Ambassador took a look at the concept of “future town” in Sweden
On the 11th of April, 2012 Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Kingdom of Sweden Eitvydas Bajarūnas and representatives of the Embassy visited one of the districts of Stockholm - Hammarby Sjöstad. There they had an opportunity to survey a residential area of Sweden’s capital, which is reasonably named a “future town”. During the meeting with the President of the City Council Margareta Björk in March Ambassador E. Bajarūnas was invited to see this one of the most innovative residential areas in the world and to discuss possibilities of imparting its experience to Lithuanian towns.
Hammarby Sjöstad is an exciting new district in Stockholm where tough environmental requirements on buildings, technical installations and the traffic have been imposed from day one. There are more than 26 000 inhabitants in the area. The project will be completely finished in 2018. Stockholm Water Company, Fortum and the Stockholm Waste Management Administration have jointly developed a common eco-cycle model designed to ensure organic recycling throughout Hammarby Sjöstad, known as "The Hammarby Model". This model is the thread that binds together the entire environmental program and demonstrates how various technical supply systems can be integrated: waste is collected and incinerated to generate electricity; solar energy and biogas (from food waste) are also used for electricity production; all waste (paper, glass, metal) is recycled directly in the area; rain water is collected and used; waste is conveyed via special closed canals; fitted underground garages are largely used.
According to "The Hammarby Model" Swedish Trade council developed a sustainable town model – Symiocity – which is widely presented all over the world.
Hammarby Sjöstad district produces 50% of all its energy demand. An average Stockholm resident uses 200 l of water per day while a Hammarby Sjöstad dweller uses 150 l of water per day, but the goal is set to reduce it to 100 l per day per person. There are solar cells and rain water collectors on the roofs. It is expected that by 2020 the district would be using only electric cars; numerous chargers for electric cars are already located in the area. It is also planned that soon 80% of inhabitants will use bicycles and public transport.
During the meeting ambassador noted that the idea of Hammarby Sjöstad should interest Lithuanian towns that are thinking about eco living and energy efficiency.
