Find Swedish best practice

Älvstaden is the Nordic region’s largest urban development project. Central Gothenburg will double in size and the sustainability ambitions of the project are high. By strengthening the core, and joining Frihamnen with the rest of the city, an inclusive, green and dynamic inner-city is created. Within the City of Gothenburg, work is underway to reduce the differences in living conditions for the inhabitants. According to the governance document for social sustainability, Program for an Equal City 2018-2026, the city’s physical environments should create conditions for socio-economic integration, security and cohesion.

The construction and property industry are radically changing as digitalization and new technology sweeps over the sector. Meet Nordic Contech and Proptech Stockholm to learn about Swedish startups and how they already impact globally.

Linero, a city district in Lund in the south of Sweden, is a successful experience in smart city and energy efficiency retrofitting. The project in Linero focuses on upgrading approximately 800 apartments built in the 1970s in the Linero area, in order to create more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly housing.

The district Augustenborg has been rebuilt during the last 20 years to manage problems with flooding and socioeconomic challenges. By planning and rebuilding through solutions based on ecosystem services, the area is now an attractive district that managed well during the flooding in 2014. Augustenborg is now an excellent example of a successful sustainable makeover of an urban district.

The municipality of Växjö is a prime example of Swedish wood construction, where at least 50 % of new construction will be wood by 2020. Visit Växjö to see residential and commercial buildings, as well as infrastructure made in wood.

The Swedish National Geodata Strategy is based on five societal challenges for the Swedish society where geodata is expected to contribute to solutions:
innovation and business growth, digitization of public administration, streamlining of the urban planning process, climate adaptation and environmental threats, and defense and civil contingencies.

The Fossil-free Energy Districts project, FED – a unique local digital marketplace for electricity, heating and cooling at Johanneberg Science Park.

How about a bus route with quiet, emission-free vehicles, powered by renewable electricity, which picks up passengers indoors? Or a quick and smooth journey over the river with an electric ferry?

How will we live in the future? HSB Living Lab is a research and demonstration arena, consisting of actual homes for students and guest researchers. This exciting project innovates on site, enhancing the sustainability and quality of present and future homes and buildings.

Gothenburg solves its energy challenges with a combination of previous initiatives and new technology. In Gothenburg, 90 per cent of the city’s apartment buildings are connected to the district heating network.

Hörneborgsverket, a biofuel based cogeneration plant, is the engine of Övik Energi’s energy production. Hörneborgsverket produce roughly three equal amounts of district heating, steam, and electricity. The steam is distributed to the neighbouring process industries – Domsjö Fabriker, AkzoNobel and SEKAB. Due to the industry’s need for steam, which is in demand throughout the entire year, the cogeneration plant is used to a greater extent, in comparison with power plants that only supply district heating, of which the demand fluctuates. A total of 99% of the fuels used at Höreborgsverket are renewable fuels.

In Örnsköldsvik we prioritize sustainable travels and the goal is highlight and use sustainable travel habits in Örnsköldsvik, for example to choose active transportation such as walking and cycling. It may also be to commute by carpooling, or go by public transport such as train or bus. Or best of all not to travel at all. Instead we use Webb- or telephone meetings when it is possible. The municipality’s new Bicycle Plan and parking strategy shows the long-term jobs performed in sustainable travel.