Copenhagen has won the INDEX: Award 2013 for a city climate plan which provides a unique, robust and pro-active framework for a massive influx of sustainable design solutions in the future.
Though there is disagreement on its causes, global climate change is an undeniable fact, and a global threat, which Copenhagen is working hard to address. As a result of its efforts, the Danish capital has now won a prestigious INDEX design award for its climate plan.
This is a further evidence that Copenhagen, the Capital of Sustainable Meetings, is not only a front runner when it comes to sustainable and innovative meetings management, but also a pioneer when it comes to preparing for future environmental sustainability.
The city’s Climate Adaptation Plan aims to prepare Copenhagen for the consequences of future climate change by developing the Danish capital as a climate-proof and attractive city. And, on Thursday August 29th, the plan won in the COMMUNITY category of the world’s largest design awards, the INDEX: Award 2013.
Motivation
The climate adaptation plan is closely connected to Copenhagen’s other key plans for green, sustainable, social, and economic development. Together, the plans serve as the framework for hundreds of Danish designers, architects and engineers currently working on designing solutions for a vibrant and resilient metropolis of the 21st century.
The INDEX: Award jury’s reasons for choosing Copenhagen as the recipient of this year’s award were numerous. In a year where climate adaptation plans are mandatory throughout Denmark – as well as a central focus of city administrations around the world – the Copenhagen Climate Adaptation Plan really stood out, with its main focus on considering flooding and climate adaptation as a resource rather than a problem, benefiting businesses and citizens alike.
Thus, by rethinking climate adaptations as a whole via in-depth analyses, the Danish capital will use excess water as a vital resource – while implementing flexible design solutions that reduce construction work and save money for the city.
15 shades of green
Copenhagen has an ambitious plan to become the world’s first carbon-natural capital city. It holds the world record in consumption of organic food, and sources 30% of its electricity from wind power. Meanwhile, 52% of all Copenhageners commute by bike on a daily basis and the city has just been named the world’s most pedestrian-friendly city.
As ‘The Capital of Sustainable Meetings’, Copenhagen has a long track-record of hosting major events within a sustainable framework, such as the United National Climate Change summit COP15 which hosted over 30,000 visitors in 2009, and the European Union Presidency in 2012. Both events were certified to international eco-standards and honoured with the ‘IMEX Green Meetings Award’. Today 64% of all hotel rooms in Copenhagen are eco-certified.
