

Contact the green guides co-operating with local Agenda 21 groups, associations, enterprises and citizens on environmental WASTE pages 10-11 activities in the local communities: Copenhageners are good at separating waste – but there is more and more of it • GREEN GUIDE 3B, Bettina Fellow, tel.: 70 20 76 00, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE CHRISTIANSHAVN, Anja Puggaard, tel.: 32 57 88 89, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE ISLANDS BRYGGE, Jetje Fink, tel.: 32 96 97 28, e-mail: [email protected] TRAFFIC pages 12-13 • GREEN GUIDE NØRREBRO, Tom Jørgensen, tel.: 35 37 36 36, e-mail: [email protected] Car traffic is increasing steadily – and so is the number of cyclists. • GREEN GUIDE NØRREBRO, Jean-Pascal Danos, tel.: 31 35 35 40, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE NORDVEST, Astrid Munksgaard, tel.: 38 14 02 74, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE VESTERBRO, Niels Birk Thomsen, tel.: 31 22 95 22, e-mail: [email protected] GREEN AREAS pages 14-15 • GREEN GUIDE HOLMBLADSGADE, Helmut Christian Stuven, tel.: 82 32 55 25 Copenhageners have easy access to nature and parks. • GREEN GUIDE OF THE ASSOCIATION ROCK AMA’R, Gry Pedersen, tel.: 32 84 50 50, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE KGS. ENGHAVE, Torben Forskov, tel.: 36 14 84 50, e-mail: [email protected] • GREEN GUIDE , Helene Orland, tel.: 36 30 30 31, e-mail: [email protected] AQUATIC AREAS pages 16-17 • GREEN GUIDE GENBYG, Michael Parbst, tel.: 38 10 13 48 The water in the harbour is of bathing water quality – but the lakes reflect sins of the past

The neighbourhood face-lifting centres give information about the environmental projects that are part of the neighbourhood plans: SOIL pages 18-19 • NEIGHBOURHOOD FACE-LIFTING PROJECT NORD-VEST, Lygten Station, Frederiksundsvej 2, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Soil is contaminated in many places – but clean-up projects are progressing favourably. tel.: 38 14 02 42, www.nvi.dk • NEIGHBOURHOOD FACE-LIFTING PROJECT NØRREBRO PARK, Lundtoftegade 87, 2200 Copenhagen N, tel.: 35 87 45 00, www.parkkvarter.dk ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND BUILDING pages 20-21 • NEIGHBOURHOOD FACE-LIFTING PROJECT HOLMBLADSGADE, Jemtelandsgade 3, 2.sal, 2300 Copenhagen S, Principles of urban ecology are a vital part of urban renewal and new building solutions. tel. 8232 55 25, www.holmbladsgade.dk • NEIGHBOURHOOD FACE-LIFTING PROJECT KGS. ENGHAVE, Wagnersvej 19, 2450 Copenhagen SV, tel.: 36 14 84 55, www.ke-bydel.kk.dk ENTERPRISES AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK pages 22-23 • NEIGHBOURHOOD FACE-LIFTING PROJECT FEMKANTEN, Dortheavej 61, 2400 Copenhagen NV, tel.: 38 14 02 61, The most visionary enterprises in Copenhagen are part of the Copenhagen Environmental Network. www.kvartercentret.nv.kk.dk

Questions and project ideas may be discussed with City of Copenhagen, Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box 259, LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY pages 24-27 1502 Copenhagen V, tel.: 33 66 58 00, e-mail: [email protected]. The green guides are making an effort for a sustainable local community. 6 C openhageners’ green accounts ENERGY 7

CO2 EMISSIONS UNDER ATTACK Increasing energy consumption reflected in CO2 emissions Switches working overtime Despite increasing energy consumption and car traffic total CO2 emissions While industry since 1995 has had stable electricity consumption, there have been on the decrease for several years thanks to technological has been quite an increase within trade and services. This increase is to lectricity and heating consumption is the largest developments. But for the fist time since 1995 the increasing electricity some extent due to building activities at the metro, the Ørestad and the consumption is now reflected in CO2 emissions. If we are to revert this North Harbour. Public institutions also consumed more electricity in Esource of Copenhagen’s CO2 emissions that trend, it is decisive that all Copenhageners save energy and change transport 2001. And after several years of householders’ saving energy, contribute to global climate change. From 1990 to 2000 habits. The City of Copenhagen is drawing up a plan for reductions in CO2 consumption again is on the increase. On average, two persons in a flat emissions in the coming years. It has not been possible to make a statement without electrical heating consume 2,000 to 2,500 kWh in a year. Check total CO2 emissions have decreased by 23%. The of CO2 contributions from the waste sector in 2001 before deadline. you electricity bill to see whether you are above or below average. decrease is mainly due to the extension of the district- CO2 emissions 1990-2001 Electricity consumption 1995-2001 heating network that now covers 94% of heating in 4000 2500

Copenhagen. Increased use of natural gas, bio-fuels and 3500 201 2000 200 3000 wind-power as well as more efficient exploitation of fuels 416 783 763 753 736 724 735 756 432 98 108 428 120 2500 in the combined power and heating plants also deserve 130 1500 435 435 430 432 2000 645 659 672 702 716 725 790 1000 tons

some of the credit. 1000 MWh 1500 1000 2837 2690 2435 2253 2154 1958 2068 Economic growth in the region gives more 1000 659 680 672 701 705 715 725 500 employment and higher salaries – but also more car 500 traffic, waste and energy consumption. And if we just let 226 219 227 218 223 220 206 19951996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 19951996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 matters take their cause, also CO emissions will Energy Transport Waste 2 Industry Trade and services Public institutions Housing increase. Therefore, it makes sense to see how we can all contribute to continuous positive developments. Higher district-heating consumption Copenhagen chefs step on the gas On the face of it, this is not positive, but as district heating replaces Overall, town gas is on the decline, and this is regrettable from an electrical heating and the far more polluting private oil burners, it is good environmental point of view. If just 3,000 cookers convert from electricity for total environmental accounts. In the early 90s it became mandatory to to gas, the atmosphere would have to cope with over 1000 tonnes of CO2 connect to the district-heating network, and since the mid 90s almost all less every year. The campaign to keep town gas has been particularly industry, trade and services, public institutions and blocks of flats have efficient in restaurant kitchens, while many householders replace their gas been connected. The delay for connection of single-family houses will cooker with electric cookers. In addition, district heating in many places expire in 2002/2003, and in later years many have connected to district has replaced gas heating. heating, as old oil burners have worn out.

District heating consumption 1995-2001 Gas consumption 1995-2001

256 281 286 4000 50000 416 413 314 45000 190 3500 40000 3000 35000 2003 2379 2290 2276 2233 2156 2209 2500 30000 3 2000 25000 1000 m 1000 MWh 36794 34736 30768 24903 21246 18195 15854 1500 20000 454 387 404 399 376 359 376 15000 1000 10000 2315 1834 1594 1707 1615 833 977 906 899 885 849 889 500 7688 1485 1388 7401 6568 7176 7089 6394 6400 5000

146 169 157 156 154 146 153 946 633 558 822 580 362 356 19951996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 19951996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Industry Trade and services Public institutions Industry Trade and services Public institutions Housing Housing, flats Housing, single-family houses

Refreshing breeze for marine windmills When you are away, electricity eaters will play Renewable energy generation in Eastern Denmark contributes to less CO2 Refrigeration equipment is the heavy electricity eater of households, but it emissions. The Middelgrunden marine windmill farm is the largest of its also counts heavily that still more appliances are constantly on standby to kind worldwide, covering 3% of Copenhageners’ electricity needs. The allow for use of remote control. Therefore, turn off appliances when they twenty mills were inaugurated in May 2001, and already in their first year are not used. And when buying new, look for appliances labelled with the they lived up to expectations. “Energy Arrow”, indicating low standby consumption. Renewable energy on the islands of Sealand, Lolland Falster and Bornholm 1998-2001 Electricity consumption distributed on household activities 2000

15

7% Køleskab og fryser 5.9 8% 29% 10 TV, PC, musik

5.2 15% Belysning

FURTHER INFORMATION % Madlavning 3.7 ENERGY SAVING TIPS. Visit www.ke.kk.dk or call Copenhagen Energy (business: tel. 33 95 38 87, private: tel. 33 95 21 34 / 33 95 21 35) to get tips for 3.3 5 Små apparater saving electricity, heating and gas. On the website of the Electricity Saving Fund at www.elsparefonden.dk you can see how much power your 19% 22% Vaske- og opvaskemaskiner electrical appliances consume and get an idea where to save money. 4.0 4.2 5.8 9.0

THE MIDDELGRUNDEN WINDMILL FARM. Visit www.middelgrunden.dk or call the Middelgrunden Windmill Guild at tel. 35 37 36 36 to become shareholder in the farm. The daily generation of electricity can be monitored on-line at www.middelgrund.com. 1998 1999 2000 2001 Wind power Burning off straw, wood-chips, biogas and waste 8 C openhageners’ green accounts WATER 9

LIKE DROPS IN THE BUCKET

hen Copenhageners turn on the tap, water comes from abstraction wells spread over a large area of Sealand. WTap water is clean and so are the wells supplying it. For some wells contamination of groundwater is an increasing problem, for example due to leaching from old dumps and industrial sites. Such water is not used for drinking water. Another significant source of contamination is pesticides from public areas, agriculture and private gardens. If we want to solve this problem, urban and rural communities must co-operate. In Project Clean Water, Copenhagen Energy is trying to create a larger market for organic products, making conversion of their production more attractive to farmers on Sealand. In parallel, urban plot owners must stop using pesticides in their gardens. Water consumption in Copenhagen is only decreasing slowly, so we must all save even more. Less water consumption will protect groundwater and prevent exsiccation of watercourses and wetlands in catchment areas.

By 2010 your daily water consumption must drop by 19 ltr. 10% of wells closed due to contamination After several years of slight decrease, householders’ water consumption in Copenhagen Energy is constantly monitoring quality of both groundwater 2001 increased by 1 litre per day per Copenhagener. Therefore, much effort and water pouring from our taps. Today, 80 of 755 water abstraction wells is called for in the coming years, if we are to reach the target of 110 litres have been closed down due to exceedance of limit values for a number of per day per Copenhagener by 2010. Water saving installations will not do substances. Chlorinated solvents, for example from metalworks and the trick – we must change habits as well. Of course, there are large drycleaners have caused half the closures. The other half is due to traces differences in water consumption depending on bathing frequency and of pesticides – first and foremost a pesticide used in the past at roads, use of bathtub, clothes washing at home or at a laundrette. Each squares and other open spaces, but which is now banned. The City of Copenhagener on average consumes 47 m3 per year. Check you water bill Copenhagen accepts neither dilution nor cleaning of groundwater to solve to see whether you are above or below average. the problem, and therefore the City is co-operating with regional and local authorities and waterworks on Sealand to protect groundwater.

Water consumption per inhabitant 1996-2001 Water abstraction wells 1998-2001

200 800 11 9 12 3 3 13 10 14 3 6 13 3 3 3 700 12 11 175 12 11

45 44 41 150 600 40 39 38 500 Target 125 2010 house- 100 400 holds 759 755 755 755

75 300 number of wells 133 133 132 131 128 129 litre/inhabitant/day 50 200

25 100

74 77 79 80

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 1998 1999 2000 2001 Households Industry and commerce Institutions Total number of wells closed-down wells Leisure amenities Hydrants, leaks, piping works, metering errors etc.

Slowly decreasing water consumption No foot-dragging in the shower Since 1996 total water consumption in Copenhagen has decreased by The easiest way is to save water for bathing. But also the toilet is a heavy some 6%. The decrease is distributed on all sectors except for leisure water consumer. If you buy a double-flushing toilet you can save 30-50 amenities accounting anyway for low water consumption. litres per person per day.

Total water consumption 1996-2001 Water consumption distributed on household activities 2000

35 1.9 1.6 2.2 2.4 1.9 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.4 2.4 2.2 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.0 30 7 % 8.0 7.8 7.3 7.1 Bathing/personal hygiene 7.0 7.0 25 7 %

3 Toilet flushing 10 % 20 37 % Clothes washing Dish washing/cleaning

15 million m 13 % Food/drinking 23.4 23.6 23.6 23.6 23.4 23.5 10 26 % Other FURTHER INFORMATION 5

WATER SAVING TIPS. Visit www.ke.kk.dk or call Copenhagen Energy water saving advisory service (business: tel. 33 95 38 87, private: tel. 33 95 21 34 / 33 95 21 35). On the website you can calculate your own water consumption and see what it costs. And you can get information on drinking 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 water quality from the water quality division at tel. 33 42 57 01. Households Industry and commerce Institutions Leisure amenities Hydrants, leaks, piping works, metering errors etc. 10 C openhageners’ green accounts WASTE 11

SCRAPPING A WASTE MYTH

any Copenhageners still believe it is no use to separate waste. ”It ends up in the same place anyway”. This is not Mtrue. If you separate correctly, you make it possible to recycle more waste – and what is not recycled has a minimum impact on the environment, as hazardous waste is managed in an environmentally benign way. Only waste that is not separated correctly and therefore cannot be recycled will be sent for incineration. Upon incineration, energy is recovered for district heating and electricity for Copenhageners. Only a minimum: waste that is unsuitable for incineration, will be sent to landfill or special treatment. So once and for all: let us scrap the widespread misunderstanding: Waste does not end up in the same place!

Growing waste heaps Extensive recycling of waste Waste arisings have increased by almost 70% in only eight years, and the It makes environmental and financial sense to separate and recycle large, increase is mainly attributable to enterprises and construction and homogeneous waste fractions from enterprises and construction and demolition activities. Households only account for around 10%. Waste demolition work. Household waste, by contrast, is made up of many dif- prevention is called for, and we can all do our bit by separating our waste ferent materials in small amounts such as packaging that is often in view of further recycling. It has not been possible to make a statement contaminated with foodstuffs. Therefore, it is difficult or even impossible to of waste arisings from industry and construction/demolition in 2001 reach the same recycling rate for household waste as for construction waste, before deadline. but still the rate must go up. The target for 2004 is a rate of recycling of 32%.

Waste arisings 1992-2001 Waste recycling in % of total waste arisings 1999-2001

100 600 90 500 80

70 400 60 % 50

300 1000 tons 89 90 40 200 30 51 59 20 100 20 23 32 10

1992 1994 1996 1999 2000 2001 Construction/demolition Industry Households

Households Industry Construction/demolition 1999 2001 Target 2004

Copenhageners separate – fairly – well But we must separate more Citizens have the duty to separate waste into 12 fractions. Compared with the If we look at the amount to be separated for recycling in a year by each target for 2004 we are well on the way in many areas. But there is still a long way citizen, paper is on the right track. But there is scope for improvement. to go for some waste fractions – for example cardboard and glass. We put Remember that newspapers, magazines, unsolicited mail, phone books around one kilo of glass in the waste bin for each kilo we bring to the bottle bank. and envelopes must go to the paper bank and not the waste bin. And the And we drop four kilos of cardboard for incineration each time we separate one bottle bank is not just for wine bottles, but also for glass jars for jam, kilo for recycling. The cardboard scheme, however, is being extended so that the olives etc. recycling rate is expected to increase steeply in the coming years. Food waste shows very low figures, because it is only collected separately as a trial.

Household waste stated by tonnes, distributed on fractions for mandatory Separate collection for recycling of paper, glass and hazardous waste, kg per separation 1998-2001 inhabitant 2001

1998 1999 2000 2001 Target 2004 2001 Target 2004

Domestic waste 137000 136900 137978 136737 Paper 3.9 5.9

Food waste 280 255 261 470 12750 Glass 1.1 2.1

Bulky waste 21100 23600 24584 21688 Hazardous waste 0.07 0.10

Garden waste 8480 9583 10180 11888

Paper 18045 18348 19207 19472 29875

Glass 5143 5338 5452 5687 10500

Cardboard 774 3450

Electronic scrap 591 775 FURTHER INFORMATION Recycling centres 17800 18900 19638 19921 Hazardous waste total 360 373 332 353 497

WASTE SEPARATION. You can get good advice from R98 – visit www.r98.dk or call the customer centre at tel. 70 10 18 98. You can also find Refrigeration equipment 402 470 455 602 1010 information on the websites of the incineration plants of Amagerforbrænding and Vestforbrænding: www.amfor.dk and www.vestfor.dk. On the website of the Environmental Protection Agency www.miljoe.kk.dk you can find detailed rules on household waste separation. Night soil 125 120 113 100 Total 208735 213888 218200 218283 12 C openhageners’ green accounts TRAFFIC 13

CAN WE LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME?

any parents drive their children to school and leisure activities. Paradoxically, many claim it is because they are Mafraid to let their children walk or cycle due to the many cars! If children are to move about safely they must learn to act correctly in traffic on foot and by bicycle. At the same time both parents and children would gain from more exercise and better health. But is this realistic at all? This is the challenge that twelve families accepted during the campaign ”Family transport habits – Can we leave the car at home?” that was the first note of the Green Traffic Week 2001. The families took part in a trial supporting them with advice, free tickets for public transport and the option of borrowing a bicycle trailer, and they were to change transport habits based on own targets. During the trial week the families used public transport almost four times as often as normally, and the number of biking and walking trips doubled. Three families did not use their car at all, and six families cut car rides by more than three quarters. But there were also disadvantages. One of the families concluded: “A life without a car is very stressful. The lifestyle we have chosen simply includes a car.” One of the positive experiences from doing without the car was the combination of transport and exercise.

Steady increase in car traffic Most people use their bicycle for work Since 1991 traffic in Copenhagen has increased by around 15% – in the past In 1999 34% took their bicycle for work, while only 27% chose public three years, however, developments have slowed down somewhat. In 1997, transport. In future public transport will be more attractive. In connection however, the City of Copenhagen decided that car traffic should not increase. with the new metro a network of six key buses will be established before the Traffic noise increases concurrently with car traffic. More than 70,000 dwellings end of 2003, running with an interval of a few minutes on the routes with in the City suffer from noise nuisances. To better focus future noise abatement, most passengers. At the same time, buses shall have easier passage, and the City is working on a new and more detailed survey of traffic noise. stops will be equipped with distinctive marks.

Total kilometres run by cars in the City of Copenhagen per day * and number Distribution among cars, bicycles and public transport for places of of dwellings with noise nuisance above 65 dB(A) 1990-2001 work in Copenhagen 1999

4500 74000 4400 4300 73000 6% 4200 4100 72000 27% Walking 4000 34% Bicycle 3900 71000 1000 km. 3800 dwellings Public 3700 70000 33% Car 3600 3500 69000

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

*Traffic on small local residential streets is not included. It only accounts for around 10% of total car traffic. Copenhageners acquire still more cars Since 1995 the number of private cars in Copenhagen has increased by … and steep increase in bicycle traffic 33%. A large part of traffic growth in Copenhagen is caused by In 2001 the number of people in the City of Copenhagen using their bicycle Copenhageners commuting out of the City for their place of work, and was up by 35% from 1995. In the same period the number of kilometres many families with children in the City choose to acquire a car. The run by car increased by 14%. increase can be seen as an expression of economic growth in Copenhagen.

Total kilometres run by bicycles in Copenhagen per day 1992-2001 Car ownership 1990-2001

300 1000 68 61 950 60 250 55 41 40 52 40 42 42 46 44 900 44 43 200 39 51 49 46 44 39 FURTHER INFORMATION 850 41 39 34 35 150

BICYCLE ACCOUNTS 2000. Here you can read more about bicycle traffic in the City, bicycle parking and safety. The bicycle accounts can be ordered 800 1000 km. from Road & Park at tel. 33 66 35 00 or found on the website www.vejpark.kk.dk. 100 750 145 143 141 140 139 135 143 147 151 164 172 177 BICYCLE TRACKS MAP 2000 shows bicycle tracks in the entire Øresund region. It is available from Road & Park at tel. 33 66 35 00. 50 700 anumber of vehicles per 1000 inhabitants TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENT Plan 2003 is a discussion pamphlet showing status for the traffic situation in Copenhagen and an outline of the

major problems to be faced in the City. You can find it on www.vejpark.kk.dk. 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Private Commercial Vans, trucks, buses etc. 14 C openhageners’ green accounts GREEN AREAS 15

COPENHAGENERS’ MAP TO GREEN AREAS

The Fælledparken is the most visited park in the City. The fortification area lies like a green belt around the openhagen is a green city – and it should stay that way. Green surroundings mean peace of mind and space for The many surrounding housing areas mean that space centre of Copenhagen and provides many people with a action so they make the city an attractive place to live. But if everybody's need for beautiful and adventurous for sports, sunbathing, walking dogs and playing is in daily opportunity for recreation. The City of C great demand – so there is not much space for Copenhagen and the park user council are renewing the surroundings is to be satisfied, there has to be even more green areas. In particular Vesterbro and Outer Nørrebro want biological diversity. parks while respecting their historical interest. such recreational areas. Almost 40 m2 of public green areas per capita are laid out as parks, natural areas, churchyards or sports grounds. To put it otherwise: If all the green areas were converted to football fields, that would be 2,613 football fields, each to be shared by 190 Copenhageners.

Brønshøj, Husum and Vanløse do not have very The City plants many new trees many public green areas. Nevertheless, the residential Outer Østerbro Again in 2001 the City planted more trees in the parks and along public areas with the many private gardens give the districts roads than were felled, most of them replacing the many trees killed by the a green character. Dutch elm disease. Bisbebjerg Number of felled and planted trees 1998-2001 Brønshøj-Husum 1000 900 Outer Inner Østerbro Nørrebro 800 700

600

500 Inner 400 number of trees Vanløse Nørrebro is a large and beautiful natural 300

area – but few people live within a reasonable walking 200 distance, meaning that the area is mostly used for weekend and summer outings. Inner City Frederiksberg 1998 1999 2000 2001

Felled Planted

The City makes only limited use of poison The City has used very little chemical weed killers since 1996. Only Vesterbro Sundbyøster Roundup is used for controlling hogweed. Today chemical weed killers are used mainly in private gardens, and each citizen can contribute to the protection of groundwater under Copenhagen by using alternative means of weed control. Valby The Park of Valby, the largest park in Copenhagen, Consumption of chemical weed killers in parks and along roads 1991-2001 lies in a densely built-up housing area. Therefore many people benefit from the park. In later years it has been 700 renewed with thematic gardens, a new rose garden Sundbyvester 600 and a natural playground. Kgs Enghave 500

400 kg. 300 GREEN RESOURCES 200 in hectares within a 15 minutes’ 100 walking distance Map legend 0 0-10 Having many attractive parks and natural areas is beneficial to a city. But Vestamager 10-20 what is more important is that they should lie within reasonable walking 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 20-30 distance. On the map you can see how accessible green areas are to 30-40 citizens of the districts of Copenhagen. Dark areas signify that there are 40-50 green areas and that they can be reached by many people within a walking 50-60 distance of 15 minutes. In the bright areas there are either few public green areas or the areas cannot be reached by foot within 15 minutes by a large >60 number of people. FURTHER INFORMATION

0 5 km THE PARK POLICY OF THE CITY OF COPENHAGEN. On the website of Road & Park at www.vejpark.kk.dk you will find a discussion paper on the park policy with a strategy for the City's green areas. 16 C openhageners’ green accounts AQUATIC AREAS 17

GOOD NEWS FOR BATHERS

oing for a swim from a bathing place in the harbour will become reality for Copenhageners already in late Gsummer 2002. The harbour front of the Capital will become a unique recreational area, and the old traditional bathing life in Copenhagen will be revived. The water of the harbour actually is already so clean that you can bathe here during almost the entire bathing season. Only during heavy showers when the sewers cannot cope with the large water quantities, untreated water may be discharged directly and make the harbour unsuitable for bathing. However, this only occurs four to five times during the bathing season, as the City during the last ten to fifteen years has established large rainwater retention basins collecting wastewater from overflows until the sewers can cope again. And more rainwater retention basins are being established. Further, the City will set up a warning system so that Copenhageners will know quickly if wastewater is discharged into the harbour. The system will cover information on the City’s website and a signal at the bathing place.

Less heavy metals in the harbour Discharge of mercury and lead with wastewater overflow to the Copenhagen Harbour 1995-2000 Today, 55% less wastewater is discharged with overflows to the harbour compared to 1995. Since 1995, thanks to new rainwater retention basins, 3 50 the City has closed down 35 wastewater overflows, and only 54 remain. This means that discharge of heavy metals such as mercury and lead has been more than halved. 40

2

30 kg. Lead pr. year kg. Mercury pr. year

1 20

1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000

Visibility depth telling tales on water quality The visibility depth of water can be used to measure the content in water of algae and particles. Light is necessary for bottom plants to grow creating ! living conditions for small animals and fish. The more phosphorous and nitrogen in the water, the better growth conditions for algae.

Few lakes with good visibility depth Good visibility depth in the harbour The Lakes of Damhus and Skt. Jørgen are in good environmental condition There is no longer much traffic in the harbour to whirl up sediments, and with clear water, few algae and many bottom plants. But former times’ there is less discharge of particles, phosphorous and nitrogen from discharge of wastewater has accumulated phosphorous in the sediment of overflows. Further, the harbour has large flow of water, quickly the other lakes, and it will take years before the release of phosphorous is transporting whirled-up materials out of the harbour basin. All these so low that the lakes can live up to the City’s objective of an average factors contribute to a good visibility depth. summer visibility depth of at least 1.5 meters. To speed up the process, the City of Copenhagen in May 2001 established a mini-treatment plant at the Lake of Emdrup, removing phosphorous from water flowing into the Inner Lakes. The low visibility depth of Stadsgraven is due to renovation works at the plant controlling water flow. The renovation was completed in 2001.

Summer visibility depth in lakes 1997-2001 Summer visibility depth in the Copenhagen Harbour 1995-2001

2 6

Target

1 5 meters meters

FURTHER INFORMATION 0 4 AQUATIC AREAS. You can call the Environmental Protection Agency at tel. 33 66 58 00 to have more information on the environmental condition of the City’s lakes, watercourses and the harbour. 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Emdrup Lake Stadsgraven Damhus Lake Skt. Jørgens Lake Utterslev Marsh (East) 18 C openhageners’ green accounts SOIL 19

SOIL CLEAN-UP

n many places of Copenhagen the top soil layers are contaminated with heavy metals, oil and tar. Contamination may Ibe due to former filling stations, metalworks or other industrial activity. But also air pollution, for example from traffic contributes to soil contamination. Private citizens, developers and the City of Copenhagen every year clean up large quantities of contaminated soil. Altogether, 1.2 million tonnes of contaminated soil was excavated, cleaned and landfilled in Copenhagen in 2001. Private citizens conduct by far the major part of excavations (around 98%) in connection with new building. The City is prioritising to clean soil at day-care centres and playgrounds, where small children may get in contact with soil, as well as on sites where contamination constitutes a threat to groundwater. At the Holmen almost all areas were cleaned for contaminated soil before new private dwellings were erected. The Holmen is a former military area, and soil is contaminated with oil, solvents and heavy metals – and in some places also groundwater has been affected. By cleaning and landfilling soil close nearby – at the Margretheholm – transportation of the large amounts of soil is avoided. Dwellings are being built in the area, and also a new opera at the Dokøen. A large part of the opera is to be located below ground level, so to avoid the building site filling with water more than two million cubic metres of water will be pumped up during building. Water is pumped back into the underground through 30 boreholes around the building site. This is done to avoid drainage of the area with risk of damage to the wooden foundation of old houses – and to avoid spreading of contamination to groundwater.

Filling for the environment Every time one litre of petrol is sold in Denmark, some of the money is paid in to the Danish Oil Industry’s Clean-Up Association that supports clean- up of former filling station sites. The City of Copenhagen since 1993 has located and investigated 361 such sites. 60 sites are already being cleaned up, and a further 180 will be so soon.

Number of investigated sites with soil contamination from filling stations and initiated clean-up projects 1993-2001

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Sites investigated 36 8 38 26 5 40 208 0 0 361

Initiated projects 1691052 5 3 7 360

Clean soil for playing Investigation and clean-up of sites where children play has been high on the list of priorities in recent years. By the end of 2001, 566 of the City’s around 800 day-care centres and public playgrounds had been investigated for soil contamination. 50 sites were cleaned up in 2001, and a total of around 22,700 tonnes of contaminated soil had been removed. This corresponds to 760 loaded trucks with trailer. The remaining centres and playgrounds will be investigated in 2002 together with a large part of the City’s youth centres. In 2002 clean-up of a further 40 sites is planned.

Number of investigated and cleaned-up day-care centres and playgrounds 1997-2001

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total

Sites investigated 35 7 30 261 233 566

Sites cleaned-up 013829 50 100

FURTHER INFORMATION

SOIL CONTAMINATION IN COPENHAGEN. On the website of the Environmental Protection Agency www.miljoe.kk.dk you can find more information on soil contamination and clean-up in Copenhagen, for example all located sites with oil tanks, former industrial enterprises and soil and groundwater contamination. You can also call the Environmental Protection Agency at tel. 33 66 58 00. 20 C openhageners’ green accounts ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND BUILDING 21

BUILDING UPON URBAN ECOLOGY

openhagen is buzzing with building activities. In the Ørestad, more than 20 large building projects are ongoing Cor on the drawing board. In the Copenhagen Harbour – focus area in the coming years with large projects such as the Opera, the Royal Theatre and building in the North Harbour – building is booming. And in the district of Vesterbro urban renewal has reached its final stage with reconstruction, courtyard renovation, establishment of open spaces and a few new buildings. All these activities have inspired many plot owners, who now start improvement works all over the City. Urban ecology solutions for a long time have been part of urban renewal, but now the concept increasingly gains ground in new building. Many of the new large domiciles along the harbour front include environmentally correct solutions such as recycled materials, natural ventilation and cooling, rainwater collection and control of heating and electricity consumption. Since most buildings have a useful life of more than one hundred years, urban ecology solutions can give large long-term savings, and many buildings in addition demonstrate fine architecture.

Urban ecology funding The Urban Ecology Fund of the City of Copenhagen since 1994 has supported 117 urban ecology projects with DKK 12 million. The Fund supports concrete urban ecology solutions as well as development and communication projects such as information material on ecology in large buildings. It is emphasized that projects shall be progressive, natural and recyclable materials shall be used in building, and architecture shall pay respect to the environment and sustainability. One of the largest projects in 2001 was Sun in the district of Valby. Under the project it will be investigated how to cover 10-15% of electricity consumption in the district with solar cells over a period of 25 years. The Fund in 2001 also supported an ecological renovation of the public bath of Sofiegade into a green public bath, along with a draft project for a green craftsman village in the Northwest district.

Number of projects supported by the Urban Ecology Fund of the City of Copenhagen 1994-2001

25

3 20 1 1

1 5 15 7 11 1 8 5 10 total projects 6 8 5 2 11 5 8 4 9 2 6 7 2 22

1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Development projects Communication of experience and ideas Concrete urban ecology projects Evaluation of projects Legend Urban ecology solutions in the City of Copenhagen 2001 distributed on: Urban renewal

New building

Recycling centres

FURTHER INFORMATION

ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND URBAN RENEWAL AND NEW BUILDING. In the pamphlet “Environmentally sound urban renewal and new building” you can read about the City of Copenhagen’s guidelines for the City’s own building and subsidised new building and urban renewal. The pamphlet can be ordered from www.planogarkitektur.kk.dk. For more information, you are welcome to call Planning & Architecture at tel. 33 66 12 90.

THE URBAN ECOLOGY FUND OF THE CITY OF COPENHAGEN. The Urban Ecology Fund every year distributes DKK 1.5 million. Application for support shall be submitted to Planning & Architecture, Rådhuspladsen 77, 1550 Copenhagen V no later than February 1. More information on conditions for support is available on www.planogarkitektur.dk or at tel. 33 66 12 90. Or you can call the Environmental Protection Agency at tel. 33 66 58 00. 22 C openhageners’ green accounts ENTERPRISES AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK 23

COPENHAGEN ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK – VOLUNTARY AND COMMITTING

Today, enterprises must be on good terms with their Member enterprises of the Copenhagen Environ- surroundings. Without some degree of environmental mental Network will get access to the latest knowledge on responsibility it may be difficult to be successful on the environmental matters and tools, and they will get the market or to attract qualified staff. opportunity to exchange experience with other Some of the most visionary enterprises have joined enterprises working actively with the environment. the Copenhagen Environmental Network, offering co- Courses and after-work meetings are organised, for operation and dialogue in environmental matters. The example on environmental management, chemicals, network was officially inaugurated on 6th June 2001, and waste and green accounts. today it has 25 members. The initiator is the The annual membership fee amounts to some DKK Environmental Protection Agency that also assumes the 3,000. Courses and thematic meetings are free – non- secretariat. members will be charged for participation. Members It is voluntary to be part of the Environmental furthermore have influence on the issues of events, they Network, but membership commits. Member enterprises have an open and unprejudiced dialogue with their must draw up an environmental statement in the course environmental authorities and an additional opportunity of the first two years. The requirements for the statement to profile their enterprise in the environmental field. are similar to those for green accounts in Denmark. With You can read more on www.kbhmiljonet.dk or call the the Environmental Network the City wants to motivate the Environmental Protection Agency at tel. 33 66 58 00. On enterprises to introduce environmental management. the website you will find the manual of the Network, Today, 31 Copenhagen enterprises have an environmental where you can read all about requirements and management system certified under the international opportunities offered by the Environmental Protection standard ISO 14001 or the EU eco-management and audit Agency. You can also find the newsletter of the Network scheme EMAS. informing of new initiatives and regulations in the environmental area, courses and professional activities etc.

Environmental and safety manager Sara Harboe, Alpharma: "Our enterprise joined the Copenhagen Environmental Network right from the start. Primarily, we joined in due to the good opportunity for dialogue – with other enterprises and the Environmental Protection Agency. I do believe that the network concept is the way forward for environmental authorities and others supervising enterprises. The opportunity for all parties to gain a larger insight and understanding of each other’s problems and motives is very fruitful. So far, we have not used our membership in our marketing, as we have not felt the need for profiling us in relation to the environment. But I do see the potential, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises with many local customers." 24 C openhageners’ green accounts LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY 25

PRESERVING THE RAW CHARM Interview with green guide Nordvest Astrid Munksgaard

Residents of the Northwest district really – a bit rough but with an incredible charm as well. And love their neighbourhood. They residents of the Northwest appreciate these qualities. They want the upcoming neighbourhood want their neighbourhood to preserve its present spirit, but face-lifting project to consider the they also point out a broad range of actions that would help raw charm peculiar to the area. improving the quality of life here. They think it should be About 200 local residents have possible for the many small enterprises that contribute to the participated in preparing the neighbourhood plan, and unique character of the Northwest to stay in the area. Only allocations for the project, which runs over a period of seven there are too many dilapidated buildings and abandoned cars years, total DKK 152.5 million. – and they would like to do something about that.” “Of course you can't do much with that money in a Among other things, the neighbourhood plan suggests comparatively neglected area like the Northwest. But a campaign informing enterprises on how to take care of the hopefully one can add to that sum the allocations for urban environment and handling hazardous waste. Also, a survey renewal, which are to be applied for by the owners' should be made, particularly among small enterprises, to associations,” says Astrid Munksgaard. “The neighbourhood determine which environmental problems they think most face-lifting project can be seen as a more holistic successor urgently need a solution. to urban renewal, the latter being mostly about bricks and Another important topic is visibility. “The face-lifting mortar, roughly speaking. What is interesting is the urban project should consist of initiatives that will benefit environment and the options for the individual citizen. everybody. If, for example, an end wall is to be renovated, it Besides, people feel strongly about environment and should be done in a manner so that it will be a beautiful, sustainability. The overall objective of the face-lifting project possibly decorated, end wall. Visibility is also about turning even deals with a sustainable and ecological Northwest.” every single tiny spot into a recreational green oasis – for The Northwest district can be divided into two areas, example by putting up a bench and a couple of trees or a one consisting mainly of blocks of flats and another that is a basket for basketball,” says Astrid Munksgaard. mixed business and residential area. “It's a bit Klondike-ish,

COMMUTER HABITS UNDER SCRUTINY Interview with green guide Christianshavn Anja Puggaard

One third of employees of enterprises in Copenhagen drive resulted in concrete proposals about improving conditions to work – and most of them are alone in the car. This has an for cyclists, possibilities of working at home, a special reward impact on the road system as well as the environment. But for leaving the car at home and improved information about how can commuting be made more sustainable? transport options.” In the Christianshavn district a group of students have Improved conditions for cyclists in the enterprise may made a study of the patterns of transport for three major include better bicycle parking facilities as well as bicycle workplaces at Christianshavn. One of the pleasant surprises repair and shower facilities. The enterprise may also reward of the study is that only one fourth of employees use their car bicycling financially by including the time in the shower in on a daily basis. Nevertheless there is a potential for making working hours. Another option for furthering the use of this traffic more sustainable, says Anja Puggaard who, in her bicycles and public transport is to offer a possibility of getting capacity of green guide, has co-ordinated the study. home quickly to employees who need it, for example if their “We had the bank of Nordea, the Ministry of Foreign child falls ill. Car-pooling can be organised for those who do Affairs and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency not have the possibility of using public transport. Pools may participate. The study provides an insight into some of the consist not only of employees from a single enterprise, but of factors that keep people from using their bicycle or public employees of neighbouring enterprises. transport. For example, many dare not cycle from the Central Sustainable commuting is also an advantage to employees. Station because traffic conditions are not safe enough. Those who leave the car at home do not depend on free parking Moreover it appears that the harbour buses are not working spaces close to the enterprise, and those who cycle to work will optimally,” says Anja Puggaard. “But the study has also even get more exercise and be in better health. 26 C openhageners’ green accounts LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY 27

per capita. Compared to the average of the City of removing some of the traffic in favour of open spaces and Copenhagen, where citizens have 50.5 m2 open space per bicycle tracks. capita, Vesterbro rests at 3.4 m2 – the inner Vesterbro is even “The unusual degree of involvement, with residents down at 2.5 m2! Even if the entire Sønder Boulevard were deciding which proposals should be elaborated upon, has turned into a park and closed to traffic the open space per been a major wish from residents at Vesterbro – and Road & capita would only increase by 0.5 m2. This illustrates how Park has met the challenge in a very constructive way. The limited the possibilities of creating open spaces in the plan is due on 7th September 2002 and has to be approved neighbourhood are, and therefore it is natural to go through by the Copenhagen City Council. This “Structure plan with the entire local plan and search for every single possibility of documentation” will provide the framework for future traffic achieving improvements.” initiatives in the district, and design and conversion is a “Citizens are realistic, though,” says Niels Birk. “For process that is most likely to last for many years. But with this example, the Kødbyen has many trucks that have to pass plan Vesterbro residents are well equipped for the ongoing through, and people are aware that decent entry conditions dialogue with the politicians”, says Niels Birk. have to be provided for the trucks as well as for all other The working group of Traffic Plan Vesterbro consists of: necessary traffic. Only there should be opened up to the Road & Park, Planning & Architecture, the chair of Vesterbro possibility of other solutions than the present ones.” Local Council and the Green Guide of Vesterbro – also There has been talk of linking the Enghave Park and the attached are representatives of the Environmental Protection Enghave Square together – and of converting some of the Agency, HUR (Greater Copenhagen Authority), the Police and minor, narrow streets to green axes through the district by the City of Frederiksberg.

WILD SCENERY IN THE CENTRE OF THE METROPOLIS Interview with green guide Kgs. Enghave Torben Forskov

Close to the centre of Copenhagen lies a vast natural area, at the area and decide how the layout of paths ought to be.” the Tippen. It is the area northeast of the Park of Valby that “One of the many animals living in the area is the rare borders on the harbour. The area was initially a dump but is green toad, a species of natterjack that croaks very much,” now so overgrown that it is looked upon as a natural area, says Torben Forskov. “Nature close to the City contributes to which is emphasised by the amount and diversity of animals, sustainability – not only in a narrow environmental sense, birds and plants. The residents of the Kgs. Enghave district but an understanding of nature that is important in that are to some extent cut off from the natural area, the fishing connection. I look forward to going for some walks here – to harbour and the marina because of the goods railway. But the using the area myself. To be able to walk on a path a couple new paths, together with the footbridges across the railway, of metres above the water and look at all the birds is quite will offer new possibilities of walking at the Tippen. In unusual so close to – actually in the centre of – a city of more addition a bridge will be built across one of the small than a million inhabitants.” channels, connecting the area to the system of paths already in place to the south along the water at the Kalvebod. “It opens up the recreational values of this entire area Karens Minde FEWER CARS IN THE CITY and gives some long stretches where it is possible to make a Interview with green guide Vesterbro Niels Birk circular tour instead of walking back and forth – and that is simply more interesting. Therefore there is no doubt that it Residents at Vesterbro have had enough of increasing car Vesterbro residents and organisations drawing up the will mean more pedestrians and cyclists. And this in turn will The traffic. Now is the time for action. Residents wish to create framework for a new traffic plan. have a positive effect on the harbour environment which is open spaces and make parts of Inner Vesterbro more “A broad section of Vesterbro residents – from busines obviously going to open up more to the side where, gradually, peaceful – primarily at the expense of traffic. Through traffic speople to heads of school boards and residents – have been a new public will be showing up,” says Torben Forskov. should be redirected from Enghavevej to Vester Fælledvej. part of the steering committee. They agree that traffic at “Talking to people you realise that the area is fairly unknown. Tippen Traffic through Istedgade should be minimised, and more Vesterbro is developing in an unsustainable way. There are Earlier on it wasn't really inviting, but that is going to be Existing path consideration should be shown for pedestrians and cyclists. too many cars compared to the number of pedestrians and different now.” New path And the recreational-area status of Sønder Boulevard is cyclists – including children on their way to school,” says Torben Forskov says that the project is part of the neigh- Bridge crucial to people's efforts and sense of commitment. These Niels Birk. “At the same time Vesterbro is the place in bourhood face-lifting project for the Kgs. Enghave district. Dam are some of the statements from a steering committee of Europe that has the smallest surface of green areas “Technicians and citizens' groups have taken the field to look Preparation: City of Copenhagen, Building and Construction Administration, and Energy, Water and Environment Administration Year of publication: 2002 Number of copies: 2,500 ISBN: 87-90947-13-4

Concept and text: Valør & Tinge A/S Design: Morten Constantineanu Bak Photos: Ole Christiansen Translation: Karen B. Kristensen

Print: Bording A/S Paper, cover: 88 kg. Cyklus Print 200 gr. m2 Paper, contents: 379 kg. Cyklus Print 150 gr. m2 Waste paper: 159 kg. Printing ink: 4 kg vegetable ink Natural Board Plus from Jänecke+Schneemann Washing agent: 3.65 litres aroma and tenside free H116 automat from MAN Roland Denmark Isopopyl alcohol: 3.5 litres Dampening water additive: 0.1 litres Aqualith S from Akzo Nobel 541 542 All residual materials are delivered to recycling or destruction printed matter