Cool City #3: Reykjavik, Iceland
March 10, 2009 · Posted in Architecture Around the World
Andreas Tille
Reykjavik, Iceland comes in as Cool City #4. Though there’s no order to the way these cities are coming to you on The Architecture Program, Reykjavik was rated #1 by HowStuffWorks.com and Grist.com. Some of the incredible actions that this city is taking are:
- Zero fossil fuel by 2050 (using hydrogen instead)
- 72% of total energy needs for the city, currently, come from renewable sources
- Free electricity for electric vehicles
- Free parking for environmentally friendly cars, footpaths will be broadened and the number of drinking fountains and benches increased
- Takes part in Nordic Cities Environmental Indicators Project, which monitors specific environmental parameters
- 500,000 trees will be planted within the city limits
- Pledging to become the cleanest city in Europe
All of these comprise what is called the “Green Steps of Reykjavik.” Not much of a wonder that it’s ranked as one of the greenest, if not the greenest, city in the world.
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