Explore Drammen’s Vision for a Zero-Emission Future by 2030: A Climate KIC Initiative

Situated by the Drams River and Drams Fjord, Drammen is Norway’s warmest city and is on a mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Once known for its industrial past, Drammen is now turning the tide against pollution. The city has launched the “Zero Emission 2030” initiative, backed by the Pilot Cities Programme from Climate KIC, showcasing its commitment to sustainability.

In 2020, Drammen merged with Nedre Eiker and Svelvik to create the New Drammen Municipality. Project manager Ingebjørg Weselka Tofte explains, “The merger allowed us to rethink sustainability and create pathways for long-term value.” The climate action plan focuses on four key areas: mobility, land use, sustainable construction, and a circular economy. These pillars guide various projects aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by the decade’s end.

One exciting development within the initiative is the push for renewable energy, particularly solar power. Collaborating with Grønn Vekst and Å Energi, Drammen is establishing local energy communities to boost investment in solar technology. Interestingly, battery prices are projected to drop by nearly 50% by 2026. This creates exciting possibilities for partnerships between solar energy and battery companies.

Another innovative idea is the marketplace for reused construction materials, combining a physical center with an online platform. This allows businesses to register materials for resale, supporting both the circular economy and local builders. Tofte emphasizes, “We’re making strides, but securing future funding is crucial.” A small pilot project has already shown promise, demonstrating the potential for community-led initiatives.

Drammen also aims to integrate health and sustainability. Collaborating with the University of Southeast Norway, the “Pause and Refresh” initiative uses virtual reality (VR) to introduce students to local green spaces. Tofte points out, “If students experience Drammen’s nature through VR, they might be inspired to explore it in real life.” These VR experiences can positively affect mental health, a relevant topic given the rise of stress among students.

Moving forward, it’s vital for Drammen to maintain engagement with its citizens. Tofte highlights the effectiveness of libraries as community hubs by offering workshops on repair and reuse, making sustainability accessible to everyone. A partnership with VAREhuset reinforces this effort, providing a center for repairing and buying second-hand items.

As Drammen pushes toward its 2030 goals, the city is also enhancing online communication with the public. They plan to use platforms like the dedicated website and Instagram to share progress updates. Tofte emphasizes, “Visible change is crucial; we need to show our community the results of our work.”

Drammen’s journey reflects a growing global trend where cities are adopting sustainable practices to combat climate change. As cities around the world work towards greener futures, initiatives like Drammen’s serve as models of how local actions can contribute to global goals.

This initiative is part of Climate KIC’s #LiveableCities Campaign 2025, aimed at making cities across Europe more climate-resilient. It supports local governments in creating effective, scalable solutions to climate challenges, showcasing diverse approaches to citizen engagement and sustainable practices.

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