The main criterion when choosing a place of residence is the environmental cleanliness of the city. Today, more and more cities are striving to get to the top positions in the ranking of the greenest cities. By what criteria is the ecological cleanliness of a city determined? What can be assessed visually, without complex laboratory tests?

Firstly, it is the presence of green spaces that improve and purify the air. Secondly, the use of modern technologies for waste collection and recycling. The ecological cleanliness of a city also depends on how correctly electricity and natural resources are used. Equally important is respect for nature, environmentally friendly modes of transport and the presence of regular bicycle paths. And yet the greenest city is determined by the amount of vegetation. I wonder which city in Russia was awarded this title?

Ufa is considered the greenest city in the Russian Federation, located on the banks of the longest river in Bashkortostan called Belaya. The city is located on the northern border of the forest-steppe subzone. Despite the fact that Ufa belongs to the temperate climate zone, the weather conditions here are close to the continental climate. So throughout the year, you can see how the winter frosts are replaced by a brightly colorful summer. In the summer, Ufa comes alive: people are constantly walking in parks and squares (and there are a huge number of them here), because the weather at this time of year is sunny and warm. The city has a botanical garden, a golden grove, dozens of named parks and groves, occupying a significant part of the area. From above, Ufa resembles a spread palette of bright colors due to the abundance of growing trees: oaks, rowan trees and fragrant lindens (the most valuable honey plants). The shrubs are dominated by wild rose (wild rose), hawthorn and fragrant jasmine. There are also spruce forests, the aroma of which is certainly sought after by vacationers.

Ufa, unlike many Russian cities, is distinguished by its elongated territory, this is due to its geographical location. According to this indicator, the capital of Bashkortostan is second only to Volgograd and the resort city of the Krasnodar Territory - Sochi. The numbering of houses in the central part of the city decreases from east to west and from north to south. The report comes from the river, because the historical growth of streets began precisely from the water.

Ufa deservedly bears the title of the greenest city in the Russian Federation, because there are 202 m2 of green space per person. In addition, the capital of Bashkortostan is considered the most spacious large populated area in the country; in terms of area, only 6 cities are ahead of it: Zapolyarny, Norilsk, Sochi, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Perm.

Despite the many green spaces, the urban ecology suffers from a high concentration of organizations producing industrial products (plants, factories). The city government attaches great importance to organizational measures aimed at reducing the absolute and specific impact on the environment. Despite the constant development of industry, there is a decrease in the volume of emissions of harmful substances from non-mobile technological units. In addition, the situation with wastewater is also improving: over the past few years, the volume of poorly neutralized wastewater discharges has decreased by 1%.

It was possible to achieve success and increase the efficiency of environmental protection measures only thanks to the construction of treatment facilities and their re-equipment. After the reconstruction, the cleaning efficiency increased significantly. And since the launch of the fourth block of engineering structures in sewerage and water supply systems, in which wastewater is treated, the daily figure has increased by 500 thousand m3. The improved system is aimed at biological treatment of wastewater and disinfection using ultraviolet light. Thanks to the launch of a mechanical dewatering and drying workshop, it was possible to stop the discharge of contaminated wastewater into the watercourse. After the work to modernize the system and restore the units by the Ufavodokanal organization, it became possible to switch the wastewater. Many enterprises are trying to maintain the environmental safety of the city, but the canning plant, Progress Production Association, Dubitel OJSC and Soliton are most concerned about this issue. Following them, other enterprises began constructing new treatment facilities: NPO Immunopreparat, Pharmstandard-Ufavita OJSC, Microgen and UPPO.

The development of oil and gas processing, mechanical engineering, pharmacology, food and light industry was the reason for obtaining the status of a large industrial center. There are over 160 industrial enterprises located on the territory of Ufa.

Anyone who has visited Bashkortostan will definitely confirm that Ufa is one of the most stunning cities, where technological progress, extraordinary landscape and architecture are flawlessly combined. The oil refining industry and transport interchanges did not become an obstacle in the fight for the title of the greenest city.

World of travel

1998

22.07.14 11:38

An increasing number of megacities on the planet are claiming the title of the greenest city on Earth. People have finally realized what kind of disaster their vigorous activity can lead to, and are striving to correct their mistakes.

The greenest cities in the world

Canada and USA

The authorities of Vancouver, Canada have developed a long-term plan - if it is strictly followed, then by 2020 this city will become the greenest in the world. In particular, in the metropolis they want to switch to environmentally friendly building materials, replace fossil fuels with water, solar and wind energy and significantly reduce the amount of waste.

In Portland, America, the length of bike paths is 400 km. This is one of the cleanest cities in the country. Plastic bags are banned here, and many residents are switching to almost subsistence farming, cultivating gardens and raising bees and chickens. The use of renewable energy sources here is 33%, and the air here is also clean.

220 parks for 840 thousand citizens is an impressive figure, right? San Francisco is also one of the US leaders among environmental activists. And this city does not use plastic bags, and it is the leader in the United States in solar energy consumption. There is a recycling program: the amount of recycled materials has increased (up to 77%), which means there is less garbage in the metropolis.

South American giants

Brazilian Curitiba is proud that it has 50 square meters per person. m of green space (more than one and a half million trees were planted along the roads here not long ago). And the cleanliness of the streets is monitored by landscaping workers hired from among the poor - and people are settled in, and the city has become more tidy. The percentage of recycled waste in Curitiba has already reached 70%. Those contractors who include “green zones” in their projects receive tax benefits.

The capital of Colombia, Bogota, is the largest city on the South American continent (about 8 million inhabitants). But this does not prevent it from being the greenest on the mainland. The construction of new bicycle paths, widespread tree planting, optimization of transport interchanges - all this makes the city more comfortable and cleaner. They even declared a car-free day - every February 1st, drivers are not allowed to drive.

Thrifty Scandinavians

Everything is great with the environment in many Scandinavian cities.

Taking care of the environment in Norway's densely populated capital. Oslo has the lowest carbon emissions in Europe. Garbage is burned here, and 140 buses run on biofuel. The residents themselves are very responsible: you will not see a single dropped piece of paper on the streets - in Oslo they zealously monitor cleanliness.

In 2010, Sweden's Stockholm was named the green capital of the world. Carbon emissions here are much lower than the European average (3.4 tons instead of 10 tons). 40% of the city is occupied by green spaces, and considerable funds from the local budget are spent on the environment.

Solar panels and the predominant use of hydroelectric power for another Swedish city - Malmö - are no longer new. And 40% of residents prefer to ride bicycles to work.

In Iceland and Denmark

Reykjavik is another contender for the title of greenest city. In the capital of Iceland, natural resources (hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers) are successfully used to heat houses. It's cheap and environmentally friendly. They are also fighting air pollution - more and more people want to switch to cars that do not pollute the atmosphere with exhaust gases.

The Danish capital can be called a city of cyclists. 1 million 700 thousand Copenhageners happily switched to this type of transport. And 32 thousand houses are powered by windmills. Tax breaks are provided for owners of electric vehicles and those restaurant owners who prepare food from local organic products.

We all have something to learn from the inhabitants of all these cities, don’t we?

Why is it very important for a city to be green, i.e. environmentally friendly? The sustainability of energy resources is important for the survival of our future generations. The green movement is the only solution for a brighter tomorrow. There are many cities around the world that are dedicating large areas to green space and environmental projects, introducing renewable energy, promoting cycling or walking, and actively participating in recycling. I present to your attention a selection of the 10 greenest cities in the world.

Oslo, Norway

The Norwegian capital Oslo is surrounded by forested hills and lakes. Out of 454 square kilometers of total area, 242 square kilometers of this green city area is covered with dense forest. In fact, more than two-thirds of the city of Oslo are protected natural areas. Stricter environmental legislation in the city aims to preserve natural resources and natural beauty. Within Oslo there are a large number of parks, open areas and 343 lakes. The city government has a mission to make Oslo hydrocarbon neutral by 2020. Producing biogas from organic waste and sewage only confirms how close Oslo has come to this goal. Oslo also has over 700 public charging stations for electric vehicles. Electric taxis and buses will be introduced in the coming years.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is one of the greenest cities in Europe. This city is made up of more than 310 islands, some of which are famous for their picturesque sandy beaches. The government plans to build coastal parks to generate wind energy, designed to fully provide the city with electricity. Local residents are completely satisfied with Helsinki's air quality, but the use of renewable energy could improve air quality to new heights. The city's main environmental principles are aimed at protecting its natural environment and natural resources. Helsinki is also known for its high recycling rate. This not only reduces pollution, but also replenishes the city's energy needs. In the field of transport, citizens most often choose cycling or walking.

San Francisco, USA

High levels of waste recycling are the main reason for San Francisco's rise to the list of the world's greenest cities. The city government has a mission to make the city waste-free by 2020. Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned in the city since 2007. Effective environmental programs and policies in San Francisco actively encourage the use of renewable energy. In the near future, the city relies primarily on renewable energy sources, including solar energy, wind energy, biofuels and other sources. In this way, the city can become even greener and healthier than before. San Francisco also has a number of programs to encourage communities to use bicycles and electric vehicles. All these measures not only help you save money, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

London, England

It is quite difficult to maintain green areas in a large city. Surprisingly, half of London is covered in greenery and covers 14,164 hectares of green space, including parks, wildlife habitats, nature reserves and gardens. These green spaces guarantee better biodiversity, no flooding, less pollution and better air quality. The Kent Wind Farm in South East England is the largest offshore wind farm in the world, supplying electricity to the UK capital. This large wind farm produces enough energy to power 25% of all London homes. This renewable energy project also significantly reduces the city's carbon emissions. Actively promoting renewable energy and new green projects will make the city completely green by the next decade. You can also see hundreds of hybrid buses on the streets of London. In the coming years, even more of these buses will begin to operate around the city.

Reykjavik, Iceland

The Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik has the largest geothermal heating system in the world. In total, there are 30 active volcanoes in the country, the energy of which is used for heating. Icelanders rely mainly on hydrothermal energy rather than fossil fuels. In fact, 100 percent of Reykjavík's electricity needs are met by hydrogeothermal energy sources. The city's high availability of geothermal energy also satisfies the hot water needs of most residents. Using these renewable energy sources saves the city from excessive carbon emissions, making it completely green.

Curitiba, Brazil

The city of Curitiba in southern Brazil is known for its sophisticated urban planning. The city has 12 acres of green space per 1,000 residents, and a total of 400 square kilometers of green space. This creates better conditions for biodiversity, additional coolness and clean air. The popular Botanical Garden of Curitiba is home to 350,000 plant species. Curitiba's strict environmental laws protect its green spaces. Illegal logging and use of land with rare plant species is strictly prohibited. Curitiba is also famous for its efficient public transport system. Most of the population chooses buses to move around the city. This limits private car use and carbon emissions. Pedestrian paths and cycling routes are also widespread throughout Curitiba.

Vancouver, Canada

The coastal city of Vancouver is one of the greenest cities in the world. Renewable hydroelectric energy supplies 93% of the city's electrical requirements. Vancouver will continue to introduce more renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint to its lowest levels. The city government and residents have an ambitious vision to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world by 2020. They also formed an effective team called GCAT to achieve their mission faster. This mission also offers thousands of green business jobs. By 2020, they aim to plant more trees, improve air and water quality, promote local food production and increase recycling in the city. Nowadays, the city government is rapidly expanding Vancouver's cycling infrastructure. The number of electric vehicles and charging stations in the city is also increasing year after year.

Stockholm, Sweden

The picturesque city of Stockholm is dedicated to green living and cleanliness. Stockholm covers an area of ​​6519 square kilometers, one third of which is green area. The city has 12 large parks, and residents receive maximum support from the city government to develop green space on their land. Stockholm was also the first city to receive European Green Capital status in 2010. This Scandinavian city is also famous for recycling waste and converting it into biogas. The government is focusing on increasing biogas production in the next few years to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Stockholm officials want to make city biofuel free by 2050. According to reports, the city has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25% since 1990. The green city offers its residents and visitors eco-friendly urban transport and well-maintained cycling infrastructure. You can rent a city bike from hundreds of bike stations throughout Stockholm.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bicycles have been an integral part of the culture of the city of Amsterdam for many decades. This is the most common way of moving in the city, whose infrastructure combines networks of canals and narrow streets. An extensive network of cycling and pedestrian roads covers the whole of Amsterdam. In fact, there are more bicycles in cities than there are residents. On the streets of Amsterdam you can often find electric cars, which can be charged at any of the 300 stations in the city. The Netherlands is also included in the list of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world.


In 2009, the Amsterdam city government launched a special project called "Smart City". The main goal of this project is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and conserve energy. To achieve this goal, authorities encourage recycling, installation of solar panels, use of electric vehicles, and travel by bus and bicycle. Most city residents rely on solar panels and small wind generators for energy. Most households are also equipped with an energy-saving system to save energy.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Danish capital Copenhagen is considered one of the greenest and most bike-friendly cities in the world. The population of Copenhagen is 569,557 inhabitants. 50 percent of them prefer bicycles to cars. This is the most important form of transport in Copenhagen. As a result of the Danes' love of cycling, the city has very low carbon emissions. Biking and walking tours are the best way to explore this beautiful city. The city is trying to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2025. The Danes are also known for recycling and composting. This reduces energy consumption and environmental pollution. Copenhagen is focused on increasing the number of offshore wind turbines to reduce its use of oil and gas.


The Danes are building energy-efficient buildings to promote the concept of an eco-friendly city. These projects minimize energy losses in the heating and lighting process. The government is promoting the installation of advanced heating systems, new windows, solar panels and insulation in buildings. Copenhagen is also aiming to increase its use of biogas in the coming years, moving away from fossil fuels. It's no surprise that tourists can find plenty of green hotels in Copenhagen. More than 71 percent of hotel rooms in the city are labeled as environmentally friendly.

In continuation, read also about the most polluted cities on the planet in a separate selection.

November 12, 2016 | Categories: Places , Travel , Topper

9 Greenest Cities in the World

Reykjavik, Iceland
118 thousand people live in the Icelandic capital, which, together with residents of the suburbs, makes up 63% of the country's population. All heating and electricity in the city comes only from hydro- and geothermal sources, and city buses are fueled with hydrogen. According to estimates, by 2050 Reykjavik will be able to completely switch to renewable energy sources and become the cleanest city in Europe.

Malmo, Sweden
Malmö is known for its commitment to green technologies. Thus, all energy in the Western Harbor comes from renewable sources, and local transport runs on biofuel. The Sege Park area is powered not only by hydroelectric power plants, but also by photovoltaic panels. And Augustenborg is famous for its pollution-free city electric trains and its rooftop botanical gardens. In addition, Malmö is full of all kinds of parks, harbors and canals.

Portland, USA
This city is a US pioneer in environmental initiatives: the first legislative acts adopted there back in 1903 predated the fashion for a “green” lifestyle by almost 100 years. With 50 buildings that fully meet U.S. Green Building Council standards, 372 square kilometers of green space, and 120 kilometers of trails for joggers, hikers, and cyclists, this is what Portland looks like today.

Freiburg, Germany
A passion for environmental solutions arose in the city in the post-war years. Since 1986, they have consumed only locally produced energy, almost half the roofs in the city are covered with solar panels, houses are designed based on the latest environmental achievements, and the car-free center of Freiburg is famous throughout the world and attracts tourists.

Vancouver, Canada
Canada's third largest city and "Best City on Earth" according to the British magazine Economist has drawn up an environmental development program for the next 100 years. The city receives 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, more than half of all waste is recycled, and by 2020 local authorities plan to plant 150 thousand trees and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 33%. One of the city's main attractions is the greenest building in the country, the Vancouver Convention Centre, with 400 thousand plants on the roof.

Copenhagen, Denmark
The Danish capital sends 98% of its garbage for recycling, and since 2010, all roofs of city buildings are subject to mandatory landscaping. In 2006, Copenhagen already received the European Environmental Management Award for its clean waters and environmental planning system, and in 2014, Copenhagen will become the “Green Capital of Europe” for its merits in the field of environmental protection.

Barcelona, ​​Spain
Barcelona regularly updates its urban development plans, the first of which was adopted in 1859. So, back in the 90s, the authorities cleared and improved all coastal areas and abandoned areas, and are now switching public transport to biodiesel and electricity.

Bogota, Colombia
At the beginning of the 21st century, the city experienced major changes: 290 kilometers of bicycle paths were laid, bus routes were optimized and 1,200 hectares of green areas were restored. At one time, the former mayor of Bogota, Enrique Peñalosa, said that “a city can be built either for people or for cars, but not for both at the same time” (after which he sharply increased gasoline prices), and the current authorities, apparently, are guided by the same principle.

Curitiba, Brazil
99% of Curitibans would never move to another city - and they can be understood. Local contractors receive tax incentives if their projects include green space, and landowners receive tax incentives if they preserve 70 to 100 percent of existing forest on their property. Over 20 years, the area of ​​city gardens has increased 54 times, with 1.5 million trees planted along the highways by residents themselves, and herds of sheep monitor the length of the grass in 30 parks. The city also has a social program: poor families help remove garbage from city streets and send it for recycling, receiving food and bus tickets in return.

Skyscrapers powered by solar energy, gardens on the roofs of buildings, wind turbines - the green future is already here. In the world's progressive cities, gleaming high-rise buildings and plants rooted in the roofs of houses are no longer sci-fi visions of the future, but have become part of everyday life. In Chicago and Singapore, the money is being used to reduce urban sprawl, green cities, and shift to alternative energy sources. Travelers benefit from improvements in the urban environment: stunning new city parks and gardens are being created, organic restaurants and breweries producing organic beer are opening, and new environmentally friendly architectural principles are being established. Say goodbye to your car, hop on the light rail or bike - eco-transport - and get ready to see green cities in a new light.

Copenhagen, Denmark

With its friendly citizens and low-rise buildings broken only by church spiers, Copenhagen consistently ranks among the most livable and environmentally friendly cities. The Danes began developing and producing high-tech wind turbines back in the 70s and 80s of the last century. They actively introduced advanced technologies in the use of wind energy and, as a result, overtook the whole world in the use of alternative energy sources. Currently, a quarter of all energy consumed in Denmark is wind energy. Copenhagen, which plans to become hydrocarbon independent by 2025, now gets most of its alternative energy from the Middelgrunden wind farm two miles offshore. Middelgrunden is a row of 20 turbines installed directly in the water, which look very futuristic from the harbor side. On those lovely summer days, feel free to join the Danish capital's cycling community (almost half of the capital's residents cycle to work) and take a ride through Stroget. This is a pedestrian area in the city center where cars are prohibited. And then go to one of the restaurants in the harbor, where you will be offered a treat made from sea buckthorn fruits and rye grains.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland, among all its other attractions, is home to farmers' markets, restaurants that serve local, seasonal ingredients, and breweries that brew organic beer. Today the city has become a center for young and eco-oriented people. Much of the city's success in environmental endeavors is due to thoughtful urban planning, which began long before the fashion for everything "green." In 1993, Portland was one of the first to recognize global warming as a threat. Moreover, the city does not solve the problem of expanding its borders at the expense of agricultural land. Since the 1970s, Portland has been trying not to expand its city boundaries and has been protecting the surrounding fields. It created one of the best cycling infrastructures in America and a developed public transport system. To get a feel for what makes Portland so livable, head to the Pearl District. The area of ​​former warehouses has been transformed into an area of ​​art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the menu of which includes dishes from local farms. Walk a little further and you'll find yourself in Forest Park - 2,000 hectares of Pacific wilderness bordered by Washington Park, the city zoo and the rose garden.

Vancouver, Canada

Known as the Hollywood of the North for its role in many films and television shows, Vancouver could go the way of Los Angeles and become a giant anthill. But local residents have preserved the virginity of the nature surrounding the city, its wildness and naturalness. City officials welcome densification in the city, encouraging the construction of basement apartments and sublease agreements that increase the number of people per square meter in the city center. The city government also requires compliance with environmental building standards. However, the city cannot be called boring. The wild port city's urban past is alive and well in its nightclubs and bars. And a well-developed public transport system allows you not to worry about how to get home. The city is also making significant efforts to make driving more annoying than enjoyable, leading to car abandonment and therefore lower CO2 emissions. For example, Granville Island, home to City Market, one of North America's best farmers' markets, is closed to cars on summer weekends.

Curitiba, Brazil

Eschewing the all-for-development mentality that characterizes other regions of Brazil (which has led to the destruction of much of its rain forest), Curitiba is seeking budget-friendly yet eco-friendly solutions to urban problems. For example, a city that sits on a flood plain has designed two parks with artificial lakes that act as a buffer and absorb excess water, rather than building a more expensive dam. This was in 1972. Since then, vacant land around the city has been converted into 33 parks. By the way, here you won’t see lawn mowers stinking of gasoline, but there are plenty of grass-grazing sheep. The most popular parks have their own architectural wonders. For example, the central park of Ibirapuera contains architectural masterpieces by Oscar Niemeyer. And in the park das Pedreiras there is the Wire Opera House, a theater built from steel pipes. The Batel area has a vibrant nightlife with many German, Ukrainian, Italian restaurants that reflect the ethnic diversity of the city.

Singapore

Although Singapore has hydrocarbon deposits, it also has lots and lots of sun, which has inspired architects to create stunningly beautiful solar-powered buildings. Foster + Partners has designed towers that span an entire block on Beach Road, complete with solar panels and low-hanging canopies, scheduled for completion in 2016... The city government has launched a project to create gardens along the city's harbor with huge greenhouses supported by green columns that will collect rainwater and generate solar energy. Full of extraordinarily colorful flowers, the greenhouses paint a picture of an eco-friendly future. See the ever-changing face of Singapore, the harbor lined with eco-friendly, electric-powered boats, or climb to the top of ION Orchard for unparalleled views of the city. Later, take a stroll through the city's famous street food trucks, which are raved about by almost every foodie who has ever tried local Malay and Indian fast food.

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Like other US cities, Chicago is struggling with aging infrastructure and has been very successful in doing so. Chicago has added greenery to the skyline and new building standards. The city has launched the Green Roofs program, the essence of which is to cultivate gardens on the roofs of public and private high-rise buildings. The goal: reducing energy consumption, cleaning and cooling the air through green spaces in one of America's most populous cities. City Hall has already greened the roof of the city hall, and Millennium Park is the world's largest green space, located above an underground commuter train station. Moreover, 500 gardens on the roofs of high-rise buildings are scattered throughout the city. The observation deck of the 103-story Willis Tower offers an incredible view of the blooming aerial gardens of Chicago. Down below, you can pedal your bike with the city's new cycling program to explore the shores of world-famous Lake Michigan. Keep in mind that the length of the route is 50 km.

Sydney, Australia

What happens when you commission two world-famous architects to transform a defunct brewery into a green city center? Sydney's new Central Park! Architects Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel teamed up to transform a 150-year-old Chippendale factory into a self-sustaining cluster of 11 buildings, ranging from three to 33 storeys high, replete with vertical gardens. The stylish, off-grid, eco-friendly "trigeneration" system, used to heat, cool and power the building, is so efficient that it will export excess energy to the city's grid. Sydney's many vantage points offer stunning views of the bay, city skyline and stunning beaches of Bondi to the east and Manly Bay to the north. Nightlife centers around George Street and The Rocks, where you can drink in 19th-century pubs. Visit one of the innovative restaurants serving fresh seafood. Read The greenest cities in Europe Read blog Cities of the world