Amsterdam- Sustainable City in the Making

As the cruise boat maneuvers around the canals of Amsterdam, one cannot help but marvel at the beauty of the city. Amsterdam- the city hosting the 3rd Global Reporting Initiative conference on Sustainability and transparency aims to become one of the most sustainable cities in the world by 2020. With a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 40% by 2025, the city has left no leaf unturned to reach its targets.

While launching the City of Amsterdam Sustainability Report 2009, Ms. Eveline Jonkhoff, Senior Advisor Sustainability spoke about the ambitious climate and sustainability strategies of the city. With 50% of the residents using bicycles as their means of transport, Amsterdam boasts of the longest bicycle zone in the world. The rest of the residents use public transport and private cars for commuting, and by 2040 the city expects to have only 100% emission free electric vehicles powered by green sources of energy.

The picturesque buildings are the cultural heritage of the city and by 2015, the city aims to have only climate neutral new buildings powered by clean energy sources instead of fossil fuels. For existing buildings as well, the city runs a highly popular 'Sun Over your Roof' program providing subsidies for residents opting for solar panels on their roof.

Mr. Harmen Veldman, Manager Innovation Centre, Amsterdam Waste and Energy Company spoke of their one of a kind facility exemplary for its 30% electrical efficiency and product maximization from waste. 48% of this energy produced is derived from biomass and is hence sustainable in nature mainly used for district heating purposes. The total electricity produced by the plant is enough to cover the electricity needs of about three quarters of the households.