Once a green capital, always a green capital: Oslo’s continued path to sustainability

In 2019, Oslo earned the prestigious title of European Green Capital, recognised for its bold climate initiatives and innovative urban planning. Five years later, the city’s progress is highlighted in its five-year report, demonstrating Oslo’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Oslo’s master plan guides the building of a greener, better city, focusing on improving urban transport, protecting nature and enhancing quality of life for everyone. The city has already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 28% since 2009, and emissions from municipal operations have been reduced by an impressive 86% since 2012. With projects like zero-emission construction and restoring natural habitats, Oslo shows how collaboration between the government and community can make a big difference.

In 2020, Oslo introduced a climate plan with a bold goal: to cut emissions by 95% by 2030. The plan addresses emission reductions by protecting forests, saving energy and preparing for climate challenges. By 2025, Oslo will also implement projects addressing leaky dams to prevent flooding and boost biodiversity.

Oslo’s green transport revolution

Electric cars now account for 40% of private vehicles, with 90% of new car sales in 2024 being electric. By 2026, nearly all buses will be electric, making public transport even more sustainable.

More people are walking and cycling: in 2023, 40% of trips were made on foot. For those who still need cars, the city’s growing car-sharing program provides nearly 1 000 dedicated spots. Even ships are reducing emissions with the use of shore power at ports.

Nature, biodiversity and air quality

Oslo is enhancing its landscape by creating meadows to boost biodiversity and support pollinators. In 2024, 26 flower meadows were monitored for local wildflowers and pesticide use.

To protect marine life, the city is also cleaning the Oslo Fjord, removing 130 tonnes of waste and 500 fishing gear sets in the last two years.

Since 2019, air quality has improved due to reduced emissions from road transport and more electric vehicles. A new air quality action plan will be adopted in June 2025.

Waste production

From 2019 to 2023, there was a decrease in household waste. Over 1 500 tonnes of secondhand items were distributed from the city’s reuse facilities. Encouraging individuals to resale and reuse contributed to reduction of discarded secondhand items.

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For those interested in diving deeper into Oslo’s sustainability journey, several related resources are worth exploring . Oslo's 2017 application for the European Green Capital Award (EGCA) offers insight into the city’s original vision that secured this prestigious recognition. Oslo's presentation from 2019 highlights innovative initiatives and ambitious future plans.

The EGCA Technical Assessment Synopsis Report for the 2019 award cycle details the evaluation process and explains why Oslo stood out from other cities. Additionally, the Oslo Post-Assessment Report 2019, completed right after their winning year, reflects on the city’s achievements and impacts following its win.