In a groundbreaking move towards promoting a sustainable future, Thailand and Denmark have embarked on a collaborative initiative centered around the development of a circular economy. This partnership aims to revolutionize how waste management and urban development are approached, bringing a breath of fresh air into the realm of sustainability.
The alliance kicked off with an enlightening visit to the esteemed Amager Resource Centre (ARC) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Recognized globally as a beacon of sustainability, ARC is a waste-to-energy plant par excellence. Here, representatives outlined the facility’s minimal carbon footprint, an accomplishment achieved through cutting-edge carbon capture systems. Indeed, the seemingly simple white vapour that escapes the smokestack is comprised of 90% water vapor and only 10% carbon dioxide.
ARC doesn’t stop at energy production. It is passionately committed to environmental stewardship and the reinvention of urban spaces. Their recycling station is nothing short of a technological marvel, sorting household waste into a whopping 35 categories using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence. Recyclable items are made available to the public, turning potential waste into treasures waiting to be repurposed.
Meanwhile, non-recyclables are incinerated to produce eco-friendly heat and electricity for local households. To top it all, ARC flaunts a fleet of 128 electric garbage trucks, epitomizing efficiency and sustainability. The center’s endeavors don’t end there; environmentally conscious landfill practices, a plastic recycling facility, and youth education programs are also part of their multifaceted approach to nurturing the planet.
But perhaps the most inventive feature of ARC is its integration of leisure activities with industrial infrastructure. The plant’s rooftop is a veritable playground, boasting cafes, an artificial ski slope, and even a climbing wall, seamlessly merging community recreation with environmental responsibility.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) delegation, led by the Bangkok Governor, also engaged in fruitful discussions with Ramboll, a titan in engineering, architecture, and consulting. Ramboll’s ambitious strategy from 2022 to 2026 is firmly anchored in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, nurturing resilient communities, resource stewardship, circular economy principles, and biodiversity conservation.
Ramboll’s contributions stretch far and wide. They played a pivotal role in shaping ARC’s waste-to-energy plant, ensuring it aligns with Copenhagen’s environmental aspirations while remaining a vibrant community hub. They didn’t stop there—Ramboll laid out visionary designs for adaptable, disaster-resilient cities that are prepared to tackle climate change. The reimagining of harbor areas to support tourism and recreation amidst rolling environmental challenges is just one example of their forward-thinking projects.
Furthermore, Ramboll is at the forefront of building storm surge protection infrastructure, a crucial safeguard against extreme weather events along Copenhagen’s coast. Their vision for urban spaces is visionary—circular economies, green zones, and cutting-edge transportation networks form the heart of their urban designs.
The delegation also met with Sund & Bælt, a key player in infrastructure projects and storm surge defense, and Henning Larsen, whose city designs emphasize human connections with nature and sustainable practices over traditional methods. The wealth of ideas was indeed an inspiration for Bangkok’s future development.
Beyond urban development, the BMA delegation found an inspiring ally in Wonderful Copenhagen, the city’s official tourism body. This meeting revealed CopenPay, an innovative project designed to intertwine tourism with environmental conservation. By encouraging visitors to take part in eco-conscious activities—like cycling to attractions, cleaning waterways, and nurturing parks—tourists are rewarded with delightful perks such as free breakfast or guided tours, including enchanting kayak trips down the city’s canals.
The exciting day concluded with an amiable dinner discussion between the Bangkok Governor and the Thai Ambassador to Copenhagen, Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang. Amidst delicious culinary delights, they explored the robust diplomatic relations spanning an impressive 167 years and shared insights about urban sustainability.
The collaboration underscores the vital role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in urban progress, demonstrating how collective efforts have transformed Copenhagen into a verdant titan among modern cities.
Copenhagen itself basks in the glory of being crowned the most livable city in the world for 2025 by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Dominating the ranking with perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, it has outshone past champions like Vienna with its commitment to unparalleled livability.
In this fusion of ideas, Bangkok looks forward to drawing inspiration from Copenhagen’s exemplary model, fostering a sustainable urban future that both cities can proudly champion.
This collaboration sounds fantastic! We need more partnerships like these to tackle waste management globally.
True, but are we overlooking the cost? I wonder how much governments will spend on these projects.
Fair point, but can we put a price on our planet’s future? Investment in sustainability seems crucial.
Well, intentions are good but sometimes these investments don’t reach where they should.
Why aren’t more countries adopting these technologies? ARC seems like a no-brainer!
I think the challenge lies in political will and lobbying from traditional energy sectors.
Plus, aligning renewable projects with local policies can be quite a bureaucratic nightmare.
I’m surprised to see how Thailand is stepping up. Wouldn’t have expected this level of commitment.
Thailand’s urban development has improved, but let’s see if they can maintain momentum!
I’m skeptical. These alliances always sound good initially but often fade out without real impact.
I get it, but having a role model like Copenhagen might just make the difference here.
Clearly, skepticism is important, but celebrating efforts goes a long way toward encouraging progress.
I love the idea of CopenPay! It’s an ingenious way to blend tourism with sustainability.
That’s cool, but it’s really dependant on tourists being fully on board with the idea.
Compared to the usual tourist behaviors, this is a refreshing change, and I’d be keen to try it too!
Countries like the USA need to take note of such efforts, especially with their waste problems.
Maybe in the future, but it seems like a long road ahead with so many interests to balance.
A ski slope on a recycling plant—now that’s innovative thinking! More regions need to adapt to such creative urban spaces.
Totally agree. Multifunctional spaces should be the future of urban planning.
Excited for Bangkok! Hope we see real changes soon, and not just political talk.
Given how slow policy implementation can be here, fingers crossed!
The fact that Ramboll is aiming at net-zero carbon emissions is ambitious yet necessary!
Ambitious indeed! But it’s vital that such goals are made realistic and achievable.
The urban integration of leisure activities and industrial infrastructure is genius, promotes well-being!
Denmark sets a fine example for livability, but can the rest of the world catch up?
How sustainable is this collaboration long-term, though? A few years isn’t enough to gauge true impact.
For sure, but it’s a starting point at least. Long-term studies would be ideal.
Energy from waste is crucial, though incineration should be minimized to ensure reducing pollutants as much as possible.
Love how integration with urban design is pushing forward. Hopefully, Bangkok can adapt without all the red tape!
About time city designs emphasize harmony with nature. Henning Larsen seems to be leading in sustainable practices.
Public-Private Partnerships are indeed powerful if all parties act sincerely. But we need transparency here!