Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative: Pioneering Sustainable Innovation

Welcome to our summer edition newsletter, where we spotlight efforts in sustainable innovation between Sweden and the United States. This longer edition features interviews with key leaders driving the green transition across various sectors, offering in-depth insights before we head into the summer break.

In June 2023, Ivan Rupnik, his MOD X co-directors, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development traveled to Sweden to learn about efficient industrialized housing, a trip recently highlighted by the New York Times.

Sweden is a leader in offsite and wood construction, despite past challenges. The delegation, including participants from the U.S., U.K., and Japan, visited innovative Swedish factories and projects like Lindb?cks Bygg, Randek, and Sara Kulturhus. These visits showcased the potential of industrial production for sustainable and affordable housing.

Discussions focused on "How to Build a House Like a Volvo," exploring how factory construction can offer quality, speed, and sustainability. Insights from the Swedish Energy Agency and Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative emphasized the benefits of this approach for the U.S., which faces a housing deficit.

Join us as we explore these inspiring stories and more, highlighting the collaborative spirit that propels sustainable progress on both sides of the Atlantic.?

Swedish Expertise in Offsite Construction Highlighted in New York Times

In June 2023, Ivan Rupnik and his MOD X co-directors, along with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, traveled to Sweden to determine how to produce efficient industrialized housing in the United States. A trip that was recently mentioned in an article in the New York Times (How an American Dream of Housing Became a Reality in Sweden - The New York Times (nytimes.com)).?

Sweden is considered a leader in offsite and wood construction, although this has not always been the case. Between 1971 and 1973, a U.S. modular housing project called Operation Breakthrough established nearly 3000 units in the U.S. However, this project was stopped in 1976 as it was deemed to be costly, and today only 3% market share in the U.S. of housing is industrialized housing.?

The delegation took place during a sunny week in June 2023, with participants from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Japan visiting Swedish factories such as the Lindb?cks Bygg, Randek, an automation equipment manufacturer. They also visited projects like Sara Kulturhus, designed by Oskar Norelius, partner at White Arkitekter. Sara Kulturhus is a building that showcases delightful design and economized construction by designing for industrial production, with volumetric modular units assembled at Derome.?They also visited the interesting concept Boklok. The travel was on the Swedish side, supported by Sveriges Tr?byggnadskansli,??Svenskt Tr?/Swedish Wood, the Swedish Energy Agency, and more.

The delegation also had many fruitful discussions on "How to Build a House Like a Volvo" and about how the productivity of factory construction could mean more permanent homes for more people faster, with advantages in quality control and speed. The controlled indoor environment that this type of production offers provides good working conditions for the workers, and as a big plus – it is suitable for the product as well! In addition, less energy is required for the construction, which gives an upside in terms of sustainability and better pay-off. During the delegation, the Swedish Energy Agency and Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative also gave presentations alongside many other solution providers and legislative bodies like Boverket.?

The focus was also on the differences between the United States and Sweden in their regulatory landscape, prescriptive, and performance codes. The overall aim was (and still is) knowledge transfer, and here, researchers like Lessinger and Lidel?v contribute to knowledge sharing across the Atlantic. Lessinger has recently returned to Sweden after several years at Stanford, while Lidel?v continues to share her insights in classes at Berkeley.

With a large housing deficit in the U.S., offsite construction can be a solution to produce affordable and sustainable housing, not only from a quality and environmental perspective but also to solve the challenge of a skilled labor shortage in the construction sector. For further development, Sweden can contribute with knowledge and technological solutions around the offsite construction and embodied and operational carbon. Some of Sweden’s strengths in relation to buildings are summarized here: Smart Green Buildings.?

Revolutionizing Wind Energy: Modvion’s Wooden Wind Turbine Towers

We are happy to spotlight Gustav Nilsson in this edition of our newsletter. Gustav is a visionary entrepreneur and a seasoned leader with extensive experience in Product Development, Operations, Strategy, and Sales. As the co-founder of Nimbell and the Chief Operating Officer at Irisity, he has successfully navigated the dynamic landscape of both startups and large corporations.

Gustav's skills in negotiation, execution, and strategic planning are complemented by his robust academic background, holding two Master of Science degrees in Business Design and Design Engineering. His diverse expertise and innovative approach make him a driving force in the industry, and we are excited to share his insights and achievements with our readers regarding the future of Modvion.

Modvion's innovative approach to building modular wind turbine towers constructed from wood is designed to address key challenges facing the wind industry, such as height limitations, transportation complexity, and environmental sustainability.

Modvion is a pioneer in developing sustainable wooden wind turbine towers. Can you share some insights into the strategic vision behind focusing on wooden structures, and how this innovation could revolutionize the wind energy sector in the US?

"Turbines are getting larger and larger and expected to double in size the coming decade. Taller towers harvest more and stronger winds, leading to cheaper energy production. The increase in height challenges today's conventional towers of steel and concrete. Making the tower modular simplifies transport by using standard trucks on standard roads, without the need for lengthy permit procedures or road works.

Our wooden towers offer a more sustainable alternative, supporting the US’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. The ability to construct taller towers could open new geographical areas for wind farm development, particularly in regions with strong wind resources that were previously inaccessible due to logistical constraints or not being able to build large enough turbines.

Consequently, Modvion's wooden towers can significantly improve the scalability and sustainability of wind power projects across the United States."

With Modvion's expansion plans in mind, what are the key factors you consider when entering new markets like the US, and how do you tailor your strategies to meet local regulatory and environmental standards?

"We know that there is a +45 USDbn market annually and it’s forecasted to grow double digits as the global need for cheap and sustainable energy is increasing. Also, the average global turbine size is forecast to double from 3.4 MW in 2021 to 6.6 MW in 2030. This drives demand for high tower solutions.

Our wooden tower, built with renewable material, can be customized to meet customers' needs and geographical preferences while maintaining industry standards. Now we are to identify regions with the highest potential in terms of partners, local value chain, and resources in combination with a strong drive for expanding the renewable energy capacity. Of course, understanding the local prerequisites and regulations will be carefully examined to ensure compliance and smooth market entry.

By focusing on these key factors, Modvion can effectively enter and thrive in new markets such as the United States while delivering our sustainable and innovative solutions."

Collaboration is often crucial for innovation and growth. What types of partnerships or collaborations is Modvion looking for in the US, and what can potential partners expect from working with your company?

"We are already in collaboration with several OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), IPPs (Independent Power Producers), and utilities acting on a global market, and we will establish further contacts with US project developers and energy companies. In addition, we will build a network of U.S. subcontractors to build robust supply chains ensuring that our solutions are both competitive and regionally integrated. By working with local suppliers and manufacturers, we aim to enhance the economic impact within the communities we operate in.

By partnering with Modvion, partners will be at the forefront of renewable energy innovation and contribute to a sustainable future while benefiting from our expertise and market-leading wood technology."

Looking ahead, what are the most exciting developments or projects on the horizon for Modvion, and how do you envision these contributing to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure in the United States?

"The most exciting developments on the horizon for Modvion are upcoming installations of 6MW turbines on our high wooden towers, and the volume production planning with factories and partnerships that will enable us to scale up and reach into new markets like the US and North America. We are on a journey to enable net zero wind power – time to join the ride!"

Bridging Innovation Across Continents: Exclusive Interview with Inger Gustafsson of Vinnova

We are pleased to feature Inger Gustafsson, a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University and Head of Vinnova in Silicon Valley. With over five years of experience in Silicon Valley, Inger has become one of the main centerpieces of the Swedish, and even Nordic, presence in this global tech hub. Her extensive background in fostering innovation and collaboration between Sweden and Silicon Valley brings invaluable insights into the strategic importance of Vinnova's presence in the area. Here, we present our exclusive interview with Inger Gustafsson on the importance of Vinnova’s presence in Silicon Valley and the potential benefits for Sweden's innovation landscape.

What do you believe is the most compelling reason for Vinnova to establish and maintain a presence in Silicon Valley?

“Silicon Valley is widely recognized as the world's leading innovation ecosystem, and for good reason. It is home to numerous groundbreaking companies, cutting-edge research institutions, and a vibrant culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. For Vinnova, being part of this dynamic environment allows us to stay at the forefront of global tech developments. By having an "ear on the track," we can quickly identify emerging trends, groundbreaking technologies, and innovative business models that can be adapted and applied within Sweden. Silicon Valley's unique culture of innovation is incredibly inspiring. The region's emphasis on collaboration, risk-taking, and rapid iteration fosters a fertile ground for new ideas and ambitious projects. By immersing ourselves in this environment, we can draw valuable lessons and insights to enhance our own innovation strategies. Having a presence in Silicon Valley opens up significant opportunities for Swedish actors. It provides a gateway for Swedish startups, researchers, and businesses to access the vast network of resources, partnerships, and investment opportunities available in the region. This can accelerate their growth and integration into the global innovation landscape.”

How can Vinnova leverage the innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley to enhance Sweden's startup and tech environments?

“One of our key assets is our involvement with Nordic Innovation House, a vital infrastructure that facilitates our integration into the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Nordic Innovation House serves as an essential landing spot for Nordic startups looking to establish a foothold in Silicon Valley. By providing a physical space and a supportive community, it helps startups navigate the complexities of entering this competitive market. The house acts as a springboard, allowing startups to quickly adapt and thrive in a new environment. Nordic Innovation House also offers a valuable network that enables warm introductions to key players in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. These connections are crucial for startups seeking investment, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. By leveraging these relationships, we can help Swedish startups access resources that might otherwise be out of reach, accelerating their growth and development.

In addition to providing infrastructure and networking opportunities, Vinnova with our Nordic partners also organize accelerators tailored to startups at various stages of their development. These programs are designed to equip startups with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. By offering targeted support and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can help Swedish startups scale their operations and compete on a global stage.

By utilizing Nordic Innovation House and its associated network, providing a supportive infrastructure, and organizing specialized accelerator programs, Vinnova can effectively leverage Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem to bolster Sweden's startup and tech environments. This strategic approach not only benefits individual startups but also enhances the overall competitiveness and vibrancy of Sweden's tech landscape.”

What specific practices or philosophies from Silicon Valley do you think Vinnova should adopt to foster a more robust entrepreneurial culture in Sweden?

“Silicon Valley's success as an innovation hub is often attributed to several key practices and philosophies that create a thriving entrepreneurial culture, including a strong pool of talent, a culture of risk-taking, the "pay it forward" mentality, and ample funding opportunities.

One of the most striking aspects of Silicon Valley is the mobility of people between different sectors—academia, industry, and startups—as well as the fluid transition from founder to investor. This mobility fosters a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, driving innovation. Vinnova can make a significant impact by promoting such mobility within the Swedish system and encouraging exchanges between Sweden and international innovation hubs. This can help cultivate a more robust and dynamic entrepreneurial culture in Sweden.”

Could you highlight any successful collaborations or partnerships facilitated by Vinnova between Swedish companies and Silicon Valley entities that have led to significant advancements or innovations?

“I am proud of how we have expanded the relevance and scope of Nordic Innovation House. Initially focused on startups, this initiative now includes a broader range of actors such as research institutes, cities, and six Swedish universities. This expansion has created a more inclusive and dynamic environment, fostering greater collaboration and innovation across various sectors. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we have strengthened the overall innovation ecosystem and enhanced the potential for cross-disciplinary advancements.

Another recent example is the startup FLOX Robotics, which recently attended our accelerator and is now making interesting progress in Silicon Valley. Their participation in the accelerator has opened up new opportunities and collaborations with the vibrant ecosystem of Silicon Valley.”

Looking ahead, what future opportunities do you foresee for Vinnova in Silicon Valley, and how can Swedish businesses and policymakers prepare to capitalize on these opportunities?

“Looking ahead, Vinnova's presence in Silicon Valley will continue to open up new and exciting opportunities, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape. One significant opportunity lies in the area of defense innovation. Over the past decade, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has established a closer collaboration with Silicon Valley, leveraging the region's technological advancements to enhance national security. Sweden can draw inspiration from this model and also seek to establish innovation collaborations with Silicon Valley. By partnering with leading tech companies and research institutions in Silicon Valley, Vinnova can facilitate these collaborations. By fostering collaboration and promoting talent mobility, Sweden can capitalize on these opportunities and strengthen its position in the global innovation landscape.

Inger Gustafsson's insights underscore the vital role that Vinnova's presence in Silicon Valley plays in bridging the innovation gap between Sweden and one of the world's most dynamic tech ecosystems. By fostering collaboration, adopting best practices, and leveraging future opportunities, Vinnova can significantly contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Swedish innovation.”

Resilience and sustainability-cities of tomorrow

The global warming crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate. If current emissions trends continue, we will surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius (2.7 F) warming limit set by the Paris Agreement within the next five years. Cities are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and rapid urbanization is only exacerbating the problem. By 2030, 70% of the world's population is projected to live in cities. Global warming is creating what we collectively call climate impacts. Extreme heat, heavy rainfall or snowfall, prolonged droughts, and extreme cold are all weather events that give us indications of how future cities need to be designed to protect people from both the direct and indirect effects of these powerful forces. To address these challenges, we must adopt a holistic approach that focuses on both mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation strategies aim to prepare for and manage the impacts.

In 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in US history. This landmark legislation aims to foster job growth in industries related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The IRA further nudges American households to actively participate in the transition to a cleaner energy future by providing incentives for investments in solar panels, additional insulation, energy-efficient doors and windows, and other measures that improve the overall energy performance of their homes. This includes well-insulated houses with smart technology to improve energy efficiency. In both extreme heat and extreme cold, well-insulated houses are a winning concept. Well-insulated buildings keep out both cold and heat if built correctly. And with efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, energy consumption is significantly reduced. Potentially saving both money and the environment.

On June 6, 2024, another important step was achieved to accelerate the green transition in America. The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the adoption of a new national standard for measuring carbon dioxide emissions in the building sector. The building sector accounts for a significant portion of US greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical area for action in the fight against climate change. The new DOE standard, along with the incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, has the power to significantly reduce emissions from buildings, paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Modular construction using wood is an efficient building method that Sweden has extensive experience in. Using wood has proven to be a sustainable solution for addressing today's pressing challenges in housing, labor, and climate change, a model that might be of interest for the American housing construction market as well. Wood's renewability and low embodied energy in construction significantly reduce fossil fuel dependence and emissions. Studies show multi-story wood buildings have half the environmental impact of concrete alternatives. Moreover, wood buildings continue to store carbon throughout their lifespan. Investing in infrastructure that can withstand and lessen the impacts of climate change is

essential.

Leading by example, Washington D.C. became the first of 100 cities globally to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in 2017. Now, they're pushing the boundaries even further with one of the first fully decarbonized major renovations in the United States - the AIA the AIA headquarters in Washington D.C. This transformation of this 50-year-old brutalist building will reflect the organization’s values with improved transparency and engagement—creating an efficient and effective space for AIA headquarters in D.C. for staff to work and members to visit. It will run entirely on clean energy sources like solar and wind power. Air-to-water roof heat pumps will provide efficient heating and cooling, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. This project is a glimpse into the future of cities. Retrofitting existing buildings, rather than constructing entirely new ones. Investing in infrastructure that can withstand and lessen the pressures climate change puts on our cities is crucial to preventing costly disasters. Washington D.C. was the first of 100 cities across the world to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2017. This is the kind of project that we will see more of in cities all over the world to fight carbon emissions, retrofitting already existing buildings. But what else? When talking about climate change and sustainable cities there are so many actions that need to be addressed to keep us humans out of harm’s way. Here in Washington, you can see many preventive projects regarding water and greenery.

Cities dominated by asphalt and concrete are particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Downpours overwhelm drainage systems, leading to floods and costly property damage. But the bigger problem lies unseen: polluted runoff. If no prevention rainwater picks up pollutants like chemicals and dirt, carrying them directly into our waterways. Washington state offers many preventing examples of taking action. By preserving and building wetland parks, the city has created natural barriers that protect the coast by natural filters of sand and vegetation before rainwater reaches lakes and oceans. Wetlands play a vital role in both mitigation and adaptation. Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water and reducing the risk of flooding. They also store large amounts of carbon, which helps to mitigate climate change and is a natural barrier to prevent flooding. Additionally, these parks also serve as recreational havens for both animals and humans. Offering mile after mile with extensive trails for walking and cycling. Green infrastructure encompasses a variety of water management practices, such as vegetated rooftops, roadside plantings, absorbent gardens, and other measures that capture, filter, and reduce stormwater. In doing so, it cuts down on the amount of flooding and reduces the polluted runoff that reaches sewers, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Green infrastructure captures the rain where it falls. It mimics natural hydrological processes and uses natural elements such as soil and plants to turn rainfall into a resource instead of a waste. It also increases the quality and quantity of local water supplies and provides myriad other environmental, economic, and health benefits. Outside this office, another example is a biodiversity garden park built to create environments where pollinators thrive and prosper.

Increasing temperatures are also a city problem that needs to be prevented and here green roofs, carpeted with hardy grasses, succulents, and wildflowers, offer a bounty of benefits for both the environment and those who experience them. Green roofs act as a thermal insulator, keeping your building cooler than the surrounding air. According to the EPA, they can be up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than conventional roofs! This translates to a city-wide cooling effect, potentially reducing temperatures by as much as 5 degrees. Green roofs are champions of rainwater management. They can retain a significant portion of rainfall. This captured water is then slowly released, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion downstream. Just as the wetland’s rooftop gardens act as natural filters, absorbing rainwater and filtering out pollutants before it reaches our waterways. Additionally, the vegetation on green roofs helps combat climate change by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and storing it in plants and soil. The global climate crisis is intensifying at an alarming rate; therefore, we have to share best practices and emphasize large and small improvements to accelerate the pace of green transformation by designing smart and resilient systems.

Link?ping University's Strategic Push into Silicon Valley: An Insightful Interview with Dr. ?sa Wallin

Dr. ?sa Wallin is an accomplished innovation expert with extensive experience in fostering national and international collaborations across academia, industry, the public sector, and NGOs. Her expertise and leadership are crucial in steering Link?ping University's strategic initiatives in Silicon Valley. Here, she shares her perspectives on the visit’s objectives, the delegation’s key members, and the anticipated outcomes.

Could you provide an overview of the primary goals for Link?ping University's visit to Silicon Valley?

“The main aim of our visit is to strengthen and consolidate Link?ping University’s visibility and position in the Bay Area. We are keen to enhance our relationships with both current and potential academic and industry partners. By engaging with the innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley, we want to ensure that our research and education benefit from this leading international innovation hub.”

How does this visit align with Link?ping University's broader strategic initiatives?

“This visit is very much in line with LiU’s strategy and priorities, particularly in areas of interest connected to Silicon Valley. We are focusing on thematic initiatives that resonate with our strengths and aspirations, such as medical research, engineering, sustainability, resilience and total defense, digitalization, and precision health. This in the context of interdisciplinary centers with scientific excellence. By building strong connections here, we aim to integrate cutting-edge practices and technologies into our own frameworks.”

Can you highlight some key members of the delegation and their roles?

“Absolutely. Leading our delegation is Professor Jan-Ingvar J?nsson, our Vice-Chancellor, who brings extensive experience in medical cell biology and research program development. Other key members include:

Professor Matts Karlsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and expert in biomedical modeling and high-performance computing.

Professor Johan ?lvander, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, who specializes in complex system design and optimization.

Professor Ulf Melin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, focusing on digitalization and governance.

Professor Martin Hallbeck, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, renowned for his research in neurodegenerative diseases.

Maria Engelmark, Director of International Affairs, expert in the area with over 30 years experience.

Each member brings unique expertise that will be crucial in our discussions and collaborations.”

What specific outcomes are you hoping to achieve from this visit?

“We have several key outcomes in mind. Firstly, we aim to solidify existing partnerships and explore new collaborations with both academic and industry leaders in Silicon Valley. We’re looking at joint research projects, exchange programs, and shared innovation goals. Secondly, we want to showcase LiU’s strengths and contributions to global knowledge and technological advancements. Finally, we aim to identify emerging trends and opportunities that can propel both LiU and our partners towards mutual growth and innovation.”

How important is it for LiU to engage with the innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley?

“Engaging with Silicon Valley is incredibly important for LiU. This region is a global hub for technology and innovation, and by tapping into its ecosystem, we can bring invaluable insights and practices back to Sweden. This engagement not only enhances our own research and education but also positions LiU as a key player in the global innovation landscape.”

What are some of the key events or meetings planned during the visit?

“Our schedule includes a series of high-level meetings and presentations with leading academic institutions and tech companies. We will be discussing potential collaborations, showcasing our research, and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives. These interactions will help us build robust networks and partnerships that can drive future projects and innovations.”

How can this visit benefit both Link?ping University and its partners in Silicon Valley?

“This visit is a two-way street. While we aim to learn from Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem, we also bring a lot to the table. LiU’s research and expertise in various fields can contribute significantly to our partners’ projects and goals. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can create synergies that benefit both our university and the organizations we engage with in Silicon Valley.”

As we wrap up this edition, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our subscribers and partners for your continued support and commitment to sustainable building practices. Your engagement and dedication are what drive us forward.

As the summer season approaches, we wish you all a wonderful and relaxing time filled with joy and sunshine. May your summer be as bright and inspiring as the work we do together.

Glad Sommar!

Warm regards,

The GTI Team