Malmö: Making sustainability reality
In Malmö, sustainability is not just a matter for researchers, engineers, politicians or architects. It has become a way of life, and a mode of thought. Malmö is a city where sustainability takes place.
Western Harbour. Malmö's sustainable district covers its energy needs with renewable resources.
In 2001 the city of Malmö finished the first stages of an urban development project in the Western Harbour. On a site that for decades was home to Malmös ship building industry, the city had now laid the foundations for a new identity. Today the Western Harbour is an urbanized district focused on energy and environment, mix-use urban planning and architectural diversification. At it's core is the district called Bo01, "the city of tomorrow".
Local renewable energy
Bo01 is an urban area of shops, cafes and dwellings that runs on 100 % locally produced renewable energy, making it Sweden's first climate neutral city-district. Homes receive energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind and water. Approximately 7000 persons are employed in the district, roughly 5000 students study there and about 6500 people are expected to live in the district by 2013.
Eco-cycle thinking
The Western Harbour lifts sustainability to the forefront, combing environmental living together with comfort and quality. The entire district is designed around principles of eco-cycle thinking in order to reduce, reuse or recycle raw materials. This is visibly apparent within the Western Harbour which focuses on minimising raw materials, waste separation and recycling, as well as producing biogas from food waste. Streets and sidewalks are paved with removable tiles which can be easily lifted and replaced as needed. Rainwater is integrated as a resource, facilitating habitat and filtered in an open storm water management system.
A living think tank
Malmö has invested in a number of centres of learning surrounding sustainability, such as the Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, the Regional Cenre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development and Solar City Malmö. Additionally, several Malmö schools feature solar and urban wind installations, helping reduce the carbon footprint and save on energy costs, whilst creating an interactive learning environment. Malmö also hosts a biannual Sustainable City Development Conference, and the Helix centre, a meeting place to discuss ideas concerning sustainability.
The Scroll of Honor
In October 2009 Malmö was awarded the UN Scroll of Honor. This prize aims to acknowledge initiatives which have made outstanding contributions in various fields such as shelter provision, highlighting the plight of the homeless, leadership in post conflict reconstruction, and developing and improving the human settlements and the quality of urban life.
General objectives for the long-term development of the Western Harbour:
- Be a national example of sustainable city planning
- Lead the city in its quest to become a knowledge city
- Create attractive and inspirational meeting places
- Develop a mixed city in which residences, offices, cafés and recreational activities can coexist within the same building
- Stimulate surprise and attractiveness to engage residents
Further reading
Malmö sustainable city development
Quick facts about Malmö:
It has the world's first botanical roof garden.
800 study groups visit the Western Harbour every year.
A green plan ensures close proximity to green space and city parks.
The city has 410 km of bicycle paths.
Natural gas is distributed to city buses and taxis as an alternative to diesel.
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In Malmö, sustainability is not just a matter for researchers, engineers, politicians or architects. It has become a way of life, and a mode of thought. Malmö is a city where sustainability takes pl
