Stockholm: Europe’s First Green Capital

The European Green Capital Award is provided by the European Commission to European cities dedicated to creating a green environment for their citizens. For more information, visit: www.europeangreencapital.eu

Honoured as the first European Green Capital in 2010 by the European Commission, Stockholm truly deserved the title. Ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets, effective management of renewable energies, high quality green spaces, and sustainable urban development programmes are just some of the reasons Stockholm was named as the first European Green Capital.

Stockholm’s vision is to be entirely fossil fuel free by 2050, and the aim of the city council is for everyone to be part of that environmental goal. Clean tech companies work together with the city planners on the collective goal of environmental improvement. Schools have adopted a philosophy of learning from nature, taking classes outside to encourage children to respect plants and animals. Even a public monument was erected in 1994 to remind people of the joint responsibility for the environment.

Stockholm is a role model for cities across Europe, including Dublin.

City cyclists in Stockholm

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

City cyclists in Stockholm
Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

City cyclists in Stockholm

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Enlarge image

Sustainable Transport Network

One of the most impressive aspects of Stockholm is its transport system. Transport emissions are relatively low, with all trains and inner city buses running on renewable fuels. Charging Points for electric vehicles (EVs), which emit about 80% less emissions than fossil fuelled vehicles, are widespread and clean vehicles make up about 40% of sales. Stockholm City Council also introduced the innovative solution of congestion charging in 2007 to further reduce transport emissions and ease traffic congestion. Under this scheme, a tax is placed on all vehicles driving in and out of the city centre. Huge environmental benefits have resulted from this initiative – traffic has been reduced by 20%, air quality improved by 10-15%, and emissions have been cut by 25% since 1990.

In addition to these green solutions, Stockholm has doubled the number of commuter cyclists in the city over a ten year period, with cycle lanes now extending 760km in total.

Stockholm's City Hall

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Stockholm's City Hall
Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Stockholm's City Hall

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

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City Ecology

Stockholm has also set high standards for improving the ecology within the city. Green areas account for 42% of the city and with 90% of the inhabitants living less than 300 meters from such an amenity, they are of huge health, lifestyle and environmental benefit to all. The city parks help to filter the air, reduce noise pollution, and of course enhance the city’s biodiversity. In some districts, purposely planned ecological corridors allow animals to move safely to other areas while staying within their natural habitat. Widespread vegetable allotments also help to foster sustainable food production and local community development.

Sustainable Planning

High environmental standards for all new urban districts are central to the development of Stockholm, which has been successful in achieving growth while maintaining sustainability. The city’s management system ensures that environmental issues are included in the annual budget and planning for all parts of the city. Such a system has facilitated key environmental initiatives across Stockholm. It was the first city to introduce LED bulbs for all traffic lights within the city, which have at least 10 times the lifespan of the older bulbs. Every effort is made to ensure polluted land is decontaminated before new building begins, and ‘eco’ buildings are commonplace.

Swimming in the River Norrström, Stockholm

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Swimming in the River Norrström, Stockholm
Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Swimming in the River Norrström, Stockholm

Stockholm was the European Green Capital for 2010.

Svartpunkt (M Glans/J Nemie)

Enlarge image

Effective Waste System

Sustainable development within Stockholm is not an entirely new concept. The city’s first district heating system was introduced in 1950, and today 73% of waste is incinerated for heating public buildings, company offices and private residencies. A biogas project, where sewage is used for heating, is also in place. 25% of the city’s waste is recycled and more is composted, resulting in an environmentally effective waste system.

Past & Present: a role model for all

However, it is worth remembering that Stockholm has not always been such a clean, eco city. In the early part of the 20^th century, rubbish floated in the water and the fish stocks were inedible due to pollution. Even swimming was prohibited. The Stockholm of today is one of the most sustainable cities in Europe, proving that many years of committed environmental work pays off in the end. It is an inspiration, a standard to which Dublin and other cities aspire.