Päivi Raivio’s Post

The Nordic countries are role models for sustainability, with the biggest country in the north, Sweden, being the region’s exemplar to follow. Sweden’s second biggest city, Gothenburg, has topped the ranking for the world’s most sustainable cities several years in a row. Gothenburg, which was once called “a courtyard to hell”, has since the mid-1980s gradually infused sustainability into every aspect of its urban life. An important factor in the city’s sustainable strategy is the establishment of the ‘Green Zone’, where the innovations and testing of fully emissions-free and climate-neutral transportation systems occur. Thorough electrification of transportation and construction has been the focus, as well as a district cooling system that combines surplus heat and Gothenburg’s river water to provide residents with an energy-efficient, cost-competitive alternative to conventional air conditioning. Gothenburg has also made it easy for cyclists and pedestrians, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly zones. This not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also reduces traffic congestion and emissions. Gothenburg's success is rooted in collaboration. Public-private partnerships, community engagement, and innovative solutions are key ingredients in the city's sustainability recipe. Gothenburg continues to lead by example with a collaborative spirit and open innovation. It shows that we can inspire positive change on a global scale as well if we work and innovate together. #SustainableCities #Gothenburg #UrbanInnovation #GreenLiving #Sustainability 🌱 Original article: https://lnkd.in/gJ4kKbge https://lnkd.in/g6-8h_9a

The first annual Atlas of #Sustainable City Transport looks at nine metrics of sustainable mobility in more than 1,000 metropolitan areas around the world. These measures include the percentage of residents safe from highways, as well as proximity to transportation amenities including protected bikeways, car-free places, frequent transport and rapid transport. #mobility

Copenhagen is known as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, and leading the charge when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. They have announced that they want to become the first carbon neutral capital by 2025! 🌏 To achieve this goal, they are focusing on 3 pillars: #mobility, #pollution & #energy. Over 60% of the population in Copenhagen bike as their daily transportation, and the government has invested $300 million to improving biking #infrastructure over the past 10 years. They have also improved the #water quality of the formerly industrial harbour, to a place where residents can now undertake recreational watersports. The biggest focus, however, out of those 3 pillars is ⚡️energy⚡️. They have implemented a district heating system, which captures leftover heat from #electricity production then distributes this through a network of pipes to homes across the city - 99% of households are linked to this heating system! They've also implemented a district cooling system, where the cold is distributed from the cool temperatures in the harbour. These two systems significantly reduce the electricity use to cool & heat buildings Our Director Georgia O’Connor was fortunate enough to visit this forward-thinking city in February. "It was so refreshing to visit Copenhagen last month. Biking was by far the fastest (and most enjoyable) form of transport, with dedicated cycle lanes or paths across the whole city. You can feel the love the locals have for their city, and clearly see the massive investments that have been made to provide an increased standard of living." We'll be following Copenhagen's progress closely, and can't wait to see them smash their carbon neutral targets. Check out this great youtube clip from Freethink for more information about Copenhagen's sustainability initiatives: https://lnkd.in/ehNYdsj #copenhagen #activetransport #carbonneutral #sustainability

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗟-𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗨𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚: Taking a break in Gothenburg, I was captivated by its profound shift from a once-polluted port city to the world's most sustainable city according to Global Destination Sustainability Index #gds. Intrigued by this shift, I delved into the city's transformation and uncovered striking parallels with renowned teal practices in organizational management. It became evident that the principles of new work and progressive organizations extend beyond corporate meetings, effectively guiding urban planning towards greener horizons. Here are my three key insights from Gothenburg's journey: 𝟭. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Local governance here empowers community groups, mirroring the decentralized decision-making of Teal organizations. 𝟮. 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: The city's inclusive approach makes every resident a stakeholder in sustainability efforts. 𝟯. 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Gothenburg's dynamic climate goals reflect an evolving purpose that drives continuous improvement. It's incredible to see how teal principles, have helped turning a decaying city into a sustainability beacon with global recognition. 🌍💚 #Sustainability #TealOrganizations #Gothenburg #UrbanPlanning #progressiveorganizations #newwork

Lyon (France) leads the charge towards sustainable mobility and inclusive urban spaces! Since 2020, Lyon's 'rues des enfants' program has transformed over 60 school surroundings, engaging 15,000 children in the process. Through innovative designs and traffic calming measures, Lyon is creating safer, greener, and more inclusive streets for all. Experts, Urban Mobility Advocates, emphasize the program's vision: empowering children to reclaim and reimagine their city spaces. Lyon's ambitious projects extend beyond schools, with urban transformations in the Danton district and boulevard Garibaldi, including expanded cycling networks and innovative road safety initiatives. Lyon's commitment to Vision Zero and innovative parking policies further underscores its dedication to creating a safer and more sustainable urban environment. Lyon's inspiring initiatives set a powerful example for cities worldwide, demonstrating that sustainable mobility and inclusive urban planning are key to creating vibrant and resilient communities. For more about Lyon's inspiring initiatives and its movement for sustainable urban development: https://lnkd.in/dxVcixwX #SustainableMobility #InclusiveCities #UrbanTransformation #LyonLeadership #Eurocities #Lyon Eurocities

Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, is a shining example of how embracing clean transportation can transform a city. ✨ Once choked by car traffic and air pollution, it has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, earning the title of "world's most bicycle-friendly city." In the 1960s, Copenhagen experienced a surge in car ownership, leading to congestion, noise, and air pollution. Public health suffered, and the city's livability declined. Recognizing the need for change, city planners embarked on a bold vision: prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport, creating a car-free, sustainable city center. A multi-pronged approach was implemented: 🚴♂️ Cycling infrastructure: An extensive network of bike lanes, separated from traffic, was built, encouraging cycling for everyday commutes. 🚃 Public transport: Investments in efficient metros, buses, and trams provided convenient and affordable alternatives to cars. 🚓 Car restrictions: Congestion charges and car-free zones discouraged non-essential car use in the city center. 🚶♀️ Pedestrian-friendly spaces: Wide sidewalks, plazas, and green spaces prioritized pedestrians, creating a more pleasant and vibrant atmosphere. 🚀 The transformation has been remarkable: Cycling: Over 60% of Copenhageners now commute by bike, reducing traffic congestion and pollution significantly. Air quality: Air pollution has been drastically reduced, making Copenhagen one of the cleanest cities in Europe. Health and well-being: Increased physical activity and reduced pollution have led to improved public health and quality of life. Economy: The shift to clean transportation has attracted businesses and tourists, boosting the city's economy. Copenhagen's success story has inspired cities worldwide to adopt similar strategies. It demonstrates that prioritizing clean transportation is not just environmentally beneficial, but also economically and socially advantageous. 🌟 #story #success #successstory #copenhagengreenrevolution #cleantransportation #sustainablecities #renewableenergy #renewableresources #finulent #finulentsolutions

One of the world's most sustainable cities, Oslo, Norway's green capital, is becoming even more sustainable. The city has now been supplied with 76 MAN Lion's City E buses. These award-winning electric buses are providing low-noise local transport in Oslo's north-east and east. This area is known for its trendy neighbourhoods, abundant parks, museums and charming wooden houses. The Norwegian transport operator, Unibuss, has tailored these eBuses to meet specific needs. They have adapted the number of battery packs and equipped the eBuses with the more efficient CO2 air conditioning system. Additionally, the buses include numerous assistance systems like MAN OptiView and a 360° bird's eye view, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. After two years of preparation, we at MAN are proud to contribute to Oslo's green goals. The city aims to be the world's first emission-free city. Zero-emission local transport is a key milestone in this journey. Learn more: https://go.man/wi0CERo3 #MANTruckAndBus #MANBus #MANLionsCityE #eMobility #Sustainability #Oslo #Norway

🇸🇮 Ljubljana has has shown that a sustainable and livable city center is not only possible but also beneficial for both the economy and quality of life. 🚶♂️🌳 In 2007, Mayor Zoran Janković faced skepticism for his bold vision of reducing car traffic in the heart of the city. The results have been impressive, earning #Ljubljana the title of Europe’s Green Capital in 2016 for its achievements in ecological urban development. ➡️ 620% increase in pedestrian zones ➡️ 70% reduction in emissions ➡️ A boom in visitors and residents Despite some concerns that fewer cars would hurt local businesses, shops are now busier than ever. Ljubljana’s success lies in its investment in green infrastructure: bike lanes, bike-sharing, public transportation, and solutions like electric mini-shuttles for people with limited mobility. In the United States 🇺🇸, many cities remain car-dominated. The potential for a similar transformation is huge: cities could adopt an improved multimodal transport system where micro-EVs, including 𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀, play a key role. 🔋 What can cities like #NewYork learn from Ljubljana’s model to foster a more sustainable and "human-centric" urban environment?

Ljubljana stands as a model for sustainable and smart city development in Adria. The capital of Slovenia shows how innovative urban planning and sustainability can forge a path to a resilient and future-focused city. 💚The city's commitment to preserving green spaces and implementing sustainable solutions—long before they became global priorities—has positioned Ljubljana as a model for others. It all started with Vision Ljubljana 2025, which was determined in 2007. Since then, the city has implemented more than 1,700 projects to improve the quality of life for its citizens. 🌲 The city’s ambitious initiatives include closing the city centre to motorized traffic, resulting in a vast pedestrian-friendly area spanning over 100,000 m². This shift has led to a 70% reduction in black carbon concentration, significantly improving air quality. Ljubljana’s commitment to green spaces is evident, with 542 m² of public green areas per inhabitant and nearly 75% of the city covered by green spaces. Ljubljana’s sustainable mobility strategies, such as electric car-sharing programs and the promotion of local food supply chains, further underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. These efforts illustrate how integrating cultural heritage with innovative technology and citizen engagement can create a resilient, future-ready city. As cities in the Adria region and beyond seek to balance growth with sustainability, Ljubljana offers a compelling blueprint for urban transformation. #SmartCities #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #GreenCities #AdriaRegion

Fascinating look at how sustainable global transport can be. Institute for Transportation and Development Policy debuted its first annual Atlas of Sustainable City Transport, an interactive map that ranks more than 1000 cities on nine metrics that measure factors such as percentage of residents safe from highways, proximity to transportation amenities, and rapid transport with surprising results.   Where does your city rank? Bloomberg https://bloom.bg/3zzmYZr #sustainability #transportation #mobility