In southern Sweden, nestled among the lakes and forests of the Kronoberg region, lies a city that has been called the greenest in Europe for decades. This is Växjö – a university center of around one hundred thousand inhabitants, which, as early as 1996, made a decision that would change its future: to become the first city in the world free from fossil fuels.
Today, nearly three decades later, Växjö stands as a symbol of sustainability and a pioneer in the fight against climate change. While many are still searching for a way to reduce emissions, this Swedish city demonstrates that it is possible to combine urbanization, economic growth, and quality of life with environmental responsibility.
Energy from the Forest – The Power of Local Resources
Sweden is known for its vast forests, and Växjö has turned them into the backbone of its energy system. Instead of relying on oil and coal, the city generates heat and electricity from biomass — waste from the wood industry, such as branches, bark, and sawdust. As a result, the city’s district heating system is now almost entirely free of fossil fuels.
The outcome? Carbon dioxide emissions per capita have been reduced by more than 60 percent compared to 1993. This is not just a statistic — it is proof that persistence and smart planning pay off.
Another unique feature of Växjö is its architecture. Instead of building with concrete and steel, the city invests in timber construction. New residential and public buildings are largely made of wood, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the construction sector. In this way, Växjö not only lowers emissions but also shows how tradition can go hand in hand with modern technology and design.
IN FOCUS:
- A Fruitful Autumn in the World of Innovation – Building Materials Of the Future
- An Innovation Connecting Glassmaking Tradition and Sustainability
- From Biomass to Water Droplets
The City of Bicycles, Pedestrian Zones, and Electric Buses
In Växjö, cars are not the dominant means of transport. With over 300 cycling paths woven throughout the city, electric buses and biofuels produced from household organic waste are increasingly taking the lead in public transportation. The goal is clear – to reduce emissions from transport, one of the most persistent sources of pollution.
For its efforts, Växjö received the prestigious European Green Leaf Award in 2018, and European and global media regularly refer to it as the greenest city in Europe. Yet what matters even more is that Växjö has become a model for other cities – from major metropolises to small municipalities – that aim to make their communities more sustainable.
Prepared by: Milena Maglovski
The story was published in Energy portal Magazine GREEN ARCHITECTURE
