Future-proofing the places we call home
Today, over half of the world’s population lives in cities. By 2050, this proportion will rise to about 70% with the addition of 2.5 billion new urban dwellers. As cities already emit two-thirds of the world's greenhouse gases, the massive population growth calls for local leadership and implementation of solutions able to effectively cope with the rising energy demand.
In this regard, attention must be allotted to buildings. Accounting for nearly 40% of global energy consumption, buildings represent a pressing but also promising action area for green advancements. It is predicted that 85- 95% of the European building stock that will exist in 2050 has already been built. Thus, it is vital that we realise the potential for energy efficiency in our current building stock.
Some examples pointing toward a future where building and urban settings are not simply part of the problem but also central to solving the challenges are found in Denmark. Given its strong legacy within innovative urban development, liveablity and ambitious plans for energy efficiency, the Danish capital Copenhagen has officially been named the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023. Other Danish cities are likewise at the forefront of urban transition, with Sønderborg and Aarhus joining the Danish capital amongst 100 European trailblazers to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
In sharing Danish insights for city planners, policymakers, and developers all over the world, we have launched a new 40-page white paper on urban transition. Diving into tangible solutions for low-carbon development, the white paper demonstrates how holistic city planning can act as a vehicle for transforming the places we call home.
Join the virtual launch on 11 October or download the white paper now.
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