Frederiksberg Municipality has set the ambitious goal of becoming CO2-neutral as early as 2030 - five years ahead of the original plan. As Denmark's most densely populated municipality with 104,300 inhabitants spread across just 8.7 km2, Frederiksberg faces unique climate challenges that require innovative solutions adapted to its particular urban situation. In 2018, the municipality emitted a total of 188,000 tonnes of CO2, corresponding to just 1.8 tonnes per capita - significantly below the national average of 8.4 tonnes (p. 38). The distribution of emissions reflects Frederiksberg's character as a dense urban municipality: 35% comes from electricity, 35% from heating, 17% from transport and 13% from other sources such as waste (p. 38). The remarkably low level is due to the absence of agriculture and heavy industry as well as nearly 100% district heating coverage based on biomass and waste. What is particularly challenging about Frederiksberg's climate work is the extreme urban density combined with geographic isolation. The municipality sits on Frederiksberg Bakke, surrounded by Copenhagen on all sides, meaning total dependence on neighbours to channel cloudburst water away. With 96% built-up area and limited infiltration options, all climate solutions must be integrated into the existing urban fabric (pp. 26-27). The most critical planned measures focus on the supply area, where the municipality's 100% ownership of Frederiksberg Forsyning provides direct influence. CTR must convert peak and reserve load to heat pumps and electric boilers to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2025, while DKK 315 million is being invested over five years in energy renovation of municipal buildings (pp. 45-46). In the transport area, the aim is to become "Denmark's EV City No. 1" with a charging guarantee so all residents have charging options within 250 metres of their home (p. 50). However, significant challenges remain. In 2030, there will still be a shortfall of 47,000 tonnes of CO2 that must be covered by compensatory measures outside the municipal boundary (p. 63). The transport sector in particular is difficult to fully convert, as it depends on national policy and citizens' purchasing behaviour. At the same time, the municipality depends on uncertain technologies such as CO2 capture on waste incineration developing as expected. Citizen and business engagement builds on Frederiksberg's strong tradition of collaboration. The new Sustainability Laboratory in partnership with Station will involve citizens, businesses and the many educational institutions in developing concrete climate solutions. The Sustainability Council with external experts advises on strategic priorities, while practical projects such as "green flag" for all public schools and collaboration with social housing associations on waste sorting ensure broad anchoring (pp. 10-11). The municipality acknowledges that the ambition of CO2 neutrality by 2030 can only be realised through close interplay between municipal governance, utility companies' investments and citizens' active participation in the green transition.

Source: DK2020 Frederiksberg - Frederiksberg Kommunes Pariskompatible klimaplan (2020)