In light of the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit 2009 with big issues failing to be resolved, I’m yet proud to put some limelight on my old university town Växjö in southern Sweden which for a long time successfully has worked with environmental issues. By recently receiving the European Union inaugural award for the best sustainable development program, it is the greenest city in Europe and the rest of the world could probably learn from this tiny town.

The key to their sustainable success is a single power plant. Unlike most power plants, which rely on coal or oil as a source of energy, this plant runs entirely on wood-chips and other biomass waste from the area’s sawmills. In addition to providing electricity, the plant also supplies 90% of the city’s heating and hot water. The gases produced as wood burns are condensed into a liquid, which is purified and then pumped around town – providing tap water and a source of heating. What you see on the picture is not smoke but steam from the chimney that pretty much smells like a sauna! Växjö aims at becoming free of fossil fuels and has since 1993 reduced its CO2 emissions by 24% until 2005 from an already low level down to 3.5 tonnes per capita and year. The goal is 50% until 2010.

The next step of Växjö’s planning is cutting emissions caused by cars and buildings. The city council already owns a fleet of ethanol-powered cars but hasn’t yet been able to convince all of the residents to follow suit. Besides for seeking additional support and funding from the Swedish government, the council plans on converting its public transportation system and considering offering free parking for all low-emission vehicles. To minimise emissions from homes and offices, the city is turning to an elegant and carbon-neutral solution: wooden buildings.

Additionally, a large pool of the Scandinavian population traditionally use the bicycle as a main form of daily transportation and since moving to Sydney, I must admit that I miss using the bicycle every day as it is not only an eco-friendly way of transport but also a healthy and fun way of daily exercise. The latest news from Sydney City Council is that separate cycleway work is soon to begin on more major transport links throughout the City of Sydney to help make cycling a viable transport choice.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said “Cities have 50% of the population and create about 80% of emissions. We have a responsibility to change our behaviour and use more sustainable transport options. Many cities around the world, including London, New York, Amsterdam and Copenhagen have introduced separated cycle-ways successfully. We want cycling to be a real transport alternative to reduce congestion and pollution and improve public health”

Let’s hope it is not just talk and no action when Ms Moore meet mayors from the world’s top 40 cities in Copenhagen. Time will tell. PS. Santa, I have on my wish list for Australia to import high quality and comfy communter bicycles suited for the urban jungle and city life. I miss my Skeppshult bike.

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Yen Huynh, Creator of mecho | the style black book & style igloo

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