How European innovation gave our family's white Christmas an inspiring green twist.

Over the holidays, I travelled to Europe with my family for our long-awaited white Christmas. As we explored the UK, Norway, and Denmark, we marvelled at the unique innovations and practices that set these European countries apart. From reviving heritage with a modern twist to embracing cycling and green initiatives, there's so much we can learn from our European counterparts.

Here's a glimpse into what we saw and how it could inspire and enrich our communities in Australia.

1. Reviving History with a Modern Twist - Battersea Power Station, London

One of the city’s largest and most visionary new developments, the Battersea Power Station area is a spectacular collision of London’s past and future. This former industrial brownfield site isn't just any redevelopment; it's a 42-acre wonderland where industrial charm meets contemporary living, buzzing with homes, restaurants, and vibrant spaces. At its core, the iconic Power Station has been transformed into a hub of creativity and innovation, including Apple's London Campus, a glass chimney lift and hundreds of shopping and dining options, surrounded by lush parkland and the Thames' iconic views.

2. Cycling as a Way of Life - Copenhagen's Masterclass

Cycling in Copenhagen is more than transportation; it's a lifestyle embraced by all ages. Residents cycle 1.44 million kilometres daily and 49% of commutes to work or school are by bike, up from 35% ten years ago, thanks to continuous investment in cycling infrastructure.

What drives Copenhagen's residents to choose cycling in any weather boils down to a singular critical element: infrastructure. The city offers a safe, simple network of bike paths for all ages and skill levels, designed with Danish minimalism and functionality.

Key to this infrastructure is marked lanes, curb-separated cycle tracks, making navigation intuitive for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles alike, and off-street paths through parks and along waterways for varied cycling experiences. These measures, along with a low accident rate and growing safety perception, are why Copenhagen's ranks as the world’s top cycling capital.

3. Turning Waste into Wonder - Scandinavia's Green Innovation

Scandinavia shines in sustainable waste management, turning trash into energy with incredible efficiency. ARC, serving the Danish capital, is a case study in comprehensive waste management. From collection to recycling and safe disposal of hazardous materials, its efforts support several local municipalities in achieving environmental sustainability.

More than a waste-to-energy facility, Amagar ARC's CopenHill is a model of "hedonistic sustainability," offering activities like skiing, hiking, and climbing. It's also targeting carbon capture, aiming to remove 500,000 tonnes of CO2 and highlighting Copenhagen’s commitment to blending sustainability with recreational opportunities.

In Norway, we explored Bergen's cutting-edge automated waste collection system, launched in October 2023 by the city, BIR, and Envac. This system addresses storage and truck accessibility challenges in Bergen's historic narrow streets using vacuum technology to transport waste through an underground pipe system to a central facility, sorting it into containers for further treatment. It not only streamlines waste handling but also enhances the city's sustainability, aiming to connect over 30,000 households. Envac's technology segregates waste into four categories: paper, plastic, carboard and rest, improving community recycling rates.

4. The Seamless Symphony of the Copenhagen Metro

Owned jointly by the City of Copenhagen (50 %), the Danish Government (41.7 %) and the City of Frederiksberg (8.3 %), the Copenhagen Metro is a marvel of modern transit. Offering seamless, efficient travel through the city, its driverless trains, frequent services, and the collective ownership model represent a commitment to accessible and sustainable urban transportation. Riding the Metro, you can't help but admire how it effortlessly connects the city, making every destination within easy reach.

5. Embracing Nature with Green Roofs and Recreation - Copenhagen's Urban Oasis

In 2010, Copenhagen embarked on a green revolution, adopting a groundbreaking policy that required all new municipal buildings with roof slopes under 30 degrees to install green roofs. These living roofs not only beautify the city but also leverage green roofs for environmental benefits like rainwater retention and heat absorption, integrating these into Copenhagen's sustainability efforts. As a result, green roofs have become a hallmark of the city's architecture, embodying its commitment to a sustainable future with 200,000 square meters installed citywide.

Copenhagen's innovative use of urban spaces contributes to its goal to be the first carbon-neutral city by 2025, while transforming the city into a hub for environmental learning and recreation.

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