- Start
- About the City of Stockholm
- How the City of Stockholm is governed
- The energy solution
The energy solution
An effective, secure energy supply is important for Stockholmers, for the local business community and for the City of Stockholm as an organisation. The City’s operations are there for Stockholmers.
Energy issues and systems are complex. The City of Stockholm therefore applies a holistic perspective, in which the City analyses needs and possible measures to reduce electricity consumption. The ultimate aim is to save electricity where possible, without significant impact on the operations.
The City of Stockholm is a large organisation, but at the same time it is one actor among many others. Collaboration with government agencies, municipalities in the region, the business community, suppliers and individuals, is key to achieving the best possible results. The City monitors developments in the external environment and in the energy markets in order to be able to act quickly and take the most effective measures possible.
Measures by the City of Stockholm
The City of Stockholm has identified potential measures to reduce energy consumption in short as well as long term. The measures being taken are those that can be done without significant impact on the operation in terms of public safety, security and accessibility. These initiatives are also paying special attention to the different target groups in the City, such as children and the elderly.
Outdoor lighting and Christmas lights
The biggest proportion of the City’s outdoor lighting consists of street and park lighting, as well as lighting of public spaces. This is largely provided by energy-efficient lamps, and electricity and energy consumption are relatively low. Lighting is important for accessibility, public safety, security and accessibility for people with disabilities, why no changes are being made to this kind of lighting. Other kinds of outdoor lighting, such as façade and sign lighting, are being reviewed to identify opportunities to switch them on/off at different times, or to switch them off completely or partially.
The City traditionally arranges various kinds of Christmas lights. This lighting is provided under the City’s own auspices, but also in collaboration with business actors and other property owners. Christmas and decorative lighting is a popular feature of the cityscape and contributes to both public safety and well-being. Electricity consumption is low, as energy-efficient light sources are used.
Departments and companies that arrange Christmas lights in public places are reviewing the possibility of adjusting the number of places, shortening the time period and shortening the time during the day when they are switched on. The changes being made take into account the value of lighting as a feature that creates a sense of well-being and public safety during the winter season.
All departments and companies are also considering the possibility of not installing Christmas and decorative lighting in the City’s own office and operational premises. Christmas lights in the City’s housing are not included.
Ventilation
Adjustments to ventilation in premises and properties can reduce electricity consumption. Ventilation requirements for properties and premises are regulated by legislation and other policy documents, such as the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning’s building regulations, since the indoor climate is of great importance for health and well-being.
Heating
The City’s properties and premises are heated with district heating or electricity. Transition of properties and premises with direct-acting electricity is underway.
Changed behaviour in daily work
Experience from previous initiatives and projects shows that behavioural changes in the City’s operations can have tremendous potential to reduce electricity consumption. Each individual work unit in the City has the best knowledge of how its work methods can be changed, and how the operation can adopt a smart approach to how and when electricity is used.
Departments and companies are therefore working systematically to involve employees to reduce electricity consumption in everyday work.
Procurement of electricity
The City of Stockholm purchases electricity based on a power trading policy and strategy. This approach ensures risk diversification and predictability in the electricity market.
Related operations
Environment and climate
Stockholm’s energy supply is increasingly based on renewable energy. More efficient energy use and renewable energy sources are essential to reduce climate impact.
Organisation
The City Executive Office coordinates the City’s energy supply.
Policy documents
The annual budget, adopted by the City Council, is the ultimate governing document for all the City’s operations. Completing policy documents establish and clarify how the City’s operations should operate and how they should be run.
Most of these policy documents, including the above mentioned policy and strategy, are available in Swedish only.