After analysing 60 urban development projects, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency concludes that innovations lead to a positive impact in cities for both the inhabitants and the environment. Some effects are cleaner air, less noise and a reduced environmental impact.
Positive impacts on people and the planet
The biggest effect was seen in decreased energy use, which led to cost efficiency and a decreased impact on the environment. Other effects shown were a reduced need for transport and a decrease in the spread of toxic waste. The results show that a quicker transition to sustainable cities and communities is possible by implementing urban innovations.
Success factors
One key factor for success is the cooperation between different actors. Another conclusion is that carrying out innovation projects before implementing the innovations on the market helps the municipalities to save money.
– Our experience is that new solutions are needed to make the environmental transition in cities, says Müge Apaydin-Jönsson, Project Manager for Smart City Sweden at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
60 projects from Sweden
One of the projects analysed was the use of a 3D application to show the value of trees in cities, which strengthened the communication between city planners and ecologists. The use of Artificial Intelligence in comprehensive planning in Örebro municipality is another successful project analysed and presented in the report.
For more information about the projects, read the report in full here (in Swedish).
