When you hear Copenhagen described as the ‘Capital of Sustainability,’ it’s more than just a marketing line, it’s a reputation built on substance, structure and city-wide commitment.
Earlier this year, our Senior Event Manager, Diana, joined a FAM trip hosted by Wonderful Copenhagen. What we experienced wasn’t just an impressive itinerary, but a showcase of what’s possible when a destination treats sustainability as an integral part of its event strategy. If your brand or business prioritises sustainability, this is a city worth knowing.
A city built for modern events
With over 380km of cycle lanes, electric harbour ferries, and a portfolio of certified venues and hotels, Copenhagen makes it easy to plan events that are logistically seamless and environmentally conscious.
The city is designed for movement, connection and comfort, whether you’re hosting a leadership offsite, large-scale congress, or incentive retreat. And with forward-thinking partners like the Copenhagen Convention Bureau and Ovation Scandinavia DMC, support is strategic, not off-the-shelf.
Innovation with purpose: introducing CopenPay
A standout initiative we encountered was CopenPay, a programme that rewards visitors for making sustainable choices. Whether it’s taking the train, choosing a vegetarian meal, or going ‘plogging’ (jogging while picking up litter), these positive behaviours can earn perks like free cultural experiences or event upgrades.
It’s smart, scalable and already being piloted across international congresses taking place in 2025. For event planners, it’s a powerful example of how to embed sustainability without sacrificing experience.
Venues and values that align
During our stay, we visited a wide mix of venues, from modern business hotels to historic buildings repurposed with character. Many offered not just certified green credentials, but thoughtful features like locally sourced menus, filtered water stations, and easy access to public transport or cycling routes.
Copenhagen’s hotels, suppliers and local networks are fully on board with the sustainability mission. This alignment means fewer compromises when you’re planning events that need to reflect your brand’s values from the inside out.
Legacy, not just logistics
One of the most refreshing aspects of the Copenhagen approach is their focus on event legacy. The city sees business events as a platform for positive impact, whether that’s through local economic support, sustainability education, or long-term collaboration between sectors.
With tools like the Copenhagen Sustainability Guide and support for emissions reporting across six key event categories, the city empowers organisers to deliver not just memorable moments, but meaningful progress.
Why Copenhagen?
If your business is serious about sustainability, and your events need to reflect that, Copenhagen offers a destination where the infrastructure, attitude and ambition are already in place.
It’s walkable, welcoming and beautifully well-organised. But more than that, it’s a city that leads by example.
And for conscious brands and global teams looking to combine strategy with storytelling, there may be no better place to begin.