Copenhagen, Denmark

I arrived in Copenhagen in May of 2002, and spent nearly a month enjoying this delightful city.  In the Vesterbro district of Copenhagen, an enormous residential renovation project was in the final year of a ten year process that ultimately renovated 23 city blocks, and redefined the image of the entire district.

Vesterbro is a mixed-use district right in the center of Copenhagen.  If you arrive by train (as most do) you will arrive in Vesterbro.  Unfortunately, Vesterbro is renowned for it's "red light" qualities... drugs, prostitution, and run-down buildings.  90% of the buildings were built between 1850 and 1900, and they are all composed of five to six story housing blocks.  Before the renovation, the housing standard was very low.  64% of the apartments had no central heating, 71% had no shower or bath, and 11% of the apartments did not have a toilet.

I found an astonishing amount of information about sustainable living in Copenhagen.  Danes, on the whole, seem to have a clear understanding about what sustainability means, and how it personally impacts their lives.  I am sure that many Danes would disagree with me on this point, but given my American point-of-reference, I can't help but give them credit.