IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

Sustainable Public Transport in Stockholm

Trains and buses in Stockholm have been using 100% renewable energy since 2017 and the city aims to provide the most sustainable public transport in the world.

The Stockholm public transport system (SL) consists of around 450 bus lines, three shuttle boat lines and a metro system covering a total of 100 kilometres, in addition to other trams and local trains. Every day almost 800,000 people travel by public transport in the Stockholm region.

Clearly defined goals

The journey towards fossil-free, low-carbon public transport began way back in the 1980s. Thanks to hard work, a long-term approach and clearly defined interim targets, the goal of 100 % renewable energy for the metro, buses and local trains was achieved in 2017. The next goals for 2030 are to have fossil-free maritime traffic, cut emissions by 75% compared with 2009 levels, and to use 15% less energy per passenger kilometre than in 2011.

Sustainability at all levels

For SL, sustainability is important at every level. The majority of SL properties, depots and stations are heated using green energy. New construction work is subject to strict recycling and eco-labelling requirements. In addition, SL works hard to make all its services quieter and minimise emissions. Collaboration with scientific and business communities is part of its continual improvement strategy.

There are also ongoing efforts to ensure people with disabilities can access public transport. The long-term goal of Stockholm Municipality’s accessibility work is for its public transport to be perceived as the most attractive means of transport for people with disabilities.

Making way for an electric bus system

In its quest for smarter and more effective ways to operate public transport sustainably, SL has shown an interest in modern electrically powered buses. The Stockholm Public Transport Administration has carried out a major study to learn more about the possibilities of integrating electric buses into public transport throughout the entire Stockholm region. The study provides a deeper understanding of costs, risks, opportunities and benefits. It explores how much switching to electric buses would reduce energy consumption, noise levels and the extent to which it would eliminate particle and nitrogen emissions. The Stockholm Public Transport Administration is happy to share its findings and provide support to any other organisation interested in the study.

Smooth and sustainable in Norrtälje

Norrtälje City in Stockholm County has replaced an entire bus transport system with electrically powered vehicles. The initiative has been formed in cooperation between the municipality, bus operator Nobina and SL. The buses run on renewable electricity and offer both quieter and more sustainable public transport.

Similar Best Practices

Manufacture in Wood – Sustainable Wooden Design

‘Manufacture in wood’ is a gathering of forces from the wood construction industry and the wood-based interior design industry. The project will take advantage of the expertise available in production, automation and digital systems so that companies that work with wooden house construction, interior design and design can develop, with new solutions and smarter processes.

AstaZero – Future road safety systems

AstaZero is the world’s first full-scale independent test environment for future road safety.
The facility is unique since the different traffic environments make it possible to test advanced safety systems and their functions for all kinds of traffic and traffic situations including for example light and heavy vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists as well as ICT infrastructure and logistic solutions.

The Tricot factory – Timber on top to create a modern and sustainable office building

It is smart to use a circular business model where you can use existing buildings to create new buildings. Wood as a renewable building material plays a key role when existing buildings get new life with the help of wooden extensions.

The Multi Activity House – Sports, Activities, and Culture Under One Roof

A project is underway in the far north of Sweden to move and relocate the entire city of Gällivare. Public buildings are being replaced, creating a need for innovative, multi-purpose properties. The multi-activity building in the city centre will bring sport, activities and culture under one roof.

Last-Mile Delivery – Inner-City Distribution

Last-mile delivery is the final stage of an item’s journey, where it reaches the end customer. It’s also the most carbon-intensive stage. Growth in e-commerce is increasing both traffic congestion and CO2 emissions from delivery vehicles. Intensive work is underway in Gothenburg to test carbon-neutral concepts for last-mile deliveries.

Electromobility in Gothenburg Creates a Greener and Cleaner City

Fossil-based transport is a major contributor to cities’ CO2 emissions, as well as adding to noise and air pollution. By enabling all forms of transport to run on electricity, electromobility is key to making cities greener, cleaner and more pleasant to live in.

The New District of Brunnshög – a Future to Believe in

Everyone’s talking about a smarter, more sustainable future. This is taking shape in Brunnshög in southern Sweden. And it’s being created around the people who will live there, focusing on their future needs.

Villazero – Building for the Future

Villazero is a development project run by Fiskarhedenvillan, Mondo Arkitekter and Structor Byggteknik Dalarna, together with support from Region Dalarna. The project’s purpose is to build a carbon-neutral detached house in Borlänge. It’s a unique opportunity to learn how to build zero-CO2 houses for a more sustainable future.

Hoppet – Sweden’s first fossil-free preschool

When Hoppet preschool in Gothenburg was due to be built, the City of Gothenburg wanted to set a challenge for the construction industry and encourage change. The city wanted the preschool to be built completely fossil free, with no carbon emissions throughout the building’s entire life cycle from construction to its future use.

Tvärpilen – a Small Residential Area, Big on Sustainability

The village of Kivik in south-east Sweden is where you’ll find the new residential area Tvärpilen, which combines beauty, sustainability and responsibility in perfect harmony.

Haraholmen – a Green Industrial Park where Sustainability is Key

Haraholmen is an industrial park that brings together many sustainable initiatives and solutions to increase their positive impact. The site uses renewable energy, welcomes companies with a focus on environmental sustainability and is a hub for resource-efficient transport with access to roads, railways and a deepwater port.

Site East – a Climate-Neutral Construction Site

At Skellefteå Site East, close to Northvolt’s factory, one of the world’s most sustainable development projects has been conducted. Maximising the cutting-edge know-how of both Skellefteå Municipality and external partners, Site East is a source of inspiration for the industry. It has the boldness to adopt new approaches to sustainability and work with contractors towards a common vision.

All Best Practices