Top sustainable cities in 2023

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver has expanded its efforts to remain one of the world’s greenest cities, it is dedicated to eliminating unnecessary carbon emissions and taking the change to a low-carbon economy.

The city’s eagerness has given a commitment to tech innovation and the creation of a circular economy, which helps the city to be one of the lowest-carbon cities in the world. Vancouver’s 95% of electricity is supplied by renewable energy, it has expanded on a sustainable mass transit network and on highly energy-efficient green buildings. Vancouver gives special attendance to pedestrians and cyclists as the city is designed to have land-use patterns to encourage walking and biking by creating high-density city centres and widening sidewalks.

Additionally, over 90% of its residents live within a short-time walk of green spaces.

Vancouver’s actions towards zero carbon emissions, zero waste, and healthy ecosystems are guided by the greenest city action plan. The city emerged as a leading sustainable metropolis for more than 20 years, contributing to global efforts to abate the effects of climate change.

Stockholm

Stockholm is one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly cities; in 2010 it was nominated as the first European Green Capital by the European Commission. The city’s Arlanda Airport is a world-leading sustainable airport and the first to become carbon neutral in its operations, it is using “green approaches” which is a system that saves fuel and reduces emissions. Arlanda Airport Express trains are operated 100% on electricity and there is also the possibility to go to/from the airport by commuter train. The city succeeds in the domain of local transport system since its entire underground system runs on green electricity and most buses and taxis run on bio-fuel or are eco-labeled. There are also e-bikes and e-scooters available for rent. Among other things, Stockholm’s district heating is based on climate-neutral fuels. Something more exciting is that most restaurants in Stockholm aim to operate sustainably and put a lot of focus on locally produced, organic ingredients, waste reduction, and recycling. It has also got one of the cleanest tap waters in the world, so it is not needed to buy bottled water.

View all environmental actions of Stockholm City here.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions to meet environmental challenges; it is a leading model of urban sustainability, and it was even awarded in 2017 as the world’s greenest city. The city is known for its sustainable bike framework, there are well-maintained bike paths that allow resourceful mobility within the city. Additionally, Copenhagen is investing in electric and hydrogen-powered cars, and is it mainly powered by wind and solar

energy. The city is aiming at renewable sources to generate power; it uses discarded wood and plastic items as well as human and animal waste to produce heat, electricity, and biofuel. And that’s not all; Copenhagen has invested in the distribution of energy: heat which is spread when generating electricity finds its place for reuse through redistribution, and at the same time chilled water becomes cooler through the use of cold seawater, which reduces demand on the electricity grid.

What’s even more interesting is that Copenhagen has launched a campaign to inform its citizens about separating their rubbish, as well as recycling and reusing products.

A perfect role model city. Find out more information about Copenhagen’s sustainable efforts here.