How do you make a waste-to-energy plant a more appealing proposition to the public? How about putting an artificial ski slope on top of it?
In Copenhagen, Denmark, city officials recently opened the “cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world”, capable of converting 440,000 tons of waste into clean energy annually. But that’s not the coolest thing about it. The energy plant, which was designed by BIG, doubles as an artificial ski slope that is open all year round. It’s also complete with tree-lined hiking rails and the tallest artificial climbing wall in the world on its facade.
The founder of BIG describes the energy plant perfectly, calling it a “crystal clear example of hedonistic sustainability – that a sustainable city is not only better for the environment – it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens.” It is hoped the building will help Copenhagen meet its goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.
This story was one of the best from 2019, and we are happy to include it in our “12 Days of Optimism” as we get ready to welcome 2020!
