The city of Hamburg, situated on the banks of the river Elbe, has a population of about 1.8 million and faces numerous metropolitan challenges. However. Germany’s second largest city combines comprehensive approaches, policy commitment and the necessary funding needed to resolve these challenges. On the whole, it has an integrated and participative planning strategy and a strong commitment towards a “green” vision.

GREEN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
The city and more than 1000 active business partners have joined forces in a green alliance for environmental protection. The twelve biggest companies will reduce the CO2 emissions with 500.000 tons by 2012.

MASSIVE ENERGY SAVINGS
It should be mentioned that Hamburg has set ambitious climate protection goals such as reducing its CO2 emissions by 40% by 2020 and by 80% by the year 2050. CO2 emissions per person have been reduced by about 15% when compared to 1990, with annual energy savings of some 46,000 MWh, a major achievement for a big city. Energy networks will be put under city administration, and district heating will be provided for 490.000 households.

GREEN PORT
The Port of Hamburg on the river Elbe is Europe’s second largest in terms of number of containers handled. With a growing number of containers entering and leaving the port, expansion is a continuously discussed issue. However, geographical expansion into the surrounding area is, intentionally, just not pursued. Instead, the increasing need for greater capacity is met by making more efficient use of allocated land and by generating new areas through filling-up expendable harbour basins.

The Hamburg Dock Railway will become the largest hub for freight transportation by rail, and container taxi vessels in the port will replace container-handling trucks. One taxi alone replaces 60 trucks. Hamburg will also support green shipping by reducing port fees for environmentally friendly ships.

EXCELLENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The city has also achieved high environmental standards and good performance levels in terms of cycling and public transport indicators. Almost all citizens have access to optimal public transport within 300 meters of their given location. There is also a systematic structure for green areas which allow citizens easy accessibility. New suburban and underground train lines, including lines to the port and airport, will be constructed, and there will be a new network of cycle paths.

The City of Hamburg plans to launch a “train of ideas” whereby interested cities within the European Green Capital Award network ‘own’ a wagon and promote their respective green ideas, achievements and future plans. The train will then travel around Europe spreading experience and best practice in an innovative way.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/green_cities.html

http://www.hamburg.de/bsu/1241328/green-capital-en.html

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