Copenhagen is known as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world, so organising a sustainable event here is no great challenge. And the meetings industry has certified experience in hosting state-of-the-art events with a sustainable profile.
In fact, Copenhagen was the first city ever to host an eco-certified international political summit when some 30,000 people attended the UN’s Climate Change Conference, COP 15, in 2009. And, Copenhagen continues to welcome sustainable events, and develop experience.
This year Denmark holds the Presidency of the European Union. More than 100 meetings have been organised according to the sustainable event management system, ISO20121, making it the most sustainable presidency ever.
Copenhagen, with a 'C' for 'certified'
Copenhagen's sustainable portfolio is so large that, today, it is easier to hold a sustainable event than a non-sustainable one.
Did you know, for example, that as many as 63% of all Copenhagen's hotel rooms hold an official eco-certification - the highest percentage of any capital city.
Also, the majority of the city’s meetings venues have a strong sustainable profile. The largest convention centre in the Nordic countries, Bella Center, has recently invested € 1.7m in energy-saving measures, and both the Bella Center and the city’s second largest convention venue, Tivoli Congress Center, are Green Key certified – as a great number of other venues.
...and a C for 'carbon' neutral
Not only does the city's hotels and venues offer sustainable solutions. As you fly into Copenhagen you will notice the many wind turbines just off the coast. In Denmark, 20% of the country's electricity is generated by wind. In 20 years’ time that number is expected to grow to 50%.
Copenhagen’s target is even more ambitious: The city council is aiming to make it the world’s first CO2-neutral capital by 2025, and thus a global environmental leader.
Part of this goal is that all Copenhageners should be able to walk to a park, beach or out door pool within 15 minutes of their homes. Today, more than 60 percent can already do so.
...and a 'C' for 'Cycling'
Copenhagen's rush hour differs from most other cities – here it is not the roads but the cycle lanes which are crowded with men and women on their way to work, elderly people, and parents with children.
On a daily basis, 55 % of all Copenhageners commute by bike. The city boasts the busiest cycle lane in the world, used by 36,000 cyclists every day. Copenhagen was also the first city officially to be named a ‘Bike City’ by the International Cycling Union. Alternatively, you can easily walk, use the city's eco-friendly efficient public transport, or take a CO2-neutral or electric taxi. If you choose to drive yourself, why not rent an electric car?
…and a 'C' for 'Cuisine' with a 'Conscience'
When Copenhageners do their grocery shopping, 23 % of the all bought food is organic and in the city’s public institutions, 75 % of all food consumed is organic. That's why it is completely natural that Copenhagen also offers loads of organic, eco-friendly restaurants. More restaurants, cafes and even hotels are riding the “green wave”, taking the city to a whole new level of eco-friendliness and ensuring that you can eat environmentally friendly food at all price levels. From local restaurants, cafés and takeaways to the highest echelons of fine dining, you will find the desire for largely Nordic produce and food made in harmony with nature. It is easy to dine with a green conscience: as the Danes say, 'Velbekomme' ('Bon appetite!').