Cities around the world are growing and increasingly more people are moving from rural to urban areas. Today, 55 % of the world’s population lives in cities, and by 2050, the number is expected to be about 68 %.  

Increased urbanization has many positive outcomes and can connect people, reduce poverty and foster human development. At the same time, the increased pressure on cities leads to a stronger need to build sustainable cities and offer public services such as sustainable public transport systems, waste management and efficient energy solutions.

In order to deliver these solutions and create cities that are sustainable in the longer term, new technological solutions – together with good governance that consider the social aspects of sustainability – are needed.

Sweden works to create smart cities where social sustainability plays a major part. Green areas help create meeting places, and they also play the role of air cleaners, water collectors and noise reducers. By building in favour of bikes and pedestrians, car traffic has been reduced in the city centres, leading to better health among the residents.

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Related Best Practices

Manufacture in Wood – Sustainable Wooden Design

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.

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

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

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.

The New District of Brunnshög – a Future to Believe 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.


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