The energy solution

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 electricity consumption in the short term, and in that way contributes to reducing municipal electricity consumption during the coming winter season. The need for reduced electricity consumption may well remain beyond that period, and work on electricity and energy efficiency needs to continue, and be a priority in all of the City’s operations in the longer 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.

Some kinds of measures, such as shorter operating times or shutdowns at certain times, can be taken without any significant impact on the indoor climate, while others, such as reduced air flows, require greater analysis and assessment before action is taken.

Departments and companies are reviewing potential adaptations of ventilation, such as shorter operating times or shutdowns at certain times of the day. Those adaptations that are implemented must not have a significant impact on the indoor climate or work environment.

Heating

The City’s properties and premises are heated with district heating or electricity. Properties and premises with direct-acting electricity have savings potential. But to a large extent these involve operations where groups present are sensitive to a change in the indoor temperature, such as pre-school children and the elderly.

Departments and companies with electrically heated properties and premises are reviewing, among other things, possible measures that can be taken without significant impact on indoor comfort or the work environment. These include lowering the temperature at night and reducing the temperature in premises that are not in use. Special consideration is being given to groups that are sensitive to changes in the indoor temperature, and to aspects of the work environment.

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.