Sustainability in Amsterdam: one of the greenest cities in the world

The year 2023 stands for many things: increasing global tensions, the start of another war and numerous climate protests. Yes, none of this puts you in a good mood. But we don’t have to bury our heads in the sand. Because in no other year has there been more talk about the effects of climate change and ways in which we can work together to minimise them. This is a hotly debated topic, especially in the Netherlands. Did you know that Amsterdam is the 10th most sustainable city in the world? Yes, you heard right. Hardly any other topic is as important as sustainability in Amsterdam.

We are all informed enough by now to know that sustainability is a complex matter. The interplay of many different factors determines how sustainable a city is considered to be. The most important of these include transport, waste recycling, consumer behaviour, construction and nutrition. We know that: There is still a lot of room for improvement in all of these areas when it comes to sustainability. However, Amsterdam has already given thought to all of these areas and implemented concrete principles to make the city increasingly sustainable. Find out exactly how the city is doing this and what it has to do with doughnuts below!

The Doughnut Economic Model

Amsterdam is the first city in the world to develop an economic model entirely in the spirit of sustainability. Like the Big Mac Index, the“Doughnut Economic Model” may sound funny, but it has some important implications for the socio-economic factors that influence sustainability. Specifically, the Doughnut Economic Model aims to maximise the population’s standard of living without over-exploiting the planet’s resources. Of course, we need our resources to survive – we cannot do without energy, heat and water. It is therefore a question of finding a balance between utilising and securing these resources without restricting the lives of the population too much. Clearly formulated goals include, for example, climate neutrality by 2050 and are committed to greater sustainability in Amsterdam, particularly at consumer, consumption and waste product level.

As you can see from the graphic, the model tries to include as many social, ecological and economic factors as possible to emphasise that these must be in balance. It takes a positive perspective: It is about how the city can become greener, more sustainable and healthier, which in turn should benefit the population. In general, the city works increasingly with gain framing (= the advantages that can be gained are emphasised) and illustrates how the population benefits from the changes. The aim is therefore to give sustainability a positive spin and make it clear that all Amsterdam residents can make a contribution – without too many personal restrictions.

How exactly does the city achieve this? Let’s look at the different dimensions involved!

Transport

One of the key sustainability factors that contributes significantly to Amsterdam’s ranking is our green approach to transport. Amsterdam is not known as one of the largest cycling cities in the world for nothing: The No. 1 mode of transport across all walks of life remains the bicycle!

Cycling is No. 1

A quarter of all trips every day are made by bike and 50% of Amsterdam residents use it to get to work every day. This makes the Netherlands the undisputed number 1 in the world when it comes to bicycle use! The city is increasingly trying to become car-free and is achieving this mainly through restrictions, but also through natural effects. For one thing, Amsterdam is simply built in such a way that there is not much room for car parking. This naturally drives up the prices of the small number of available parking spaces. Secondly, it is usually not the quickest transport option, as the city is so winding and congested. In addition, the entire city centre of Amsterdam will be designated a 30 km/h zone in December, making driving less attractive for many residents. At the same time, the infrastructure of cycle paths is getting better and better. Among other things, there are already large cycle lanes that explicitly state that cars are only “guests”. You will soon realise that cyclists are in charge here when you visit Amsterdam.

Would you like to get to know our beautiful Amsterdam authentically by bike? Then join us on the cultural bike tour through the city centre, or discover the secrets of Amsterdam Noord on a bike tour through the most idyllic part of the city! 😊

Public transport with green electricity

In addition, a large part of our public transport now relies on green electricity (for example the ferry to Amsterdam Noord), which brings the city as a whole further towards the doughnut balance. So, as tourists, follow the example of the people of Amsterdam and explore the city by public transport or even by bike!

Rubbish

Surprisingly, we realised that there are only 2 types of tourists in Amsterdam: Those who praise how clean it is and those who emphasise how dirty the city is. The reason for this strong polarisation in perception can be explained by our waste system in the city centre.

Amsterdam’s smart, underground waste system

In large parts of the city, Amsterdam works with an underground waste system. Huge underground rubbish bins are installed in all parts of the city, where residents can easily dispose of their household waste. When the bin is full, it emits a signal and can be emptied. So far, it’s as simple as it is clever. However, due to the canals and the large amount of water in the city centre, this does not work there. There are no underground bins here, so residents and businesses have to put their rubbish out on the street. This is then collected twice a day (morning and evening). If you take a walk through the city centre at a time when the rubbish collectors are out and about, the city seems surprisingly clean. At other times – and especially when it’s very windy – the impression is completely the opposite.

Waste separation, recycling and deposits

To place even more responsibility on the shoulders of the city instead of the residents, the city also has a centralised waste separation system. You heard right: Yellow bags and compost do not exist here! The only things that are separated are glass, paper and other waste. This is then separated at a central location and plastic is sorted out. In this way, the city ensures that more can be recycled and relieves the population of an additional work step. The whole thing is paid for by taxpayers’ money, so indirectly every resident of Amsterdam is contributing to a more sustainable city.

Apart from that, the Netherlands finally introduced a deposit system for cans and bottles in May 2023. For us Germans, it’s madness that this didn’t exist before! This is an attempt to motivate the population to recycle more. However, the many tourists in particular often don’t have time for this, which is why many rubbish bins in the city centre are equipped with containers where you can donate your deposit cans. So take this opportunity and make Amsterdam a little greener with your visit! 😊

Tourism/ Consumption

There is no denying that Amsterdam’s strong economic power is largely due to tourism. Accordingly, consumption is a core part of this equation. In the world of capitalism and in every private life, it is indispensable; we simply motivate you to rethink the “how” and “how much.” 🙂

The Doughnut Economic Model also provides for more conscious and reduced consumption. The people of Amsterdam should think twice about whether they really need something and are encouraged to use the item in question for as long as possible. What exactly does this have to do with sustainability in Amsterdam?

Second-hand instead of fast fashion

One factor that contributes greatly to climate change is fast fashion (= clothing that is produced according to trends and sold at low prices). Instead of investing in a garment that will hopefully last us for years, fast fashion is designed for impulse purchases. As we all know, trends pass quickly and so we may find some things in our wardrobe that we don’t really wear or need. These items of clothing often end up in the old clothes container, of which over 70% end up in the rubbish and are usually incinerated.

A great way to make consumption more sustainable is therefore to buy second-hand clothes, for example. This has already become a trend and not only has the advantage that it is cheaper than buying brand new clothes, but it also makes your clothes last longer! Amsterdam has a variety of really hip vintage shops where real treasures await you. The best thing is that you can find very special items of clothing (always unique) that you won’t find anywhere else. Bybye big fashion chains, hello vintage shops!

Repair instead of replace

The same applies to electronic devices, for example. Unlike in the past, many items no longer last 20 years. However, we can also see a trend towards throwing away and renewing vs. repairing. Amsterdam therefore encourages its population to repair old products instead of throwing everything away straight away.

Of course, none of this means that you can no longer go shopping in Amsterdam. You are still very welcome to do so. Just think carefully about what you need and support the charming retailers – for example in the 9 Straatjes!

Architecture

With this dimension, Amsterdam must actually be criticised first and foremost. The fact that the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site means that a large part of the city is a protected monument. This means that many of the cosy houses from the 17th century are still in a very outdated condition on the outside: single-glazed windows, crooked houses and extremely high heating costs. Energy efficiency? Minus twelve. Amsterdammers in the city centre heat themselves silly in winter and even solar panels on the roofs are unthinkable due to the strict regulations.

The situation is different with newer buildings. Here, the city is prioritising sustainability. The buildings are not only energy class A, but are also orientated towards the principles and goals of the Doughnut Economic Model. Many buildings incorporate green spaces on the outside areas, which should not only contribute to better air quality, but also to the preservation of biodiversity. Keyword: insects! In addition, they literally make the city greener, which contributes to the satisfaction and well-being of Amsterdam’s population. The greener construction method is another great example of the city’s positive approach to sustainability. All according to the motto: Win Win!

Nutrition

Don’t worry: we don’t want to start a nutritional debate here about what you should or shouldn’t do 😉 Everyone has to decide for themselves how they want to eat. However, you can already make your diet more sustainable by making small changes!

Amsterdam favours regional and seasonal products

One way in which Amsterdam achieves this as a city is by keeping supply chains as short as possible. It favours regional and seasonal products, which not only supports the Netherlands on an economic level, but is also good for the planet. As a rule, the shorter the transport routes, the lower the CO2 emissions of a product. Of course, you can still find imported products in the supermarket here and buy strawberries or asparagus all year round. Here again, supermarkets are working with a positive approach in that seasonal products are often on offer. This motivates people to consume these products in particular and thus live more sustainably.

Smart marketing for a greener and healthier diet

The city’s restaurants are also committed to sustainability. Regardless of whether you personally support this or not, we have plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. Plants are generally much lower in CO2 and water consumption than raising animals, which is why prioritising their consumption can have a positive effect on CO2 emissions. Incidentally, the Netherlands has historically eaten just as much meat as Germany and does not demonise the consumption of animal products by any means. Rather, the population is motivated to appreciate the value of a tasty piece of meat more and to enjoy it less often and more consciously. The criticism is therefore mainly levelled at factory farming and less at the choices made by individual consumers. Nevertheless, the city emphasises the role of every Amsterdam resident in making their own city more sustainable. In the end, it’s still the residents who make a city, isn’t it? 😊

Sustainability in Amsterdam: Conclusion

To summarise, the city has certainly more than earned its place as the 10th most sustainable city. The city is doing a lot to become greener on all dimensions that influence the topic of sustainability in Amsterdam – and in the long term too.

The city has set itself the goal of becoming a car-free city and the number one means of transport is already the bicycle. To achieve this, the city uses an underground waste system and a centralised waste separation system, which puts the responsibility for this in the hands of the city and takes work off the hands of Amsterdam residents. Although consumption accounts for a large part of Amsterdam’s economic power (hello tourism! 😉), the population is nevertheless being encouraged to consume less and more consciously. There is a trend towards second-hand shopping, particularly in the fashion sector. Architecturally, the charming old canal houses have to be criticised for their energy efficiency. As they are listed buildings, they are often not allowed to be remodelled with sustainability in mind. When it comes to new buildings, however, Amsterdam pays close attention to sustainability. This means energy class A + green spaces that are architecturally integrated into the new buildings (yay biodiversity!). When it comes to food, the purchase and consumption of regional and seasonal products is encouraged: both in the supermarket and in restaurants. In addition, the city is increasingly becoming a mecca for all vegetarians and vegans among us!

No one can say for sure how the world will develop and whether we can still meet our target of no more than 1.5 degrees global warming. We understand that this topic is an emotional one and that we are often confronted with powerlessness and pessimism. It is therefore all the more motivating to see that a city like Amsterdam is taking a positive approach that encourages the population. Baby steps are better than no steps – right? 😊