Copenhagen

Preparing for the “New Normal”

Adjusting to climate challenges with smart design

Copenhagen is a northern harbour city which has experienced a number of severe rainfall events, namely cloudbursts, with the largest pouring down in July 2011. The damages amounted to around 1 billion US dollars, and climate projections predict even larger events in the future. Protecting citizens and businesses from the impacts of climate change, while also continuing to secure high quality drinking water for a growing population are the concerns related to water.

Copenhagen is addressing impacts from climate change through their Climate Adaptation Plan and a new Cloudburst Management Plan (CMP) launched in 2011, which is the world’s first city wide plan for controlled storm water for a 100-year storm. The plan has been developed in a close partnership the Greater Copenhagen Utility, owned by a number of municipalities in the Greater Copenhagen Region. The CMP proposes infrastructure levels to manage storm water in the city, with solutions that collect, delay and lead stormwater to final outlets in the harbour, preventing entry in the sewers. Copenhagen is taking strides to waterproof their city, with demonstration areas and co-creation with local stakeholders.

The capital of Denmark is a relatively small city – but it is a city that has a worldwide impact due to creative solutions and the constant aim to improve the quality of life for citizens.

Copenhagen is growing with 600.000 inhabitants and an expected growth of 100.000 more before 2025. This is a challenge as the city has to use all available land for building new homes in an area of around 10 square kilometres. The growing population is also a challenge to create affordable housing for the entire population.

“Because we are growing we have to look at different ways of densifying the city – using old industrial spaces, but also building, higher, closer – and this is a challenge when we are also facing climate changes” Lykke Leonardsen, Program Manager Green urban solutions, Municipal Development.

The water challenges are about continuing to secure high quality drinking water for a growing population, while also protecting the citizens and businesses from the impacts of climate change, such as from cloudbursts. HOFOR, the Greater Copenhagen utility, is working to secure and protect future water resources for its customers in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities. They are doing so by implementing the Cloudburst Management Plan and by, for example, planting trees that can help the infiltration period and can also reduce the use of chemical substance in receiving waters

Working across sectors, Copenhagen is setting ambitious goals for the future. The city just approved a new vision called Co-Create Copenhagen, with three key pillars: A liveable city, a responsible city, and a city with an edge; enabling strong citizen participation along the journey.

The city’s vision for liveability is a key factor in implementation. The CMP will form the back-bone of the physical development of the city for the next 20 years and it emphasizes the role of citizens in the co-creation of their future city. This includes involving the citizens in the understanding of the new concept of stormwater management through the CMP – and how this has added benefits even when it is not raining.

Copenhagen Climate Adaptation Plan from INDEX: Design to Improve Life® on Vimeo.

As part of the implementation of the CMP, the city selected Skt. Kjelds as demonstration neighbourhood, where some of the first projects are being implemented. This includes the first water park at Tåsinge Plads and tunnels for stormwater discharge into the harbour. The development involves local stakeholders in the design and function of the projects, including refurbishment of the buildings, courtyards and open spaces.