Cyclist on the Elbe Cycle Route heading toward the Blue Wonder in Dresden, with Elbe geese in the foreground.

Initiatives and programmes for a sustainable Dresden

Strategies, projects and networks from the city, the business sector and society

Dresden is home to a wide range of programmes, projects and networks focusing on issues such as urban development, energy, mobility and community engagement.

The following examples provide an overview of key strategies and initiatives from the city, the region and various sectors. This selection is by no means exhaustive. Content and projects are updated on an ongoing basis.

Test drive with automated, connected vehicle at the final event at Dresden Airport. — Test drive in an automated and connected vehicle.

Strategic Programmes & Urban Development

Integrated Urban Development Concept ‘Dresden 2035+’: Brings together urban development measures and is guided by international sets of targets such as the 2030 Agenda.
Smart City Dresden: Links digitalisation projects with topics such as energy, mobility and resource management.
EU City Emissions Label: On 7 May 2025, Dresden was awarded the label and is thus one of Europe’s model cities on the path to climate neutrality by 2040.

Two cyclists on the Elbe Cycle Path with a view of Dresden’s old town in the Canaletto view in the evening — The Elbe Cycle Route in Dresden.

Environmental and climate protection initiatives

Local Agenda 21 for Dresden e.V.: A network comprising over 80 initiatives aimed at promoting public participation and projects in the fields of the environment and society.
Edible City Dresden: A project to green public spaces and integrate edible plants into the urban environment.
Upper Elbland Organic Region Model: Promotes regional value chains in the agricultural and food sectors.

View of the congress center from above. — A view of the roof of the Dresden International Congress Centre.

Networks & Community Engagement

Dresden MeetGreen: A network of stakeholders from the events industry dedicated to developing practical approaches.
Fairtrade City Dresden: Part of an international network promoting fair trade structures.
City of the Future: A funding programme run by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) involving the city, the academic community and the public.
Culture for Future Dresden: An initiative to integrate sustainability considerations into cultural institutions. This led to the development of the ‘Dresden Charter for Sustainability in the Cultural Sector’, which cultural organisations of all kinds can sign up to.

The CUBE is the world’s first building to be constructed entirely from non-metallically reinforced concrete.

Innovation, Research & Projects

Dresden as a technology hub: Key areas include microelectronics, energy and resource efficiency.
Carbon Concrete Project: With the world’s first building made of carbon concrete, Dresden sets an example for new construction methods that use fewer materials.
Collaboration between academia and industry: Research projects are developing applications in fields such as energy, materials and urban development.

People practicing yoga in front of the Japanese Palace during the Palais Sommer festival. — Yoga in front of the Japanese Palace during the Palais Sommer festival.

Region & Tourism

Dresden Elbland Sustainability Strategy: Approaches to developing tourism offerings with a regional focus.
Programmes for visitors and local residents: Projects to strengthen regional offerings and make use of existing infrastructure.

Overview of local initiatives

There are numerous initiatives, projects and organisations in Dresden that focus on sustainability. The interactive mind map provides an overview of the diverse range of stakeholders and topics.