Construction-Focused Sustainability in Malmö
In the vibrant city of Malmö, Sweden, the focus on sustainability is evident in every corner. Dr. Anna Bernstad, the Sustainability Strategist for Malmö Stad Stadsfastigheter, is at the forefront of this green transition.
Anna, a seasoned professional, has authored a book on sustainable waste management and previously worked for Akademiska Hus, refurbishing university buildings with a focus on reusing materials and deconstructing buildings. Her latest mission is to reduce the climate impact of public building construction in Malmö.
One of Malmö's innovative initiatives is the Hyllie Terrace, aiming to be the city’s first climate-neutral office building. This project uses recycled materials, low-carbon concrete, and solar panels to target net-zero carbon emissions across its operations and entire value chain by 2045. Malmö is also involved in the SkyZero project, focusing on negative emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS) from its waste-to-energy plants, aiming to capture up to 400,000 tons of CO₂ annually by 2030.
Malmö's sustainable construction efforts emphasize recycling materials to minimize embodied carbon in buildings. The city is working with traders of virgin building materials to expand their supply to include reused resources, avoiding the creation of a parallel market. Malmö is also investigating the use of biochar for organic fuel from garden and park waste.
The city's ambitious plan to invest in higher grade plastic recycling is another step towards a greener future. Malmö is also exploring new ideas of circularity, such as adding movable walls and doors to workplaces for flexibility, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic-induced changes in office use.
Malmö is not only focusing on new constructions but also on the reuse of components from decommissioned buildings, such as bricks and roof tiles. The city is learning from its collaboration with Gothenburg in this regard.
The city's procurement process contributes to these sustainable efforts by prioritizing contracts and projects that mandate environmentally certified practices and materials with reduced carbon footprints. Malmö is collaborating with companies like Skanska, which implement stringent environmental certifications and planet-friendly construction standards.
While no direct, detailed procurement policy from Malmö was found, it is evident that the city's collaboration with innovative companies and participation in climate-focused projects strongly supports procurement aligned with carbon reduction and material reuse goals.
Malmö's commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction. Parking cars in the city is expensive, and priority is given to the hybrid biogas-electric Bus Rapid Transit system. The city's website emphasizes the ease of cycling in the city, with minimum quotas of parking spots for bicycles, priority given to cyclists at traffic lights, and bike rental schemes.
Malmö's municipal waste management company is focusing on decreasing the use of fossil fuels and CO emissions. The city is even exploring the use of steel from the hovercraft terminal for circular signs, with the intention of minimizing waste and processing.
In conclusion, Malmö's green transition is a comprehensive approach that encompasses construction, waste management, and transportation. Anna's leadership and the city's innovative initiatives are setting an example for other cities to follow in the global fight against climate change. With ambitious goals, support systems, and a focus on reusing materials, Malmö is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Science plays a significant role in Malmö's green transition, with Dr. Anna Bernstad, an environmental science expert, leading the way in sustainable waste management and public building construction. Climate-change mitigation efforts are evident in Malmö's innovative initiatives such as the Hyllie Terrace, aiming for climate neutrality, and the SkyZero project, focusing on carbon capture and storage. Sustainable living is promoted through the city's emphasis on recycling materials, using biochar for organic fuel, and encouraging circularity in office spaces. This comprehensive approach, which also includes sustainable transportation methods and waste management strategies, demonstrates Malmö's dedication to environmental science and sustainable living, setting an example for cities worldwide.
