Ecological aspects during the visit to Oslo
Author:
Roman Alwasiak
As we disembarked from the plane at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, the cool Nordic air greeted us with a refreshing chill, signaling the start of an eco-conscious journey that lay ahead. We were part of the LANGUIDE Study Visit Program, a collective of environmental enthusiasts, educators, and tech innovators, all united by a shared mission to learn from and replicate Norway’s sustainable practices back in Poland.
Our collective ecological adventure began with a pledge to tread lightly on this earth, a commitment that led us to opt for electric buses as our mode of transportation to the hotel. The seamless integration of sustainable transportation in Oslo’s daily life struck us as a model worthy of emulation. In Norway, electric vehicles (EVs) account for approximately 60% of new car sales, showcasing the country’s leadership in sustainable transportation.
The First Hotel Millenium, where we stayed, stood as a beacon of sustainability. Its operations are a testament to energy efficiency, water conservation measures, and waste reduction strategies. For instance, the hotel has reduced its energy consumption by 20% over the past five years and has implemented a comprehensive recycling program that diverts 75% of its waste from landfills.
Dining in Oslo provided enlightening experiences. Meals at Litteraturhuset and Der Peppern Gror introduced us to the concept of zero waste dining, focusing on locally sourced, organic ingredients. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also supports the local economy. Norway’s commitment to local and organic food production is evidenced by over 10% of its agricultural land being dedicated to organic farming, a practice we envisioned adapting for Polish restaurants.
The visit to the Edvard Munch Museum was not only a cultural highlight but also an example of sustainable architectural design. Similarly, our stroll through Vigeland Park highlighted the importance of urban green spaces for biodiversity and human well-being, inspiring visions of greener cities in Poland. Oslo dedicates over 30% of its city area to parks and green spaces, enhancing the city’s livability and biodiversity.
Learning about Norway’s environmental policies, community-driven green initiatives, and the pivotal role of technology in sustainability fueled our aspirations for initiating similar movements in Poland. Norway’s success in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 8% since 1990, despite an economic growth of 80% in the same period, serves as a model for our initiatives.
Throughout the trip, our group embraced digital solutions for documentation and communication, minimizing our paper footprint. We shared insights and eco-friendly tips through digital platforms, sparking rich discussions on the practical implementation of our learnings in Poland.
Main ecological areas of interest during the visit in Oslo
- Clean Air Policies
The clean air package aims to substantially reduce air pollution across the European Union (EU).
By implementing stricter standards for emissions and air pollution, the package seeks to achieve the following by 2030:
- Avoid 58,000 premature deaths.
- Save 123,000 km² of ecosystems from nitrogen pollution.
- Preserve 56,000 km² of protected Natura 2000 areas.
- Protect 19,000 km² of forest ecosystems from acidification1.
Health and Economic Impact:
Poor air quality negatively affects human health, leading to issues like asthma and cardiovascular problems.
It results in lost working days due to ill health and higher healthcare costs, especially for children and the elderly.
Implementing clean air policies improves air quality, lowers healthcare costs, and benefits industry by boosting innovation and green technology competitiveness.
- Minimizing Paper Use
Environmental Impact of Paper Consumption:
Paper production, distribution, use, and disposal require substantial energy and raw materials.
Efficient tools like online platforms and apps streamline systems, minimizing unnecessary paper use.
Statistics on Paper Consumption:
- The average office worker uses a sheet of paper every 12 minutes, disposing of 100-200 pounds of paper annually.
- The number of pages consumed offices grows by about 20% each year.
Efforts to reduce paper use contribute to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
In summary, these ecological actions yield tangible benefits, from improved air quality and reduced waste to economic advantages and enhanced resource conservation.
By integrating these sustainable practices, as observed in Norway, Poland can enhance its environmental stewardship and public health, thereby creating a more sustainable future.
Returning to Poland, we felt transformed. The journey from being mere observers of Norway’s environmental stewardship to becoming ambassadors for sustainable living in Poland was profound. One of the most striking features of Oslo was its remarkably clean air, free from the smog and chimney smoke that often blankets Polish cities during the cold season. Despite facing temperatures as low as -20°C, the city’s air remained crisp and refreshing. This stark contrast to urban environments where cold weather exacerbates air pollution highlighted the effectiveness of Oslo’s environmental policies. The city’s commitment to reducing car emissions, alongside its significant investment in renewable energy sources, has made a visible difference. Over 98% of Norway’s electricity production comes from renewable sources, contributing to the exceptional air quality in Oslo. This aspect of Oslo’s environment not only added to the immediate comfort of our visit but also reinforced the importance of striving for sustainable urban living. Armed with a wealth of eco-conscious insights and a heart full of hope, we were ready to contribute to shaping a more sustainable Poland, one inspired step at a time, leveraging lessons learned from Norway’s proactive approach to environmental protection and urban planning.
Oslo, January 2024