Rødovre Kommune has set an ambitious target of reducing CO2 emissions by 70 percent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As a densely built urban municipality of just 12.1 square kilometres without agriculture or forestry, Rødovre faces unique climate challenges that require innovative solutions tailored to the particular conditions of urban life. Today, Rødovre Kommune emits 140,000 tonnes of CO2e annually, equivalent to 3.6 tonnes per capita. The greatest challenge lies in the energy and transport sectors, which together account for 61 percent of total emissions. Electricity contributes 29 percent, while transport constitutes 32 percent of emissions. The municipality's heat supply, which currently covers 51 percent of heating needs through district heating, represents a further 32 percent of CO2 emissions. Rødovre's climate challenge differs markedly from other Danish municipalities. As a transit municipality with Motorring 3 and several major through-roads, Rødovre experiences significant transit traffic that affects local air quality and the CO2 accounts. At the same time, nearly half of the housing stock consists of social housing, which creates particular opportunities for coordinated energy renovations and climate adaptation projects. The municipality's compact size and high population density also mean that nearly all green areas are private, making the engagement of citizens and housing associations crucial to the climate targets. The most impactful planned measures focus on a full expansion of the district heating network by 2030, where the municipality expects a connection rate of 50 percent. The project is to displace approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and is supported by new initiatives such as district heating by subscription and reduced connection fees. At the same time, the municipality is investing heavily in green transport through an ambitious EV charging station strategy and a doubling of the cycling share on trips under five kilometres from 20 to 40 percent. The planned BRT project will create a rapid bus connection in a dedicated corridor through the municipality and strengthen public transport as an alternative to car use. The greatest challenge consists of the transport sector's continued growth. Although the municipality is implementing extensive green mobility measures, transport is expected to become the dominant CO2 source in 2030 due to increasing commuting and through-traffic. The municipality acknowledges that it is dependent on national decisions on vehicle standards and infrastructure investments to fully resolve this challenge. In addition, the climate adaptation projects require ongoing coordination with neighbouring municipalities, particularly around the Harrestrup Å collaboration. Citizen and business engagement builds on Rødovre's tradition of strong communities through a 16-member Climate Committee with representatives from citizens, businesses, and associations. The municipality will establish partnerships with key actors such as Rødovre Centrum and the housing associations, while new initiatives such as energy guidance for private homes and biodiversity experts in private gardens will engage citizens directly in the green transition.

Source: Klimahandlingsplan (2022)