Empowering Sustainable Cities: Highlights from this October

Happy belated World Cities Day!?

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, World Cities Day on October 31st encourages global engagement in urban development, fostering cooperation among nations to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and promote sustainable growth. With cities projected to house 70% of the world’s population by 2050, this mission has never been more crucial in the face of climate change. In this newsletter, we reflect on this year’s Green Transition Summit, hosted by GTI in Washington, DC. The last day of the conference featured a visit to Navy Yard, which we touch on before exploring two recent trips to New York City—one for Climate Week and another for Archtober. Lastly, we turn to Seattle, where representatives traveled to to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Sweden and Washington State.??

Green, Equitable, and Livable Cities

Our high-level gathering of Swedish and American leaders, innovators, and environmental advocates showcased a unified vision for creating greener, more equitable urban spaces. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Sweden and the Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative in collaboration with World Resources Institute on October 22-23, illuminated practical strategies and pioneering projects aimed at reshaping urban development to support both people and the planet.

Linda Andrén , Executive Director of the Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative, served as the master of ceremonies. The event began with welcoming remarks by Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Urban Ahlin, followed by keynotes from Ani Dasgupta , President of the World Resources Institute , and Billy Grayson , Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute . Both speakers emphasized the urgency of sustainable urban solutions in addressing climate challenges and fostering economic resilience.

The first session highlighted zero-emission construction practices, featuring a pilot film on one of the U.S.’s pioneering construction projects executed entirely with zero-emission equipment. Spearheaded by 阿特拉斯·科普柯 , Husqvarna Construction , and 沃尔沃建筑设备公司 , the project demonstrated substantial reductions in noise and emissions, redefining sustainability in construction. A panel moderated by Claudia Adriazola -Stein of the World Resources Institute explored the potential of zero-emission technology to revolutionize urban landscapes while drastically reducing environmental impacts.

With buildings as a significant source of global emissions, the second panel addressed the urgent need for decarbonizing the built environment. Sofia Rudbeck ?? from Swegon Group presented on advancing energy-efficient HVAC systems. Panelists from Swegon, 汉斯 , and the Building Innovation Hub , moderated by Mary Fitch of the American Institute of Architects’ Washington Chapter, discussed policies, technologies, and community engagement as essential to overcoming challenges in reducing building emissions.

Richard Jackson from Washington D.C.’s Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) took the stage for the third session’s keynote, showcasing the city’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. Panelists, led by Leila Yim Surratt of the World Resources Institute, examined how local governments, including representatives from Viable Cities , the DOEE, and Arlington County Government , are catalyzing impactful changes through policies and partnerships to drive community-wide sustainability efforts.

The first day of the summit concluded with a reception, facilitating further dialogue and the forging of new partnerships. The gathering underscored the potential of cross-border collaboration to address urban climate challenges, as both the U.S. and Sweden work toward sustainable, inclusive cities worldwide.

The second day of the summit featured four specialized roundtable discussions at the Embassy of Sweden, bringing together experts to further explore the green transition in urban planning. One session titled "Mobilizing Aggregated Purchasing Power for Climate-Neutral Cities" focused on how aggregated purchasing can accelerate climate action, emphasizing the need to replicate successful funding models to maximize impact. Key voices from the Global Environment Facility , Habitat for Humanity , and Viable Cities shared insights on aligning innovation across city and federal levels to drive change.

Another discussion, "Balancing Operational & Embodied Emissions Without Compromising Indoor Environmental Quality," addressed the complexities of balancing emissions reductions with indoor environmental quality in building design. Panelists from Swegon Group , the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) , and GHT highlighted the slow adoption of net-zero building designs, noting the role of the Design-Bid-Build model in limiting progress toward sustainability goals.

The roundtable "6G and the Green Transition in Cities" examined the intersection of 6G technology and urban sustainability, featuring insights from 爱立信 , the 美国国务院 , and the City of Annapolis, MD on how early collaboration can align technological advancements with environmental objectives.

The roundtable “Designing Tomorrow: Sustainable Urban Transportation”, hosted by GTI’s senior project manager Marcus R?nngren Liu , brought together leading architects, urban planners, and policymakers to explore sustainable urban mobility strategies. Key topics included community engagement, effective incentives, and shifting mindsets to facilitate the transition to electric transportation. Participants also examined available grants, stressing the need for community support in understanding entitlement programs. The conversation underscored the importance of collaboration across federal, state, and local levels, with a focus on public-private partnerships that drive sustainable outcomes.

These discussions collectively highlighted the multifaceted approaches needed to drive sustainable development and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving shared environmental goals. The conference concluded with a trip to Navy Yard, a historic site in Washington, D.C., transformed into an eco-friendly community. Will Sibia of urbs | Urban Systems and Louis M. Dubin of Redbrick LMD , along with fellow panelists, explored the innovative financial and collaborative frameworks behind this sustainable development. By integrating Swedish investment expertise and urban planning insights, Navy Yard sets a promising example of sustainable real estate development focused on enhancing both livability and environmental responsibility.

The 2024 Green Transition Summit proved to be a milestone event, affirming the commitment of Sweden and the U.S. to pioneering greener, more inclusive cities for future generations. We are extremely grateful to our partners: 沃尔沃建筑设备公司 , Husqvarna Construction , Viable Cities , Swegon Group and urbs | Urban Systems .

Advancing Climate-Neutral Cities: Roundtables Spotlight the Power of Aggregated Purchasing Power and Collaborative Knowledge Sharing?

Last week, GTI and the Swedish innovation program Viable Cities hosted two roundtables—one in Washington, DC, and the other in San Francisco—as part of their ongoing collaboration throughout the year. This partnership aims to build connections between Sweden and the US to foster climate-neutral cities, with global implications for scaling sustainable solutions.?

The roundtable in Washington, DC, on October 23, was part of the Green Transition Summit, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the World Resources Institute. Participants included representatives from the City of Annapolis, MD, the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA) , the Global Environment Facility , Habitat for Humanity International , Viable Cities , and the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities . Discussions emphasized mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, focusing on challenges such as rising sea-levels, heat waves, and insurability. Participants highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration—spanning transport, water, and energy—and alignment across different government levels to drive effective solutions and access various funding streams. The transition must be people-centered and based in local communities, with social aspects and a just transition at its core. Participants also noted that the challenge lies not only in financing but also in efficiently allocating resources and focusing on strategic implementation.?

The San Francisco roundtable, held on October 21, was organized in partnership with the Consulate General of Sweden in San Francisco and Vinnova . Electrification and energy efficiency in buildings were key topics, reflecting their critical role in reducing emissions while enhancing urban resilience and improving quality of life. The discussion stressed the importance of a just transition, ensuring that the shift toward climate-neutral cities benefits all citizens, particularly those in vulnerable communities. Participants highlighted the need to integrate social equity into climate planning to promote fairness, job creation, and social inclusion.

A key focus across both events was the concept of aggregated purchasing power, an approach in which cities pool their procurement efforts to access sustainable technologies more efficiently and cost-effectively.?

These two roundtables are part of a global series of stakeholder engagements, including recent and upcoming Brussels roundtable, the World Urban Forum in Cairo, and the European Viable Cities Day in Stockholm, organized by Viable Cities .??

Learn more about the significance of aggregated purchasing power and suggested next steps for how cities can leverage both private and public stakeholders to drive demand for sustainable solutions here.

Urban Transformation in the Capitol Riverfront: an overview of Navy Yard

The Green Transition Summit offered attendees an exclusive look at the transformative Navy Yard waterfront development in Washington, D.C., a historic site occupied by the U.S. Navy since the 1800s. This ambitious 15-acre redevelopment, led by Redbrick LMD in collaboration with Swedish sustainable development firm urbs | Urban Systems , is setting new standards in sustainable urban design. The project masterfully blends historical preservation with forward-thinking environmental practices, making it a model for eco-conscious urban renewal.

Redbrick and Urbs aim to honor the Navy Yard’s rich history while integrating cutting-edge sustainability features. The Master Plan, led by Henning Larsen , an acclaimed Danish architecture firm, and Field Operations , a celebrated landscape-architecture firm, includes terraced green spaces along the water, incorporating climate resilience strategies to protect against flooding, extreme heat, and heavy rainfall.

The Master Plan divides the site into three distinct zones, each carefully curated to blend modern functionality with historical significance:

1. Marine Railway-Model Basin Zone: This area preserves historic structures while adding neighborhood servicing retail and event spaces.

2. Waterfront Zone: Designed to enhance public access, this zone features an updated Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, marinas, and in-water landscaping, providing a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

3. New Construction Zone: Here, modern residential, retail, and hospitality buildings are planned, all aimed to be LEED Platinum and net zero standards, with a focus on cross-laminated timber to reinforce sustainable practices.

Urbs, renowned for its Nordic design philosophy, intends to apply the “Nordic model” of circular systems in the development. This approach considers building systems as interconnected entities and utilizes waste heat from data centers and other facilities to efficiently heat buildings, minimizing reliance on traditional energy sources. A notable highlight of the Navy Yard that is being considered is the potential to convert a former parking garage into a geothermal “battery” using technology from a Swedish company like Rototech in order to create a reliable and efficient power supply for the complex.

Johanna Eklund from GTI, praised the project: “The Navy Yard visit provided inspiring insights into forward-thinking design and innovative solutions. It was great to see Swedish company Urbs collaborating on the project and the consideration of utilizing Swedish technologies to enhance energy-efficient building operations."

The Navy Yard development not only prioritizes ecological benefits but also promotes inclusive growth by implementing circular economy practices. Through this landmark project, the Capitol Riverfront area in Washington, D.C., is poised to become a vibrant urban space that respects its historical roots while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. As the project progresses, it stands to redefine urban living by integrating community-focused spaces with advanced sustainability innovations, positioning itself as a model for future developments worldwide.

New York City’s Architecture and Design Month

One of GTI’s Senior Project Managers, Stina Berglund had an inspiring week in New York this October as part of a delegation of Swedish architects, city planners and construction companies to celebrate Archtober. They traveled to Pittsburgh and New York under the theme “Architecture Matters” with the purpose of learning and exchanging knowledge regarding the transformation of cities into more efficient, green and livable places for people in the U.S and Sweden. The program is a part of the Swedish Institute’s mission within the Swedish government’s trade strategy

Sharing know-how and best practices

One of the trip's highlights was visiting the Gowanus Canal Development in Brooklyn, New York. The development project, which involves the removal of contaminated soil, the creation of green spaces to mitigate flooding and drought, and the ambitious cleanup of the nearly two-mile-long and 100-foot-wide Gowanus Canal, is a testament to innovative urban development. It's a testament to innovative urban development, with on-the-ground investments supporting the excavation and replacement of polluted soil, as well as the design of drought-and weather-resistant greenery. This waterway has been impacted by decades of industrial pollution from lumber yards, paper mills, and tanneries.

A key feature of the Gowanus Canal Development is its commitment to create a mixed income area. This promise is backed up by a guarantee of 20% mixed residential units from low-income families (40% of the Area Median Income) in a relatively high-income area. In total, 3,000 apartments out of 7,500 units are reserved for low-income households. The plan is to spur diverse businesses and job growth locally in addition to supporting schools and other necessary infrastructure for a long-term commitment in the area.??

The Gowanus Canal redevelopment demonstrates a shift from traditional approaches, where housing and community building are often treated as separate entities, to urban development. In this project, developers are actively involved in long-term planning regarding water, walkways, parks, ensuring the endurance and resilience of the neighborhood.

A Holistic Approach to Urban Planning

The next stop included a meeting with the New York City Department of City Planning. They provided valuable insights into their people-focused approach to urban design. The department's four guiding principles are:

1. Enhance People's Daily Lives: Considering the needs of all residents, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and diverse cultural groups.

2. Care for Neighborhoods: Preserving historical and cultural heritage.

3. Embrace the City's Dynamism: Adapting to changing urban needs and trends.

4. Confront Society's Greatest Challenges: Addressing homelessness, inequality, and public health issues.

This tour also included visits to the Highline Park, the Moynihan Connector, and the James A. Farley Building, which showcased innovative urban development projects. The construction of two skyscrapers on a very limited area over existing train infrastructure in Manhattan West highlighted the technical challenges such as structural integrity and safety, and the creative solutions like innovative building materials and design techniques involved in modern city building.

The Importance of Architecture

Another crucial event took place at AIA New York—a night of sharing best practices of the architecture that shapes our cities. This event underscored the importance of architecture in creating safe, healthy, and livable environments. By adopting sustainable design practices, we can develop resilient cities to climate change, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices, we can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and equitable future for our cities by changing how we build and what methods we use to design.

I want to finish with a quote from David Saand , Regional Manager LINK Arkitektur .

“Will it be easy?

Nope.

Will it be worth it?

Absolutely!”

This knowledge exchange between Swedish and American stakeholders was arranged by Swedish Institute, Swedish Architects and the NPO organization?STHLMNYC in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sweden in New York, The American Institute of Architecture AIA Pittsburgh, and New York.

Climate Week: a hectic week for climate enthusiasts, politicians, and global leaders

Climate Week in New York City coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together global sustainability leaders during a critical time. With the world undergoing profound transformations and facing rising catastrophic risks, this week was pivotal to reaffirming commitments to a sustainable future.

During Climate Week, Heads of State and Government, representing the world's people, gathered at United Nations Headquarters to protect the needs and interests of present and future generations. In September 2024, they released the 'Summit of the Future Outcome Document: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations. The “PACT” is a strengthened commitment to sustainability, peace, innovation, and multilateralism with 56 actions for a better future. These include reaffirming the Sustainable Development Goals and bold, ambitious, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to implement the 203 Agenda to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind. The 56 actions span commitment to place poverty at the center of efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda: closing the financing gap in developing countries; ensuring that the multilateral trading system continues to be an engine for sustainable development; addressing gender equality; strengthening actions to address climate change; addressing peace and security matters; and seizing opportunities associated with new and emerging technologies and address the potential risk posed by their misuse. These commitments underline the bold, transformative actions needed to ensure no one is left behind. For further details, the document can be found here.

Did you know that cities cover only about 3% of Earth's land but produce approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions? This makes city decarbonization central to the green transition. Several events during Climate Week were centered around cities.

One highlight was the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities Prize for Cities Awards Celebration, where various cities showcased innovative solutions for urban sustainability. Another key report, the? "State of Cities Climate Finance" emphasized the urgent need for increased urban climate finance to meet the 1.5°C goals. The report calls for a fivefold increase in funding, estimating that cities require USD 4.3 trillion annually until 2030, and over USD 6 trillion per year from 2031 to 2050, to meet both mitigation and adaptation needs.

During the week, an exciting new partnership was launched. The Swedish company ClimateView partnered with ICLEI USA to provide a next-gen platform supporting 500 subnational governments in achieving their climate goals. During Climate Week, they launched their strategic partnership to transform climate action for U.S. subnational governments. Their joint ambition is to merge ICLEI USA’s deep technical expertise in urban sustainability action with ClimateView’s cutting-edge technology to deliver a next-generation platform designed to equip local and regional governments with the tools they need to achieve ambitious climate goals; and to support a steeper learning curve – where cities can adopt best practices and optimize their sustainability strategies.

While city decarbonization was an important theme, Climate Week, as always, featured a wide range of events, covering various facets of sustainability– covering clean energy transition, sustainable finance, climate tech & innovation, and nature-based solutions with ecosystem preservation and restoring. The sheer number of parallel activities meant careful planning was essential to make the most of the week – and still it is only possible to scratch the surface and impossible to give a complete overview. For anyone considering attending in the future, a solid strategy—and comfortable shoes—are highly recommended!

Sweden and Washington State Deepen Dialogue on Green Transition Opportunities?

Earlier this month, representatives from GTI, Vinnova, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden traveled to Seattle to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Sweden and Washington State. The visit builds on a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed earlier this year between the State of Washington and the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Enterprise, formalizing their long-standing ties and shared commitment to the green transition.?

The LOI outlines cooperation on research, technological development, innovation, trade promotion, and policy exchange across climate, energy, and sustainability. Key focus areas include clean energy, sustainable buildings, industrial transition, bioeconomy, and sustainable transportation.?

During the Seattle visit, the Swedish delegation met with various organizations, including the Governor's Office, Washington State Department of Commerce , the City of Seattle , CleanTech Alliance , the Port of Seattle , SEI — Stockholm Environment Institute 's Seattle office, and CoMotion at University of Washington . These meetings focused on practical collaboration in areas such as urban planning, port electrification, hydrogen, and wood-based construction.?

The visit also included a reception at the National Nordic Museum , where stakeholders discussed the next steps and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the goals outlined in the LOI. The event highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving innovative solutions to climate challenges.?

Moving forward, Sweden and Washington State are focused on turning these discussions into tangible projects, building lasting partnerships to accelerate the green transition.?

Fact of the Month

The 2022 Global Waste Index, which ranked the 38 member countries of the OECD - OCDE , placed Sweden ninth and the United States 25th in terms of waste management efficiency. Sensoneo ’s analysis considered key factors such as waste generation, recycling rates, incineration, landfill use, and illegal waste disposal. Sweden’s high ranking reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable practices and advanced waste management infrastructure. Through innovations like waste-to-energy incineration and a national deposit system for recyclables, Sweden has significantly minimized landfill dependency, ensuring that a larger portion of waste is either recycled or repurposed.

While the United States ranked lower, it has made positive strides with local recycling initiatives and education campaigns that emphasize the importance of reducing waste. However, the U.S. could further benefit from Swedish practices by adopting a nationwide recycling standard, encouraging waste-to-energy solutions, and exploring extended producer responsibility programs. These approaches could reduce landfill dependency and promote a more circular economy, fostering a more sustainable waste management model that aligns with the growing need for environmental responsibility.

Interested in showcasing how Swedish solutions can contribute to the green transition in real-world projects in the United States? Contact the GTI team to explore new system pilot projects and other opportunities for collaboration.