A Glimpse into Copenhagen's Kalvebod Food School

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A Glimpse into Copenhagen’s Kalvebod Food School

A Glimpse into Copenhagen’s Kalvebod Food School

A story by Mark Watts, C40 Executive Director.

In a world where sustainable practices are becoming increasingly crucial, Copenhagen emerges as a beacon of inspiration with its innovative approach to sustainable food within its educational institutions. C40 Executive Director, Mark Watts, embarked on a transformative journey as he visited the Kalvebod Food School in Copenhagen accompanied by the Head of Chef, Daniel Thillerup. This visit not only shed light on the remarkable strides the city has made in reducing carbon emissions associated with school meals but also unveiled the pivotal role played by children in shaping menus, preparing meals, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

Themes

Food Education

Food Waste

SDG 13

SDG 2

SDG 3

Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its educational institutions. Over the years, the city has emerged as a global leader in urban environmental initiatives, from promoting cycling as a primary mode of transportation to harnessing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Lord Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen’s unwavering dedication to combating climate change underscores Copenhagen’s proactive stance in addressing environmental challenges.

As we navigate the complexities of urban sustainability, Copenhagen serves as a shining example of what’s possible when visionary leadership, community engagement, and innovative solutions converge. Through initiatives like the Kalvebod Food School, the city not only reduces its carbon footprint but also nurtures a generation of environmentally conscious citizens poised to shape a more sustainable future.

In essence, Copenhagen’s journey towards sustainable food practices is not just about transforming diets; it’s about catalyzing a cultural shift towards a more equitable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable society. As Mark Watts witnessed firsthand, the seeds of change planted in Copenhagen’s classrooms have the potential to yield a harvest of progress that extends far beyond its borders, inspiring cities worldwide to embrace the transformative power of sustainable food systems.

Copenhagen

Nestled on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand, Copenhagen, the vibrant capital of Denmark, seamlessly blends rich history with modernity. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, the city is ranked as one of the most liveable place. Copenhagen’s ambitious strategy, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in the next few years (emissions have already dropped by 80% since 2009), sets a remarkable standard for environmental stewardship, positioning itself as a pioneer in eco-friendly urban development.

From promoting cycling as a primary mode of transportation, like the Cykelslangen (Cycle Snake) elevated bicycle bridge that connects different parts of the city while providing safer routes, to investing in renewable energy sources, like the harbour ferries that since 2020 have been C02-neutral, from implementing green infrastructure projects, like green roofs and walls, to implementing wastewater management, like Sustainable Drinage System (SuDS) of the Nyhavn (“New Harbour”), Copenaghen serves as one of the best models for sustainable urban living, inspiring other metropolises worldwide to follow suit in the fight against climate change.