City climate plan in Copenhagen wins prestigious award

Copenhagen has won the INDEX: Award 2013 for a city climate plan which provides a pro-active framework for sustainable design solutions in the future.

The capital city of Denmark's Climate Adaptation Plan will assist Copenhagen in adapting to the effects of climate change by developing climate-proof projects. On Thursday August 29th, the plan won in the COMMUNITY category of the world’s largest design awards, the INDEX: Award 2013.

The award has confirmed Copenhagen as a front runner when it comes to sustainable and innovative meetings management and a pioneer when it comes to preparing for future environmental sustainability.

The adaptation plan is closely connected to Copenhagen’s other key plans for green, sustainable, social, and economic development. Together, the plans serve as the framework for hundreds of Danish designers, architects and engineers currently working on designing solutions for a vibrant and resilient metropolis of the 21st century.

The INDEX: Award jury's reasons for choosing Copenhagen as the recipient of this year's award were numerous. In a year where climate adaptation plans are mandatory throughout Denmark - as well as a central focus of city administrations around the world - the Copenhagen Climate Adaptation Plan really stood out, with its main focus on considering flooding and climate adaptation as a resource rather than a problem, benefiting businesses and citizens alike.

By rethinking climate adaptations as a whole via in-depth analyses, the Danish capital will use excess water as a vital resource - while implementing flexible design solutions that reduce construction work and save money for the city.