Home to around 700,000 residents, Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing capitals and a leader in sustainable urban development. Addressing climate change is a top priority for the city, which has set ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach these goals, Oslo has implemented a range of integrated climate measures, with a particular focus on zero-emissions transport. Often referred to as the electric vehicle capital of the world, the city has seen electric vehicles make up 30% of all new car sales. Complementing this shift, Oslo has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, expanded public transport, established car-free zones, and introduced incentives for electric vehicle adoption. These actions not only support Oslo’s climate ambitions but also help reduce air and noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner and more liveable urban environment.
Oslo is also a leader in fostering innovation and creating new opportunities within the circular economy. The city is at the forefront of maximising resource efficiency, utilising biogas generated from bio-waste and municipal sewage to fuel city buses and waste collection trucks. To further involve the community in its climate efforts, Oslo established the ‘Business for Climate Network’, promoting collaboration among businesses, citizens and NGOs to address the environmental impact of commercial activities.
A standout initiative in Oslo’s climate strategy is the introduction of the ‘Climate Budget’ in 2016. This pioneering approach comprises 42 measures across three key sectors: energy and the built environment, transport and resource management. Unique in its methodology, the Climate Budget treats carbon dioxide emissions with the same rigour as a financial budget, quantifying and monitoring emissions to ensure accountability. This innovative budgeting tool has become a cornerstone of Oslo’s strategy to achieve its 50% emissions reduction target by 2020.
Read more
For more information on Oslo’s sustainability initiatives and achievements, you can visit the official Green Capital 2019 website. Detailed insights into Oslo’s environmental strategies can be found in Oslo’s application and Oslo’s presentation, while the EGCA Technical Assessment Synopsis Report – Award Cycle 2019 and the Oslo Post-Assessment Report 2019 provide comprehensive evaluations of the city’s performance. To see highlights from key events, you can view the photos from the award ceremony – 2017. Progress updates are available in the Oslo 1-Year Report and 5-Year Report Oslo, offering a closer look at how the city has advanced its sustainability goals over time.