Elsinore Awarded European Green Leaf 2024

Elsinore proudly announces its recognition as one of the only two cities awarded the prestigious European Green Leaf title for 2024, granted by the European Commission. This honour highlights Elsinore's persistent commitment to sustainability and its remarkable efforts towards environmental conservation and the green transition.

The European Green Leaf award is a recognition to Elsinore's initiatives and proactive measures across various domains, including climate and energy, mobility, circular economy, air quality and noise control, nature and biodiversity, and water management.

Key achievements that contributed to Elsinore's Green Leaf recognition include:

• Accelerating the energy renovation of buildings and expanding fossil-free district heating infrastructure.
• Reconstructing the sewage system to separate rainwater and wastewater, thereby enhancing water quality and efficiency.
• Emphasizing biodiversity preservation and promoting sustainable land use practices.
• Prioritizing recycling efforts and embracing principles of the circular economy.
• Cultivating high levels of citizen and local business engagement in sustainability initiatives.

(Source – EU Green Leaf Award 2024 – Technical Assessment)

While Hamlet famously lamented, 'There is something rotten in the state of Denmark,' from the iconic Kronborg Castle situated in Elsinore, today, the city proudly declares its fresh, green recognition. Mayor Benedikte Kiær of the municipality of Elsinore says:

Elsinore also takes pride in its architectural upcycling, exemplified by the transformation of an old dry dock into the magnificent naval museum, M/S Museum, by BIG architects.

Moreover, Elsinore's commitment extends to its meetings industry, boasting a range of certified venues, hotels, and restaurants with a green focus. Additionally, the city's accessibility, being only a 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen or a 2-3 hours bicycle ride on bicycle pathways along the coast, enhances its appeal as a sustainable destination for both leisure and business travellers.

About Elsinore's Green Leaf Recognition:

• Elsinore has been awarded the prestigious European Green Leaf title for 2024 by the European Commission.
• It is one of only two cities in Europe to receive this honor in 2024, underscoring its exceptional commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Key Achievements:

• Accelerating the energy renovation of buildings and expanding fossil-free district heating infrastructure.
• Decisive actions towards reconstructing the sewage system to separate rainwater and wastewater, thereby enhancing water quality and efficiency.
• Emphasizing biodiversity preservation and promoting sustainable land use practices.
• Prioritizing recycling efforts and embracing principles of the circular economy.
• Cultivating high levels of citizen and local business engagement in sustainability initiatives.

Additional Information about Elsinore:

• Accessibility: Elsinore is only a 40-minute train ride or a 3 hour bicycle ride on bicycle paths along the coast from Copenhagen, enhancing its appeal as a sustainable destination for both leisure and business travelers.
• 63,785 inhabitants (January 2024). The municipality includes the city of Elsinore and the seaside villages Espergærde, Hornbæk and Hellebæk-Ålsgårde.
• Elsinore is especially famous for Kronborg Castle immortalized by Shakespeare with the play Hamlet around 1599-1601