Hamburg – European Green Capital for 2011

Hamburg will be the European Green Capital (EGCA) for 2011, following in the footsteps of Stockholm, the inaugural and incumbent holder of the title for 2010. This relatively new award has been devised by the European Commission to promote greater environmental awareness among cities throughout Europe by encouraging the exchange of green ideas and city-on-city competition. But how has Hamburg – home of Europe’s second largest port and a bustling, industrialised metropolis that is the second largest city in Germany – earned such an accolade?

“Cities across Europe differ enormously and sharing concrete example of what a European Green Capital can look like is essential to promoting further progress.”
-Thea Pieridou

The city's First Mayor, Ole von Beust, is acutely aware that busy, mechanised Hamburg might just surprise some people. "As one of the largest ports in the world, Hamburg is no unspoilt paradise," he stated in an official address. "But we always want to show that economic development and environmental protection go together well. We accept the environmental challenges of the 21^st century and respond to them with dedicated action."

Such dedicated action from Hamburg saw off the challenge of seven other nominated cities (including Bristol, Oslo, Amsterdam and Copenhagen), and has enabled the city to truly showcase exactly why it was chosen as Europe's capital of green for 2011.

"Hamburg was awarded the 2011 title for a number of reasons," says Thea Pieridou, the European Green Capital Award's Project Manager. "One of which was The Hamburg Climate Protection Act, which contains a special cost-efficiency benchmark for energy-saving measures in public buildings, saving energy and €3.4 million per year. Additionally, over 600 boiler systems have been replaced with modern condensing boilers in recent years, an investment of €18 million. These are just a few examples of the steps Hamburg has taken that made it the frontrunner for 2011's EGCA."

The EGCA, despite being a relatively new accolade, has rapidly garnered EU-wide prestige thanks to the wealth of directives in which a city has to impress during the application process. Hamburg, reveals Pieridou, simply covered more bases more effectively than its competitors. "The experts evaluating Hamburg's performance commended the excellent integrated waste management system, which features high levels of source separation of individual materials and energy recovery," she says. "Very good performance in water consumption, metering and leakage was also noted by the panel. Concerning water consumption in particular, high investments in infrastructure and incentive pricing have been introduced, awareness campaigns have been launched and innovative practices on separated urinal collection in public toilets have been implemented. Future plans include more efforts on separated rain water management."

German cities in general are excellent role models for the rest of Europe, delivering high living standards combined with low carbon footprints. Their inhabitants are encouraged to think green at all times, and a collective civic duty appears to envelope each and every citizen, backed by a local government that provides the funding, direction and management required to achieve widespread sustainability nationwide. Hamburg's time as 2011's European Green Capital will hopefully see it become a role model for other European cities, and other European citizens. "With a population of 1.8 million people, Hamburg faces a great number of metropolitan challenges," admits Pieridou, "but it also brings together many comprehensive approaches, a strong green vision with policy commitment and the necessary funding required to resolve them.

"Hamburg has developed a meticulous, well-structured communication strategy and a very attractive programme of events in 2011 for well-chosen target groups involving all of the city's stakeholders. This strong networking and enthusiasm will provide a unique platform for EU dialogue and the city will act as an excellent role model for other cities."

So in which sectors has Hamburg been particularly impressive, progressive and environmentally aware?

Renewable energy

Hamburg's renewable energy sector is one of the city's booming industries. Vestas, the world's largest wind turbine company, has recently relocated its Central Europe division to Hamburg and will be joined by The Nordex Group, which is one of the world's leading wind power plant suppliers. A number of other wind and solar companies are increasing their presence in the city over the next few years, and Greenpeace is expected to locate its new headquarters at Hafencity, a new quarter of Hamburg's port that is due to open in 2011.

Renewable energy is Hamburg's fastest-growing economic sector. "The establishment of companies is a medium-and long-term process, and companies invariably choose to settle in locations that promise the best for their business - locations that offer accessibility of markets, availability of qualified personnel and a critical mass of competitors, suppliers and scientific institutions," says Pieridou. "Which is why Hamburg attracts so many renewable energy companies. The title 'European Green Capital' is a unique opportunity to foster a positive environment for the renewable energy sector in Hamburg, which is communicated on a global scale."

CO2 emissions

In a city of 1.8 million people (and a greater metropolitan population of 4.3 million), energy consumption in Hamburg is a serious issue. Thankfully, the city's governors have proactively sought partnerships and arrangements with a number of green companies in an effort to make the city emission-free.

And the signs are that it's working. "The city combines integrated and participative planning with policy commitments, and has set ambitious climate protection goals, such as reducing its C02 emissions by 40 percent by 2020, and by 80 percent by 2050, Says Pieridou. "Concretely speaking, C02 emissions per person have been reduced by approximately 15 percent compared to 1990, with annual energy savings of some 46,000 MWh." This is an extremely impressive feat for a city of Hamburg's size and make-up.

Public transport

Hamburg boasts a world-class transportation system, with every resident afforded access to a public transport link within 300 metres of their home. Such an impressive infrastructure (based largely on its network of buses, subways and trains) has helped to keep traffic levels low for decades, while innovative new technologies are making even the buses greener. "At present," says Pieridou, "the city has achieved high environmental standards and good performance in terms of cycling and public transport indicators. The experts were impressed, for example, that every single one of Hamburg's citizens has public transport within 300 metres of their door. There is also a systematic structure of green spaces which are easily accessible to citizens."

Fuel cell buses are low-emission vehicles that have been in widespread use throughout Hamburg since 2003, and the city is also dotted with a number of hydrogen filling stations for the buses, which draw their utility product from renewable energy sources, particularly wind power.

Sustainable growth

Even the most well intentioned cities have to consider the economic impacts of going green, and Hamburg is no different. What Hamburg is, though, is perennially inventive and forward thinking. So while the city's port and lifeblood of its economy has to ensure it grows in order to stay competitive, it's growth does not have to impact upon the environment.

Physical expansion plans have been shelved in favour of more efficient land use, which includes filling in harbour basins in order to match capacity needs for the future. The city's cavernous port has been able to work in harmony with the sustainable aims and achievements of Hamburg in order to lessen its overall environmental impact. "As one of the largest ports in the world, Hamburg has proved that economic growth and environmental protection are not conflicting issues," says Pieridou.

"Indeed, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has created the organisational structure needed to find adequate responses to the present environmental challenges. During the past two years, the HPA has worked diligently to coordinate environmental strategy and environmental activity, with the overarching goal of supporting company policy while, at the same time, maintaining sustainable development. The port has been growing inwardly for several years. First, modernisation to secure a greater level of productivity on the quays, and on the other hand, major development activities such as the westward expansion within the port limits. It is also important to note that the planning of the Central Terminal Steinwerder (CTS) is currently underway. Further ideas," continues Pieridou, "are being explored for the Port of the Future, where efficient land use and key environmental issues continue to be a priority."

Green areas

Hamburg's parkland and green areas are vast and systematically interlinked, making the city a haven for cyclists, families and nature-lovers. The many parks of the city are the most tangible and visible sign of Hamburg's 'green' credentials, delivering a verdant landscape for its inhabitants to enjoy. The main parks are the Stadtpark - classed as Hamburg's 'Central Park' and boasting a carefully manicured central lawn and imposing water tower that is home to one of the largest planetariums in Europe - the Ohlsdorf Cemetery and the Planten un Blomen, a 46-hectare park that hosts an array of open air concerts and shows in the summer months.

The EGCA

One major aim of the EGCA is to promote innovation and competition between cities, engendering an atmosphere of healthy contest but also encouraging collaboration, education and harmony. Both Stockholm and Hamburg are worthy recipients of the accolade, and fellow European cities are being urged to set similar sustainability targets themselves - not solely in pursuit of the award, but in pursuit of a greener future. "The EGCA helps convince local governments and authorities that sustainable urban development is the key to a successful future," says Pieridou. "Progress is its own reward, but I believe the satisfaction and pride involved in winning a prestigious European award spurs cities to invest in further implementation of EU environment policy at the local level, boosts eco-innovation, streamlines environmental actions and projects and promotes friendly competition amongst the cities.

"Cities across Europe differ enormously and sharing concrete examples of what a European Green Capital can look like is essential to promoting further progress."

The recent financial crisis should not be used as an excuse for cities to be dragging their heels on the issue of sustainability. Investment in renewable energy sources, better public transport, intelligent waste management and a commitment to reduce C02 emissions costs little more than the current, antiquated practices employed by many cities in Europe. Indeed, a healthier and happier population, living in a greener environment and enveloped by a sense of worth and armed with the capacity to effect change, is more likely to drive a functioning and potent economy.

"As the EU 2020 strategy shows, green growth is a must if we want to promote a sustainable and competitive economy," says Pieridou. "The financial crisis and the economic downturn have shown us that economic growth coupled with urban, green revitalisation are now more important than ever. If cities want to prosper, they must learn to safeguard the natural resources that underpin their economies and the quality of life of their growing urban populations. Cities are the places where environment policy is put into practice, and the ones that do it most successfully deserve to be rewarded.

"I believe that Europeans who want to live in urban areas want towns and cities that are healthy," concludes Pieridou. "Cities should, therefore, strive not only to improve their economies but also to improve the quality of life of their citizens and reduce their impact on the global environment. The advantages of improving the urban environment - such as cleaner air, land and water, better public transport and expansion of green spaces - are clear for all to see and enjoy."

 

Promoting green thinking

During 2011, in an effort to communicate Hamburg's ideas throughout Europe, the city will become a Green Capital on wheels, in a very literal sense. "The city of Hamburg will be launching a 'train of ideas' promoting green ideas, achievements and future plans. The train will travel around Europe in 2011 sharing experiences and best practices in a unique and innovative way," says Pieridou. The tour will travel to a total of 15 cities including Vienna, Zurich, Antwerp and Malmo.

Green expectations

Hamburg beat six other cities to the 2011 award. Here, EU Infrastructure takes a sideways look at what those defeated cities may need to improve upon if they are to be in with a chance of winning the EGCA in the future.

Amsterdam

The Dutch capital has long attracted tourists in their millions, drawn by the city's liberal and relaxed laws towards a certain 'greener' herb that has fostered the city's laid-back atmosphere over the past few decades. Amsterdam is uniformly flat and, as such, is a biker's paradise, with three quarters of the locals owning a bicycle and the municipal authorities encouraging pedal power via the provision of plentiful cycle lanes and parking facilities for bikes, thus helping to un-'clog' the roads. However, despite all these green credentials, red is the colour that springs to mind when one thinks of Amsterdam: if the authorities can somehow develop more sustainable practices in the city's famous red-light district, then the title could be theirs. 

Bristol

The city of Concorde, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the SS Great Britain, Banksy and a dialect so obdurate that various hefty tomes and garish t-shirts have been produced in an attempt to decipher it might not seem to be an obvious candidate for the EGCA. But Bristol, despite its extremely hilly landscape, has become Britain's biking capital, and boasts more than 450 parks and green spaces - which is proportionally more than any other city in the UK. If the authorities can tackle the joint issues of better waste management and educate its inhabitants on the need to put their kebab wrappers and burger cartons in the bin rather than scattered in fountains, perched on statues or flapping greasily in the wind each Friday night, then the EGCA could be coming a-calling very soon. 

Copenhagen

Bike-obsessed and painfully aware of their civic duties to the city, Copenhageners do all they can to make their home as green and sustainable as possible. The city's wastewater management is excellent, as is its provision of bike paths and community-focused architecture. Where the city needs to improve is its allocation of parkland; more green space is needed, and the famous Tivoli Gardens could do with a bit of a makeover in order to make them attractive to a wider range of locals. 

Freiburg

The beauty of Freiburg makes it a beguiling sight for visitors and a continuous source of pride for the locals. Think fairytale twisting streets, medieval architecture and a lush and verdant backdrop and you have the setting for a serene and peaceful city that also enjoys Germany's best climate. Yet these facets are the very thing that keeps the city from achieving its green potential - renewable energy sources are accountable for just four per cent of the city's power supply, and hydro power covers a mere 0.2 per cent of its power consumption. If the authorities can invent a gorgeous, 16^th century-looking renewable power station complete with cuckoo clock and intricately carved doorways that augments the overall look of the landscape, then Freiburg could be on to a winner. 

Munster

Munsteraners - the city's inhabitants - make a total 374,528 bicycle journeys every day, which is rather impressive for a city of just 280,000. Easily traversable by bike, the city has green credentials seeping out of every pore, from its biological waste program to its commitment to reduce its C02 output by 40 percent by 2020. However, the city is also home to 50,000 students who - while perhaps vociferous on the plight of the latest Che Guevara-lite figure making the headlines in any given week - are not always so hot on recycling, carbon-friendly living and resisting the urge to micturate in fountains and rivers after an evening enjoying the locally sourced beer. 

Oslo

 Oslo's toll ring was first implemented 20 years ago, setting the Norwegian capital apart as a forerunner for urban transport management. Today, the toll ring continues to reduce traffic volumes in the city centre by as much as five percent, with the excellent public transport system receiving 45 percent of its funding from cash generated by the toll ring. All well and good, but for a city that endures five months per year where daylight barely pushes past four hours a day, the lights are on for an awfully long time, dully illuminating the citizens against the persistent winter gloom that so captivated/annoyed (delete as applicable) Edvard Munch. 

EGCA 2012 and 2013

Cities in the running for the European Green Capital Award for 2012 and 2013 are Barcelona, Malmo, Nantes, Nuremburg, Reykjavik and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The winners for both 2012 and 2013 will be announced on 20-22 October 2010 at an award ceremony in Stockholm.