Gothenburg ramps up climate-neutral construction efforts
With increased resources and new funding, Gothenburg aims to accelerate progress towards climate-neutral construction. A new EU-funded project will create better conditions for pioneering companies to build sustainable businesses in the sector - focusing on circularity or the choice of climate-neutral materials.
Gothenburg has gained national recognition for its strong examples of reuse in renovation and new construction. Both private and public property players have high ambitions in circular construction, and are increasingly working systematically with the issues, both internally and in their procurements. Property companies Castellum, Platzer, Framtiden, Vasakronan and Hufvudstaden have been recognized as reuse pioneers and role models during the past two years.
But many more, over 140 actors across the construction and property value chain, have joined the platform for climate-neutral construction in Gothenburg, coordinated by Business Region Göteborg. Here they exchange ideas, discuss and take initiatives that lay the foundation for reducing carbon emissions from the property and construction sector.
“I am incredibly grateful for the fantastic commitment we have experienced so far. Building on a strong start, we now want to increase the pace of the transition even further, and I am pleased that we have several key players on board,” says Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Göteborg, the Gothenburg’s economic development agency.
More resources to help accelerate the transition
As of this year, the City of Gothenburg has allocated an additional SEK 3 million (~EUR 260,000) per year to accelerate the transition of the construction industry. It was also recently announced that the EU is co-financing the Living Lab climate-neutral construction project. The project has a budget of SEK 32 million (~EUR 2.8 million) and started in August. Since the summer, Business Region Göteborg has allocated the equivalent of over four full-time staff to promote climate-neutral and circular construction.
Eight partners are involved in the Living Lab project, which aims to lead the charge towards climate neutral construction. Through a number of pilot projects and business transition support, construction companies will develop and test new solutions from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
“We are hoping for really exciting projects, with great potential to be scaled up. For example, through pioneering companies that get the chance to develop new, in-demand products, processes and business models. Of course, we also want to engage new actors, contractors and material manufacturers, and inspire even more people,” says Susan Runsten, process manager for sustainable construction.
A key sector in the fight against climate change
The buildings and construction sector is a major contributor to climate change, accounting for about a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN. In Sweden, the sector’s share of greenhouse gas emissions is similarly about one-fifth.
At the same time, Gothenburg is in the middle of a historic period of development. The region is growing fast with the number of residents increasing by 150,000 people since 2010. Between 2024 and 2035, an estimated SEK 829 billion (~EUR 75 billion) will be invested in urban development and infrastructure.
“As the city aims to have a carbon footprint close to zero by 2030, there is a strong focus on sustainability. Collaboration and innovation are seen as important ingredients. This creates exciting opportunities not only for local stakeholders, but also for international investors and companies looking to join us in shaping the future,” says Marcus Scoliège, head of foreign direct investments at Business Region Göteborg.
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