Compared to conventional materials such as concrete, Stockholm Wood City is developing a new district built primarily in timber. Located in Sickla, Stockholm, it is expected to become the world’s largest urban area constructed in wood, with more than 25 blocks planned across approximately 250,000 square meters. Timber construction significantly reduces carbon emissions throughout both the building phase and the life cycle of the structures. It also shortens construction times, lowers noise levels, and can improve indoor air quality. Combined with green roofs and large windows, the district positions itself as a leading example of sustainable urban development. 

Located in northern Sweden, in Skellefteå, Sara Kulturhus is one of the world’s tallest timber buildings dedicated to culture. The center combines art and literature with a hotel, spa, and restaurant, all designed with a strong focus on sustainability. Built using locally sourced timber from surrounding forests, the 74-meter, 20-storey structure showcases innovative wood engineering. Its wooden framework helps regulate indoor air quality by naturally balancing moisture, while solar panels and energy-efficient systems reduce its climate impact. At the same time, Sara Kulturhus serves as a vibrant meeting place where culture and social sustainability come together. 

To understand how urban greenery affects well-being and biodiversity, the Nordic research collaboration Smarter Greener Cities collects data in the district of Norra Djurgårdsstaden in Stockholm. Eighteen wireless weather stations placed in courtyards, squares, playgrounds, and green roofs continuously monitor humidity, precipitation, temperature, wind speed, and soil moisture. This real-time data helps track how ecosystems function as nature-based solutions for climate resilience and adaptation. By combining greenery with advanced monitoring, the project strengthens knowledge of how green infrastructure supports both human well-being and biodiversity, which is crucial for building sustainable cities. 

In the new district of Brunnshög in Lund, an innovative system is being developed where research itself helps to heat the city. The area is being built with a strong focus on sustainability, and it hosts two major research facilities as part of a science village. These research centers generate significant excess heat, which is captured and used in what is becoming the world’s largest low-temperature district heating network. By recycling surplus heat from scientific infrastructure, Brunnshög reduces the need for fossil-based energy and increases overall energy efficiency. This approach not only demonstrates how research and city planning can be integrated, but also how future cities can use existing resources smarter and cleaner. 

As part of the EU-funded Move21 project, Sweden’s first mobility hotel has opened in Nordstan, Gothenburg. Located in the heart of the city, the facility brings together personal mobility and urban logistics in one central location. It offers services such as bicycle deliveries, battery swapping, and maintenance for bikes and electric micro-vehicles, making it easier for residents, visitors, and businesses to choose emission-free transport. The mobility hotel supports Gothenburg’s climate work by helping to increase the share of zero-emission transport in the city and demonstrating how innovative infrastructure can enable smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions. 

In connection with the Covid-19 crisis, everyday life changed for many people. As more of the population began working from home, and as local retail activity declined due to the growth of out-of-town shopping and e-commerce, greater demands have been placed on town centers as social  living rooms. In the city of Kristianstad in southern Sweden, the municipality has addressed these challenges through flexible measures and active dialogue with local stakeholders. The project redesigned four different sites in urban areas with varying conditions, demonstrating how diverse places can create attractive and sustainable living environments through a food model. The starter represents the low-hanging fruit, flexible, cost-effective solutions, while the main course and dessert describe more permanent interventions that require greater resources.  

Across the globe, climate change is one of the greatest threats to our way of life, requiring fossil-free investments and new approaches to urban development. In Sweden, the network organization Viable cities is one of the leaders in the mission of achieving climate-neutral cities by 2030 by bringing together 48 municipalities, six national agencies and leading research institutions. A key tool for this effort is the Climate City Contract 2030, which is a binding, long-term political commitment signed annually by municipal leaders, Viable Cities, and national authorities. The contract works as a coordinated action for each city to keep global warming below 1.5°C and accelerate systematic change. It sets shared goals, concrete targets, and investment priorities. 

How do young girls feel in public spaces? Umeå municipality put this question to girls from a local school. The results from the dialogue gave rise to a gender-sensitive public space, centred on a safe meeting place free from expectations, fears and insecurities. The project was named “Free Zone” and resulted in a carousel-like seating area where participants can socialise in round baskets under a colourful ceiling with speakers where they can stream their own music. The area is well-lit and accessible to ensure a safe and welcoming public space, open for all.

Each year Sweden produces 1.3 billion tonnes of organic waste. This corresponds to approximately 129 kg per person. Instead of seeing this as a burden, most municipalities realise its potential in the most circular way of all – through the production of biogas. The locally produced biogas is often used to run public buses in cities such as Stockholm, Malmö and Uppsala. Compared to diesel or petrol, biogas emits fewer particles and environmentally harmful gases, not to mention unpleasant smells. Not only do we avoid the use of fossil fuels, we are also creating a cleaner urban environment and making more out of less.

After years of environmental challenges in the Augustenborg neighbourhood in Malmö, a comprehensive refurbishment in the 1990s established green and blue structures throughout the area. This put a stop to the recurrent flooding, as well as contributing to a more visually appealing urban space with richer biodiversity. Measures included adding 6 km of storm water channels, 11 ponds, 0.2 ha of green roofs and Sweden’s first and only botanical roof garden. The floods have since ceased and other benefits have emerged, including cleaner storm water run-offs and cooling effects in the summers.