Copenhill - An Energy Plant With A Rooftop Ski Slope

Copenhill, a waste-to-energy plant, in Copenhagen is one of the best examples of sustainability, technology and design

Reduction of carbon footprint is one of the most crucial steps that needs to be taken by the real estate industry today. With sustainable developments being the need of the hour, one such establishment that is a befitting example of brilliant and sustainable architecture is Copenhill.

A waste-to-energy plant located in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhill was designed by the Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and completed in 2019. The mixed-use project (also known as ‘Amager Bakke’) is not only an energy plant but also a recreational centre where people can hike, ski, climb, relax and even party. With the most advanced technologies used for its construction and emission control, Copenhill also aligns with Copenhagen’s goals of becoming the world’s first carbon neutral city by 2025.

Here are some facts about Copenhill that truly makes it a trailblazer in the real estate industry –

1.    The plant uses advanced technology to transform municipal solid waste into clean energy. As per reports, Copenhill converts around 450,000 tons of waste into energy every year – this is enough to provide central heating to 72,000 households!

2. The roof of the plant is a ski slope which is open to public for hiking, snowboarding and skiing. With four ski lifts, this rooftop ski park spans across 10,000 sq m with its 450m-long piste having varying inclines of 14% to 45%. The space also has a timed slalom course.

3. Besides offering beginner and advanced slopes, Copenhill also has hiking trails and climbing walls on its exterior to encourage locals and tourists to engage in physical activities. The apex of the building is 85 metres high thereby being home to one of the world’s tallest artificial climbing walls. There is also a recreational park that offers a much-needed green space to the citizens, minimizes pollution and helps preserve stormwater.

4. Providing a breath-taking view of the city to its visitors, Copenhill also houses a café, a rooftop bar, a kids’ area, a recreational park and event spaces. One can also learn more about carbon neutrality, the functioning of the plant and reduction of waste here.

5. The plant with its emission control technologies minimises environmental impact and its emission that consists of a ring of steam serves as its carbon-neutral status.

6. In a city devoid of mountains, Copenhill offers the beauty of the hills to the locals. Visitors can enjoy the highest viewing plateau in the city before walking down the 490m lush green hiking and running trail which is lined with trees on both sides. 

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