Oslo: Ecology as a territorial marketing strategy?
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- 25 févr. 2019
- 3 min de lecture
In 2019, the city of Oslo received the "Green Capital 2019" award. Oslo wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020 and by 95% around 2030. In order to achieve such results, the Norwegian capital has embarked on a sustainable urban policy.
Created in 2006 by the European Commission, the European Green Capital Award aims to encourage the preservation of the environment in cities.
From the global to the local level: a decentralization of goals
This urban policy is the result of a decentralization of global goals. Norway wishes to be an exemplary country in the implementation of its international commitments. The government has set a multitude of targets to reduce carbon emissions. It is committed to controlling the global temperature increase below 2°C. In addition, the Norwegian authorities have committed to helping "vulnerable" countries to cope with climate change. In 1990, an article aimed at "ensuring a healthy environment" and protecting it for "future generations" was even added to the Norwegian Constitution.
In addition, these national guidelines to protect the environment promote environmental policies at the regional and municipal levels. The city of Oslo, for example, has its own Agenda 21. To this extent, the municipality has set up an "Urban Ecology Program" for the period 2011 - 2026. Among its many goals are the reduction of noise and air pollution, the establishment of a self-sufficient public transport system, the construction of urban environments that respect the principles of environmental protection and the development of an eco-efficient local administration.
Decentralization of international commitments: from the global to the local level.
In practice, the capital has "green" projects. The tourist notices this as soon as he arrives at the airport. The design of this infrastructure is based on green building principles. For example, snow is stored in winter and used in summer to cool the buildings.
The world's greenest terminal (Oslo Airport). It is certified by BREEAM Excellent.
A strategy to improve competitiveness
However, this approach hides marketing interests. By appearing as a green city, Oslo is gaining recognition in terms of sustainable development on the international scene. Thus, sustainable development becomes a significant asset in attracting capital and business flows.
Oslo is even trying to export its urban development model internationally. It can be a profound source of inspiration for other cities. The latter can be part of international networks or participate in inter-city study tours. For example, the Oslo City Council's Planning and Development Commission visited Paris in April 2018. The objective of the visit was to exchange ideas on the development of sustainable cities with the city of Paris in particular. This meeting is part of Parisian urban projects such as "Réinventer la Scène.”
The city of Oslo in search of international recognition
In short, Olso has acquired a certain legitimacy on the international scene thanks to its environmental commitments. According to Oslo City Hall's website, the capital is committed to pursuing ambitious goals in green governance and environmental protection, with the aim of serving as a model (alongside other Scandinavian cities) for the international community.
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