US-Sweden Collaboration for Green, Equitable, and Livable Cities

October 22-23, 2024, House of Sweden, Washington DC

A 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, illuminated practical strategies and pioneering projects aimed at reshaping urban development to support both people and the planet.

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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 and Land Institute. Both speakers emphasized the urgency of sustainable urban solutions in addressing climate challenges and fostering economic resilience.

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Block 1: Electrifying Change – Zero-Emission Construction

Kicking off the discussions, a pilot film showcased one of the first U.S. construction projects executed with zero-emission equipment, a collaboration among Atlas Copco, Husqvarna Construction, and Volvo Construction Equipment. This project demonstrated groundbreaking reductions in noise, emissions, and environmental impact — setting a new standard for sustainable construction practices. A panel discussion followed, moderated by Claudia Adriazola-Stein from the World Resources Institute. Experts from Volvo CE, Husqvarna, and the Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative shared insights on how zero-emission construction can redefine urban landscapes while drastically lowering environmental impacts.

Block 2: Building the Future – Decarbonizing the Built Environment

With buildings contributing significantly to global emissions, the second panel addressed the urgent need for decarbonizing the built environment. Sofia Rudbeck from Swegon Group spoke on advancing sustainable design through energy-efficient HVAC systems. Moderated by Mary Fitch of the American Institute of Architects’ Washington Chapter, panelists discussed tangible solutions for reducing building emissions, with experts from Swegon, Hines, and the Building Innovation Hub underscoring the critical roles of policy, technology, and community engagement in overcoming the hurdles to decarbonization.

Attendees were then treated to a traditional Swedish fika, offering both a refreshing break and a valuable opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

Block 3: Urban Development – Cities Leading the Way

Richard Jackson from Washington DC’s Department of Energy and Environment delivered a keynote, highlighting the city's ambitious sustainability agenda.

Cities are at the forefront of climate initiatives, and Block 3 delved into how urban areas can spearhead climate neutrality efforts. The subsequent panel, led by Leila Yim Surrat of the World Resources Institute, brought together voices from Viable Cities, the DOEE, and Arlington County. These representatives detailed how local governments can lead through policies and partnerships that catalyze impactful change across communities.

Block 4: Financing the Green Transition – The Navy Yard Case Study

The event concluded with an unveiling of Navy Yard as a model for sustainable urban renewal, transforming a historic site into a vibrant, eco-friendly community. Presenters Will Sibia of urbs and Louis Dubin of Redbrick LMD, along with their fellow panelists, explored the financial and collaborative frameworks that enabled this development, aiming to set a new precedent in sustainable real estate. Panelists underscored how this collaboration integrates Swedish innovation and investment expertise to enhance both livability and environmental responsibility.

Closing Remarks:

Brian Hanlon, Director of the DC Department of Buildings, closed out the final ceremony.

A reception followed the conclusion of the summit, facilitating further dialogue and the forging of new partnerships. The gathering underscored the potential of cross-cultural collaboration to address urban climate challenges, as both the U.S. and Sweden work toward sustainable, inclusive cities worldwide.

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October 23

On the second day of the Green Transition Summit, smaller groups of experts convened for four focused roundtable discussions, sharing knowledge between Sweden and the US across diverse topics essential to building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.

Aggregated Purchasing for Climate-Neutral Cities:

Hosted together with Viable Cities, this roundtable explored how collective purchasing can accelerate climate action through cross-sector collaboration and efficient resource allocation.

Balancing Building Emissions and Indoor Environmental Quality:

Hosted together with Swegon Group, this discussion focused on scaling net-zero designs while balancing environmental goals with human well-being, despite cost-focused construction practices.

6G and the Green Transition in Cities:

Hosted together with Vinnova, the discussion highlighted the importance of early collaboration in aligning 6G development with sustainability goals and urban planning.

Designing Tomorrow – Sustainable Urban Transportation:

Focused on mobility, micro-mobility challenges, and equity, emphasizing innovative planning and integrated funding solutions.