Does Copenhagen have the answer to waste, energy and recreation in one building?
We had to visit Copenhill just to see firsthand.
CopenHill (also known as Amager Bakke) is one of the most innovative examples of “hedonistic sustainability”—a term coined by design architects, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). By turning an industrial utility facility into a public park and sports hub, Copenhagen redefined how critical infrastructure integrates into urban life.
We experienced the best view of Copenhagen from the top of Copenhill, thanks to free elevator access to the rooftop. Did we mention the world’s tallest permanent rock climbing wall?
The urban mountain includes trails, running routes, and hiking during our opening hours. For the more sedate, there are activites from pilates to a rooftop cafe offers respite and city views.
Key Highlights & Capabilities
- Year-Round Recreation: The roof features a 400-meter artificial dry-ski slope, hiking trails, running paths, and fitness areas like pilates. The facade houses the world’s tallest permanent climbing wall at 85 meters (279 feet).
- Energy Generation: Operating under the ski slope, the Amager Resource Center (ARC) incinerates non-recyclable residual waste to produce 0–63 MW of electricity and 157–247 MW of district heating, dynamically adjusting output based on heat demand and electricity market prices.
- Environmental Standards: Advanced flue gas treatment cuts sulfur emissions by 99.5% and $NO_x$ by roughly 95%, alongside drastic reductions in dioxins and HCl. The process is so efficient that the plant produces more clean water through condensation than it consumes.
- Public Access: Visitors can take a free elevator up to the rooftop park and café to get sweeping panoramic views of Copenhagen.
Key Highlights & Capabilities
- Year-Round Recreation: The roof features a 400-meter artificial dry-ski slope, hiking trails, running paths, and fitness areas like pilates. The facade houses the world’s tallest permanent climbing wall at 85 meters (279 feet).
- Energy Generation: Operating under the ski slope, the Amager Resource Center (ARC) incinerates non-recyclable residual waste to produce 0–63 MW of electricity and 157–247 MW of district heating, dynamically adjusting output based on heat demand and electricity market prices.
- Environmental Standards: Advanced flue gas treatment cuts sulfur emissions by 99.5% and $NO_x$ by roughly 95%, alongside drastic reductions in dioxins and HCl. The process is so efficient that the plant produces more clean water through condensation than it consumes.
- Public Access: Visitors can take a free elevator up to the rooftop park and café to get sweeping panoramic views of Copenhagen.
Amagar Bakke turned to architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to design the “new breed” of waste-to-energy plants that functions as and environmental education center, recreation destination and icon for the city of Copenhagen as it works toward the goal of a carbon-neutral city. It truly serves a pilot for what any city can do to solve waste, energy and recreation.
For more information
Check out this video of the action on Copenhill:
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The world’s tallest permanent rock climbing wall: https://www.copenhill.dk/en/activities/climbing
Rooftop Pilates: https://www.copenhill.dk/en/news/3-10-rooftop-pilates
Running and hiking trails: https://www.copenhill.dk/en/activities/loeb-hike-traening
BIG project information: https://big.dk/projects/copenhill-2391