Many cities around the world today have problems with poor air quality, and often it is the combination of heat and car exhaust that is the cause. The development of fossil-free transportation in cities of the future is critical. Umeå, has extremely innovative electric buses adapted to cold climates. Umeå’s goal is to have fossil-free city traffic by 2020. New buildings use significantly less energy than existing buildings, which in turn can reduce their energy use with smart renovation methods. Umeå region has evolved as a hub for sustainable construction and management, and the interest in our work is great. Umeå’s objective is to become a world leader in sustainable construction by 2020.
With an estimated 40% growth in the number of people living in cities in 30 years, urban planning takes centre stage. . To plan well and build sustainable is normally a profitable business for both the environment and your wallet. Sustainable Ålidhem and the Green Zone are examples of such projects. Sustainable Ålidhem is a unique pilot project for sustainable urban development which includes social, technical, environmental and economic changes. The overall objective of the renovation of the residential area was to reduce energy use in the area, creating pleasant and safer environment and transform Ålidhem to sustainable district. The purpose of the Green Zone in Umeå is a unique environmental area to stimulate new thinking and increased knowledge in eco-friendly construction and provision of services.
Skellefteå has invested heavily in wooden buildings construction, which is by far more environmentally friendly than building concrete homes. For each cubic meter of wood replacing concrete, carbon emissions are reduced to one thirteenth. The equivalent of 0.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide is stored in each cubic meter of wood; and during the production phase, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by further 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per cubic meter.
