Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe

Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland

• Dates – July 7–August 1, 2025
• Max Enrollment – 26
• Taught In – English
• Prerequisites – Yes
• Academic Area – Environmental Science and Policy; Landscape Architecture

Program Overview

In this program, we will study the policies, plans, systems, technologies and designs that support urban sustainability, exploring transit, bike and pedestrian circulation; renewable energy and water systems, recycling and solid waste management; economic equity and development; land use and urban design; landscape/open space design and the planning principles on which they are based. Relying on lectures, field trips, bike and walking tours, guest speakers, and reading-the-city exercises, the program shows what lessons can be taken from Europe back to U.S. cities. We will visit 6-8 cities—large and small—in four countries that have demonstrated a commitment to and success in becoming more sustainable. This includes looking in-depth at various deliberate eco-districts and neighborhoods in places like Stockholm, Basel, Copenhagen, Freiburg, and Lucerne.

Program Contacts

• Program Coordinator – Sophia Ferris-Green
• Instructor – Catherine Brinkley

Program Highlights

• Visit some of the most sustainable and vibrant cities in Europe, seeing them on foot, train, tram, ferry, and bicycle.
• Learn how European communities have embraced energy efficiency, recycling, renewable energy, water management, car-free transportation, nature areas in the city, alternative affordable housing and social organization and innovative urban design.
• Get exposed to innovative business models such as cooperatives, co-housing, co-location of businesses, and waste to energy solutions.
• Explore 6-8 European cities in four countries that demonstrate many principles and design strategies for sustainability.

What Students Are Saying

• “I think this trip is an amazing opportunity to travel across different areas of Europe for a good price. It is very inspiring to see the different aspects of sustainability just seeping into everyone's daily lives without them realizing that much because the city has just made sustainability an integrated part of their lives so well, that it feels natural. I highly recommend this class as it will change your perspective in the way you would approach city regional planning.” 
• “This was one of the best and most memorable experiences of my life. I met incredible people whom I really connected with and made real and lasting friendships with.”
• “I learned about effective policies and technology that are worth trying to implement in the US. It opened up a new potential career field for me.”
• "I feel like I've left the program more focused on my academic goals. I feel like I've learned something many people haven’t learned and will carry it with me for the rest of my life."