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Cities do have a key role to lead the way and demonstrate how to solve problems.
To live in cities in itself is environmentally friendly because we live in close proximity, we use resources more efficiently.
But we can do even more in the cities and the construction is of course a very important part of it
- the construction and how we use the infrastructure.
In Hammarby sjöstad there are solar panels on rooftops.
The biogas from drains is recovered from the sewage system,
waste sorting is done by an automated garbage system from the Swedish company Envac
where the waste becomes district heating, biogas and new paper.
And there's a thought through traffic strategy
including public transportation, a car pool and these loading stations from Fortum for electric cars.
This is an example where Sweden is far ahead when it comes to making cities sustainable.
It was planned much before Hammarby sjöstad was built which has made environmental thinking a right choice of building materials.
And it has also meant that the world would come to visit to see a sustainable neighbourhood in the forefront.
Sweden was about Abba, Volvo and Björn Borg but now it is Hammarby sjöstad that puts Sweden and Stockholm on the map.
What does the construction industry gain on developing sustainable cities?
It is necessary to develop sustainable cities. Anything built in the future has to be sustainable.
So it is as a matter of survival for the industry. We want to be able to contribute to future sustainable cities.
Sweden is now developing even further.
AIX Architects are part of a development project together with the Forest Industries Federation and European Wood
where they design climate-friendly timber houses for export.
The company eGain can cut energy consumption in a building by up to 15%
by combining accurate weather forecasts with knowledge of a building.
The next big project in Stockholm is Norra Djurgårdsstaden that NCC is helping to build.
Norra Djurgårdsstaden is a neighborhood where the experiences from Hammarby Sjöstad will be utilized and further developed.
Among other things, it should be fossil fuel free by 2030.
Norra Djurgårdsstaden will be our next environmental goal that will show the next generation of innovation.
To cite an example, we have for example implemented smart grids in Stockholm.
This is the next thing that Stockholm will be the first in.
But despite Sweden's success in sustainable cities the construction industry wants better guidelines and stricter requirements.
We think that building regulations need to be tightened gradually
so that there is ample lead time for construction companies to adapt to the rules.
Today, there is a gap between the goal that we should halve energy use in buildings by 2050
and today's energy requirements for new buildings.
What needs to be done?
I would think the politicians need to be clearer on what will apply in the future.
As it is now, there are a plethora of different energy requirements and limits around Sweden - it's not good, it's not good for anyone.
We need to work between the local level and government level.
How does it look like financially?
We believe it can be profitable for everyone in the future, for both clients and contractors and ultimately those who will use the buildings.
The consumer wins because they have lower energy costs and lower operating costs in general for their building.
So everyone is going to win.
We should also be aware that there will be other cities around the world who have recognized this way of working
so that we cannot rest on our laurels as we have to constantly make an effort to be at the forefront
and it makes the city together with businesses and together with KTH,
so I am confident that we will remain in the forefront even with the next environmental issue.