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3 Green urban areas incorporating Sustainable Land Use

3A. Present Situation

Oslo occupies an unusually large land area for its relatively small population of 658,400. The city is located on an arc of land at the northernmost end of the Oslo Fjord and is surrounded by forested hills known as Marka, with Nordmarka to the north and Østmarka to the east (figure 3.1). 10 waterways flow from Marka into the fjord, transecting the city. They provide vital ecosystem services, including recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and avenues for flood control.

Figure 3.1: Overview map of Oslo.

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Oslo is 454 square kilometers and 300 of these are the nationally protected Marka (3D1). Marka’s boundaries function to limit urban sprawl and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation (3D27). Construction is prohibited in Marka, with some exceptions made for primary industries.

An overview of the land use in Oslo municipality is provided in table 3.1. Because large parts of the municipality’s total area are included in Marka, land use is specified for the inner city, the urban area and the overall city. Oslo’s databases do not distinguish between public and private green areas; enclosed areas (i.e. gardens) are included in the residential statistics and green areas that are regulated by the municipality are accessible to the public, regardless of ownership.

The built environment also blends residential, commercial, cultural, and industrial uses such that most land use qualifies as mixed. Furthermore, since building is constrained to the narrow strip of land between Marka and the fjord, real estate is valuable and there are no large areas that meet the European Green Capital definition of brownfield as derelict or abandoned. Some industrial sites are underused, especially with regard to their potential to support mixed uses. These sites have been targeted for regeneration and densification (figure 3.2).

Table 3.1: Land use in Oslo municipality. Inner City Urban Overall Unit Year of area** City data provided Public Green Area 15 20 68 Private Green Area - - - Blue 1 1 6 Residential 27 36 12 Industrial/economic 13 8 3 % 2014

Mixed Cultural, social and religious 7 4 1 Brownfield - - - Other* 37 31 10 Total 100 100 100 Inner city Urban Overall Unit Year of area city data provided Population density in built-up areas Inhabitants 133 60 57 2016 (city area minus green and blue) per ha Percentage of people living within 300 m of green urban areas of any 98.2 98.4 % 2016 size in inner city Population density (inhabitants per Inhabitants 154 148 2016 hectare) for new developments per ha * Other consists of the technical infrastructure that supports the city (i.e. transportation, energy and wastewater), in addition to areas set aside for telecommunication. ** The built zone

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Figure 3.2: Areas highlighted for regeneration and densification in the 2015 Municipal Master Plan.

Sustainable urban development The Municipal Master Plan (MMP) provides the framework for Oslo’s urban development (3D2, 3D3). The latest plan was adopted in 2015 building upon development strategies that have been in place since 2000. The 2015MMP establishes planning provisions that will secure green urban areas for the future. There are provisions and guidelines for several land-use objectives, including green structure, nature, landscape, waterways and Blue-green factor.

A fast-growing capital Oslo has a small population compared to other European capitals, but its growth rate – about 2% per year – is one of the highest in Europe (3D4). To accommodate growth, more than 29,000 housing units have been added in the past decade, representing a 10% increase. This development has taken place through the regeneration of industrial areas and the conversion of detached and semi-detached dwellings into high-density housing. Today 88% of Oslo’s housing is comprised of multi-story, multi- unit residences, a net increase of 5% since 2007.

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One-third of the population of Oslo lives in the inner city, which covers about 15% of the city’s urban area (figure 3.3). Former industrial areas located at the margins of the inner city – such as Nydalen, Løren, Ensjø and Kværnerbyen – have been redeveloped with an emphasis on high residential density, high frequency transit services, and path improvements to encourage walking and cycling.

Sites along the waterfront in the city’s prestigious Fjord City project (3D28) – areas like Tjuvholmen, Aker Brygge, Barcode and Sørenga – have been transformed from shipyards and dry docks into compact neighborhoods that combine 9.000 new dwellings, 45.000 new workplaces next to shops and restaurants, plus more than 50 hectares of parks and public spaces. Population density at these sites ranges from 81 people per hectare (pph) at Ensjø to over 200 pph at Tjuvholmen and Kværnerbyen.

Figure 3.3: Population density in Oslo with locations of recent regeneration.

Densification of the urban area is a deliberate strategy specified in the 2015MMP, which facilitate sustainable urban development and ensure that nearly all residents (98%) live within a 300 meters radius of a green area.

A capital with blue-green veins Oslo’s blue and green areas comprise ten major waterways and a comprehensive network of parks, recreation areas and green corridors that together account for 21% of the built environment (figure 3.4). These spaces include the recreational islands in the Oslo Fjord; parks and cemeteries (which are maintained like parks); sport and recreation areas; and other green spaces that are regulated for recreational and ecological purposes. Provisions and guidelines are even included in the 2015MMP for the creation of new green spaces through the regeneration of underused industrial areas. In this way, growth is used to expand Oslo’s green space (3D3).

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Figure 3.4: Blue and green spaces comprise 21% of Oslo’s built environment.

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Plans dating back to 1934 led to the construction of 220 kilometers of greenways and footpaths that contribute to sustainable transportation in the city. It also provides dispersal corridors for plants and animals. The Harbour Promenade, opened in 2015, is one of Oslo’s newest paths and stretches for nine kilometers along the waterfront (figure 3.5). Together with the 470 kilometers of trails and 300 kilometers of forest roads in Marka (which are converted to cross-country skiing tracks in the winter) Oslo’s path network constitutes a unique recreational asset for residents.

Figure 3.5: The Harbour Promenade (in red) links paths in the east and west (in blue), and makes the entire coastline adjacent to the city center accessible to the general public. Illustration: City of Oslo, MMW.

Several parks have recently been upgraded to improve the sporting and aesthetic experience for park users. Ammerud Park (figure 3.6 A) is a fitness park designed in conjunction with local residents. The park puts to use idle ground between a bike path and a metro station, creating a new venue for informal social interaction. Bjerkedalen Park (figure 3.6 B) was redesigned in conjunction with the restoration of the stream Hovinbekken, and features 36,000 square meters of natural meadows, perennial flower beds, and paths made of permeable material. Parks adjacent to waterways play a central role in Oslo’s action plan for storm water management by functioning as retention basins during extreme weather events (3D5, 3D6, 3D29).

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Figure 3.6: Ammerud Park (A) and Bjerkedalen Park (B). Photos: R.J. Rolid/Agency for Planning and Building Services.

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The Grorud Valley Project established in 2007 partly aimed to enhance the blue green structures northeast in Oslo. The Grorud Valley has over 139 000 residents, around 21% of the city’s population. The Valley includes four of Oslo’s fifteen Districts (Alna, Bjerke, Grorud and Stovner) and covers 37 square kilometers (figure 3.7). In the period 2007-2015 EUR 37,5 mill. was spent on blue-green projects in the Grorud Valley (3D7).

Four district parks serving as outdoor meeting places near people’s homes were established; the World Park at Furuset in Alna District (figure 3.8), Bjerkedalen Park in Bjerke District (figure 3.6 B), the Grorud Park in Grorud District and the Line Park in Stovner District. The projects have invited the locals to participate throughout the planning process via workshops, seminars, public meetings and exhibitions.

In addition, culverted stretches of the Hovinbekken stream and the Alna River, and several tributaries, have been reopened as a result of the Grorud Valley Project (3D7). On adjacent land, greenways and green public spaces have been established for recreational purposes.

Figure 3.7: The area included in the Grorud Valley project.

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Figure 3.8: The newly established World Park at Furuset in Alna District, where 140 nationalities are represented.

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3B. Past Performance

Rapid population growth over the past decade created the need to develop new residential, commercial and technical infrastructure while also limiting urban sprawl, mitigating the impacts of soil sealing, and preserving the quality of blue and green areas. Oslo met this challenge through compact urban development, blue-green infrastructure investments, and improvements to existing parks and other green areas. In addition, Oslo has engaged local neighborhoods by expanding urban farming programs.

Compact urban development Transit-oriented development – where public transportation hubs are targeted for regeneration and densification – has driven construction activities over this time. Concurrent improvements to the path and cycle network have helped Oslo prevent increase in car traffic above the national average despite high population growth. Improvements have focused on the construction of missing links and the removal of barriers by establishing safe crossings over roads and railways (figure 3.9). Regional planning in cooperation with neighboring Akershus county also ensures good connectivity for both work and leisure journeys within the region (3D8; see also indicator 2).

Figure 3.9: Pedestrian bridge over Østre Aker vei in the neighborhood of Risløkka, completed in 2014.

The 2015MMP is supplemented by the Urban Ecology Program which oversees Oslo’s goal to be a sustainable city where every resident has the right to clean air, clean water and recreation opportunities (3D9). The program was formally adopted by the city council in 2011 and prioritizes work toward eight objectives, two of which are maintaining and strengthening the city’s blue-green structure and pursuing sustainable urban development through eco-friendly projects.

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The Fjord City project Oslo wishes to take good care of the specific and unique qualities of Oslo’s waterfront. The Fjord City plan (adopted in 2008, 3D10) focuses on concentrated urban development of 9.000 new dwellings and 45.000 new workplaces in close proximity to major public transport hubs in the city center. The development of the Fjord City has aimed to create attractive public areas that are interactive, inclusive and accessible to all. Pedestrians and cyclists are prioritized.

In 2010 the E18 Highway was moved from the waterfront into the new underground Opera Tunnel. This reduced surface traffic in Bjørvika area by 70%, and significantly improves air quality along with noise reduction. A nine kilometers long harbour promenade is already an important connecting element. From 2005 to 2011, 440,000 cubic meters of contaminated sediments was dredged up from the port seabed. The Midgard Serpent sewerage (finished 2014) handles wastewater from the settlements and has improved the water quality in the lower part of the Aker River, inner harbor basins and the Oslo Fjord. The bathing water quality is now mainly good or excellent, and two outdoor public seabaths were opened in 2013 and 2015 (3D30, see also indicator 8 and 9).

The Sub-surface project The Sub-surface project was initiated in 2013, due to a great demand to manage the sub-surface space in Oslo. The main aim of the project was to improve the management of infrastructure and groundwater, secure ground stability and clarify the need for regulations (3D11). A final report for the project will be delivered by the end of 2016.

Blue-green infrastructure investments The consequences of climate change pose challenges to dense urban areas. Oslo was the first Norwegian city to complete a climate adaptation strategy (3D12; see also indicator 1). Oslo will experience changes to the precipitation pattern. This means overall increases in precipitation, more intense precipitation periods and a higher proportion of rain compared to snow. In dense urban areas with many sealed surfaces changing precipitation patterns increase the risk of flooding. Storm water management has, therefore, been identified as the top priority for adapting to climate change. A cross- sectoral working group, with representatives from agencies across the city, has developed both a strategy (3D6) and an action plan (3D5) to reduce the risk of flooding.

The action plan is based on a simple concept: giving storm water space in the cityscape. This is achieved in three ways:

1) Facilitating infiltration during light rain 2) Collecting storm water and delaying runoff during medium rainfalls 3) Providing safe runoff channels to retention basins during heavy rain

Infiltration is achieved through construction of green roofs (figure 3.10), rain beds, ditches and permeable surfaces. Rain beds and ditches are also used to collect and delay storm water runoff, but the most effective measure Oslo has found to withstand temporary flooding is to design parks and other green areas (i.e. Bjerkedalen Park, figure 3.6 B). Safe runoff channels have been achieved by restoring waterways that flow through the city. Since 2000, eleven segments of the streams Hovinbekken and Alnaelva have been restored to flow in open channels, creating blue-green corridors that add ecological, recreational and aesthetic value (figure 3.11).

A demonstration project incorporating many of the flood control measures described above is currently under construction. Deichmanns gate is a 200 meter stretch of road in the city center that is being renovated to show how modern storm water management techniques can be integrated in a dense, urban setting. The renovations include rain beds, sidewalks made of permeable materials, a holding pond and open water troughs. Cost of the project is about EUR 1.2 mill and will be completed by the end of 2016 (3D13).

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Oslo is incentivizing real estate developers through the FutureBuilt program to build climate friendly buildings. FutureBuilt Furuset is one example. This project illustrates the establishment of a cohesive blue-green structure with natural stormwater systems and reopening of streams as central elements in upgrading outdoor spaces. Green rooftops are another example of innovation among the 28 FutureBuilt projects registered in Oslo (3D14; 3D15; 3D31).

Figure 3.10: Green roof project at Platous gate 6, completed in 2008.

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Figure 3.11: Tiedemannsparken features a restored stretch of Hovinbekken and is one of several new blue-green corridors that have been developed through the regeneration of Ensjø.

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Improvements to existing parks and other green areas Parks and other green areas provide residents with escape from the busy and noisy life of a densely populated city. One of Oslo’s guiding principles for urban development is to provide accessible green areas with high quality. From 2005 to 2014 EUR 45,7 mill was spent on improvents of green areas both in Marka and in the built zone (3D16). In addition the City spent EUR 13.4 mill between 2007 and 2015 on the revitalization of nearly 60 squares (with both “grey” and “green” surfaces) throughout the city (3D17). More parks and squares now reflect the character of their surrounding neighborhood by providing facilities that cater to local demographics. Several bocce courts have been installed for pensioners, training apparatus for youth, and playground equipment for young children. Many of the projects were co-designed with local residents. Oslo has around 220 kilometers of walking paths in green areas within the built zone. Several of the paths are located along waterways connecting Marka and the fjord. These are also systematically made accessible (figure 3.12).

Figure 3.12: Walking path along the Alna River, which runs through the Grorud Valley.

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Mapping and assessing green roofs Norway has hundreds of years of history of using grass roofs on small wooden buildings. 15 years ago extensive green roofs and roof gardens became more common, also in urban environments. New sophisticated high-tech methods are developed to identify buildings with green roofs and calculate the potential for further development of green roofs. This involves the use of laser data. Around 500 buildings with green roofs were identified, representing a total roof area of 271.000 square meters. 140.000 square meters of these are covered with plants. The City is currently mapping the potential for additional green roofs in Oslo (table 3.2).

Table 3.2: Future potential of green roofs in Oslo. Additional areas for extensive Potential area for roof gardens or green roofs or habitats for Urban agriculture biodiversity

Number of roofs Total m2 Number of roofs Total m2

Industrial Buildings 928 145 146 378 227 731 Office and retail 553 648 011 220 85 671 Schools 436 396 475 448 215 190 Hospitals and care homes 157 176 894 68 28 021 Residential buildings 1 512 267 100 1 316 202 027 Mixed use buildings 3 459 1 788 566 3 168 1 033 106 Other Buildings 1 184 2 360 212 520 229 265 SUM 8 229 5 782 404 6 118 2 021 011

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3C. Future Plans

Densification and new developments: Oslo’s population is expected to increase 35% by 2040 (3D18). Population growth demands densification near transport nodes and regeneration of underused areas. In these areas planning guidelines encourage the establishment of new green areas to meet the demand from all residents.

Maintaining and strengthening Oslo’s blue-green structure Provisions in 2015MMP regulate blue-green structure. Several strategic approaches will ensure that green urban areas are maintained for the benefit of public health and recreation, as well as adapting to weather extremes. Rivers and streams will be opened where possible (3D19). The following measures will be initiated to maintain and strengthen Oslo’s blue-green structure:

 The blue-green factor is a tool that will use zoning proposals to ensure sufficient vegetation in new development areas to support storm water management and flood control measures. Guidelines are being developed to aid planners in understanding adjacent-property and aggregate effects of nature-based flood control.

 The most important biodiversity areas not subjected to national protection are to be protected through zoning provisions. (3D2; see also indicator 4). One area (Mærradalen) has recently been adopted, and work is currently in progress to protect seven other priority areas.

 The strategy for urban trees (in progress) aims to improve biodiversity, public health and sense of wellbeing, and contribute to urban ecosystem services and aesthetic qualities of the city (3D20).

 The small-scale housing project plan include zoning plan provisions for detached and semi- detached dwellings to ensure that 60% of property areas will be permeable; and also includes protections for existing trees on properties (3D21).

 Fjord City: The City will implement the Fjord City plan giving high priority to green areas and public access to the fjord, connecting the developments to the inner city (3D10).

 Oslo Marka forests: The City will pursue a pro-active policy for long-term, far-sighted management of its forests in Marka. The City will continue and strengthen the close partnership with outdoor and environmental organisations and sports clubs (3D22).

 Investments in parks and recreation areas will continue in 2017. A plan for sports and outdoor recreation was submitted as an appendix to the current budget proposal (3D23, 3D24). In line with the plan, green areas will be facilitated to promote outdoor recreation. In the budget proposal EUR 3,26 mill have been allocated to develop recreation areas. In addition the following allocations are suggested: EUR 10,33 mill to urban development projects, EUR 2,11 mill to community areas and EUR 0,33 mill to sustainable park events (figure 3.13).

 Improving path-network in green areas: A draft strategy for improving walking paths in green areas within the building zone has been developed in 2016, aiming to upgrade existing stretches and establish new stretches to improve the path connectivity (3D25). According to the strategy, a fully developed, high-standard, path network should be completed within 2030. In addition Oslo will create space for new green areas and remove physical barriers for walking and cycling, for instance by covering sections of major throughways.

 The Grorud Valley and Hovinbyen: The City will collaborate with the national government to invest in the Grorud Valley (3D26) as Oslo’s most promising area for urban development and to develop Hovinbyen as a pioneer project for sustainable urban development (figure 3.14). 16

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Figure 3.13: Events like MiniØya, a family-friendly music festival held annually in Tøyenparken, will benefit from park improvements planned for 2017. Photo: Lene Haug, Aktiv i Oslo.

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Figure 3.14: Illustration of how green areas in Hovinbyen, a large regeneration area just east of the inner city, will be developed into a coherent network of blue-green areas serving 40,000 residents.

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Urban farming: The City of Oslo has a renewed focus on urban farming. A centre for urban ecological innovation is being established (2016), and the City is investing in urban cultivation and grow-boxes in collaboration with citizens initiatives. Urban agriculture in school gardens, allotment gardens, community gardens, balconies, pallet boxes and smallholdings will be preserved and expanded (figure 3.15). Recent projects include new areas for flower meadows, insect hotels and beehives (see indicator 4), and district “green funds” designated to local initiatives. A new grant scheme for urban agriculture (3D24), grants EUR 92 000 to citizen initiatives in 2016, and EUR 184 000 in 2017.

Figure 3.15: Urban farming in Oslo.

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Green Roof Strategy: Oslo is currently developing its green roof strategy which will ensure smart and geographically differentiated use of green roofs as a tool for solving urban environmental challenges such as storm water management, habitats for biodiversity, improving air quality, increased access to recreation and visual upgrading of the city (figure 3.16).

Figure 3.16: Zones in the city where sensitivity to biodiversity will be particularly important, and where green roofs designed as biodiversity habitats could be preferential.

Management of public green areas The City of Oslo is responsible for the management and maintenance of the city’s parks and recreation areas. Dynamic maintenance procedures are being updated every fifth year. Biodiversity is maintained (see indicator 4). In the newly established parks in the Grorud Valley and in the Inner City (for instance Tiedemannsparken (figure 3.11)), and in the coming parks in Hovinbyen (figure 3.14), both aesthetic elements and functional qualities will be in focus. Inter-connected, resilient green areas, facilitated for different activities, will promote use and thereby awareness that contribute to safeguard the areas for the future.

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3D. References

PLANS AND PROGRAMMES

1. The Marka act (Norwegian)

2. The 2015 Municipal Master Plan: Oslo towards 2030 (Norwegian) Smart, Resilient and Green

3. The Urban Development of Oslo towards 2030 - Summary of the development strategy presented in the municipal master plan (Norwegian)

4. Population and changes (Norwegian)

5. Action Plan for Storm Water Management (English) (Short version)

6. Storm Water Management Strategy 2013-2030 (Norwegian)

7. Evaluation of The Grorud Valley Project (Norwegian)

8. Regional action plan on land use and transport (Norwegian)

9. Urban Ecology Programme 2011–2026 (English)

10. The Fjord City Plan (Norwegian)

11. The Sub-surface project (Norwegian) Ordered by the City council December 8th 2010. To be finished December 31th 2016

12. Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2014-2030 (English) (Short version)

13. Deichmans gate (Norwegian) Illustrates how storm water management techniques are integrated in a dense, urban setting.

14. Future Built (English) FutureBuilt: Climate Friendly Architecture and Urban Development (Norwegian)

15. Factsheet: Green roofs for flood control (Norwegian)

16. Plan for sports and outdoor recreation, Concept Study (Norwegian)

17. Squares and meeting places (Norwegian); the City Council’s position/decision on 22 April 2009, item 107 (Norwegian).

18. Population projections for Oslo (Norwegian)

19. Principles for reopening of streams and rivers in Oslo (Norwegian) Approved by the participating municipal agencies

20. Strategy for urban trees (Norwegian) In progress

21. The small-scale housing project plan (Norwegian) Adopted 2013

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22. Plan for multiple-use of the City of Oslo’s forests, 2007–2015 (Norwegian) See also Indicator 4.

23. Plan for sports and outdoor recreation (Norwegian) Submitted as an appendix to the proposed Municipal Budget 2017 and the proposed Economic Plan 2017-2020

24. The proposed Municipal Budget 2017 and the proposed Economic Plan 2017-2020 (Norwegian)

25. Draft strategy for improving walking paths in green areas (Norwegian) 15 March 2016

26. The Grorud Valley Project (English) The Grorud Valley Project, 10 new years (Norwegian)

WEBSITES

27. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: The protection of Marka (English)

28. Good Practice 5 in the Application: The Fjord City (English)

29. Good Practice 6 in the Application: Reopening Waterways (English)

30. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: Water quality in the City Harbour Basin (English)

31. Best Practices in The City of Oslo: Future Built (English)

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