In a relatively small area, a wide variety of cultures come together and form a symbiosis that gives each metropolis its own unique charm. Thousands of people in a small space can mean major problems for the environment, but also an opportunity for innovation In addition to the latest developments in Power generation and a perfectly developed network of public transport, there are many other ideas that ensure that certain cities can count themselves among the “Sustainable Cities 2024” group.
The Planning and consulting company Arcardis has in its “Sustainable Cities Index 2024” clearly stated which cities are doing best in terms of sustainability and thus as Idol apply to other metropolises. 100 world metropolises were compared and classified according to environmental awareness. The respective cities were able to collect points in the categories planet, people, profit and progress. European cities, especially Danish, ranked significantly better on average than Asian or American cities. Surprising? Two German cities made it into the top 5.
Sustainable cities: These are the top 5
- Amsterdam
- Copenhagen
- Rotterdam
- Frankfurt
- Munich
1. Amsterdam: Mobility thought ecologically
The Dutch capital is not only known for its many canals, but also for its bicycles. With over 500 kilometers of bicycle paths, Amsterdam is considered the cycling city par excellence. Thanks to the well-developed bicycle paths, it is of course also the most used means of transport and reduces the city's carbon footprint enormously. The metropolis is also the global number one in "Green Financesector” and the first sustainable city to implement the Donut strategy, also under circular economy known, successfully applied.
Source by holland.com & Copyright by Veerle Sloof
2. Copenhagen: Home for environmentally conscious companies
Copenhagen is developing into one of Europe's trendiest cities. However, the city is particularly convincing due to its sustainable approaches in Arcadis Report and is therefore one of the most sustainable cities in 2024. For 10 years now, their goal has been to climate neutral to become a green city, as the metropolis relies primarily on wind and solar energy. Cycling is particularly encouraged with so-called fast cycle paths. Environmentally conscious companies also benefit and are supported with grants, investments and loans totaling the equivalent of 54 million euros. Green architecture is a top priority here and the first CO2009-neutral building was completed in 2. The city also impresses with clean swimming pools at the harbor, which cannot be found in any other city.
Source by VisitDenmark & Copyright by Astrid Maria Rasmussen
3. Rotterdam: How water is used innovatively
Can the home of Europe's largest port be sustainable at all? Yes, because it's where the whole world comes together and that promises one thing above all: innovation. And that's what the metropolis is known for, because Rotterdam is considered a model for sustainable development. In addition to many green spaces and a Wi-Fi network that is powered solely by solar energy, one of the most sustainable cities in 2024 has a floating farm that is operated on open waters. Urban greening is particularly important here. It's not uncommon to find green spaces on roofs or parks everywhere. The seawater greenhouses and the Tidal power plants.
Source by holland.com & Copyright by Iris van den Broek
4. Frankfurt: Green living for a better quality of life
Germany is also impressive. Two cities make it into the top 5 most sustainable cities in 2024. Frankfurt is one of them. A green belt has already been created around the city and a third of the area consists of Parks, green spaces or gardens. The newly planned district is also a big step towards CO2 neutrality “Gateaway Gardens”, in which green and sustainable ideas are implemented. This district is to be completed in 2030, and is already being DGNB German Sustainable Building Council certified. There are about 3000 m² of solar panels throughout the city, which provide 300,000 kWh of environmentally friendly energy annually.
Source & Copyright by Gateaway Gardens
5. Munich: Pioneer of sustainable urban development
Sustainable urban development is one of the most important aspects of whether a metropolis can be described as environmentally friendly or not. This point is particularly important for Munich. So-called neighborhoods are to be built green. This includes the Prinz-Eugen-Park. The 30-hectare site is Germany's largest ecological timber-framed housing estate. Green City Initiative contributes to a more ecological cityscape. With 150 activities every year, in which all sections of the population can take part, sustainability is made more accessible. The main aim is to make the city greener and to provide education for sustainable development. Munich also has the electricity provider Polarstern, which gets its energy only from renewable sources.
Source & Copyright by münchen.de
