Malmö’s government is already 98% fossil-free

The Swedish city is one of the exemplary models in terms of climate action

At the start of this week, Malmö’s authorities informed the public about the city’s achievements and future plans in terms of achieving climate neutrality. Although it is one of the best performing European cities in that regard, its administration (which uses 98% of fossil-free energy) seeks new ways to continue the acceleration at local, national and international levels.

The latest initiative in that field was the launch of Climate Change Malmö. This is a local cooperation arena for companies, associations and Malmö residents who want to increase the pace of climate work.

City climate goals truly aligned with UN and EU goals

The City of Malmö's organization aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Already today, the amount of energy used by the City of Malmö is 98 percent fossil-free, which includes heat, electricity, fuel and business travel. To fully achieve the goal of net-zero emissions, the local government will work to further reduce the organization's climate impact from travel and from other areas such as food, furniture and other consumption.

At present, the City of Malmö has initiated an in-depth collaboration with major business actors and academia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in areas such as energy, construction, mobility and the circular economy. The next step is to involve associations, Malmö residents and small and medium-sized companies in the work. In the long run, the idea is that everyone in Malmö should be able to become part of the work by signing a local climate contract.

“Malmö has for more than two decades collaborated with companies, associations and Malmö residents for a more sustainable city. Climate change Malmö is increasing the pace of climate work through in-depth collaboration and knowledge of which measures most effectively reduce Malmö's climate impact while creating other values ​​such as jobs and an improved living environment,” explained Rebecka Persson, Environmental Director at the City of Malmö.

In the eve of the start of the Global Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Malmö also got together with 22 other Swedish cities as part of a national initiative to accelerate climate change, which is led by the strategic innovation program Viable Cities. The meeting heralded the launch of the second phase of that initiative.