The concept of Sustainable development as a part of city planning The case of Sweden Natalya Yakusheva, Summer University course “Sustainable development in the Baltic region” 16 – 27 of August 2010

Definition of Sustainable development “Sustainable development is a process based on equity and equality, to create and hand down a society that enhances a good quality of life, in which economic tools alongside with political, social and cultural tools are used as a means to accomplish this. All actions are confined within the limitations provided by ecological boundaries”

Sustainable development: Swedish experience Discourse of sustainable development was introduced in Sweden on governmental level in early 1990s; In 2002 first National Strategy for Sustainable Development was presented; In 2006 according to results of Johannesburg summit it was updated. “Just as social reforms constantly spur economic progress, adaptation to environmental demands will require new solutions, new ways of supplying energy, and cutting- edge, environmentally sound technologies and innovations that will create jobs and stimulate development.”

“The River City 2050: Three scenarios for a sustainable Gothenburg” This is the project made by students; Three alternative scenarios of urban development; semi self-sufficiency energy agriculture developing of urban and semi-urban urban design transportation creating “Facing the river” to achieving sustainability goals till 2015 wind and water power energy will produce 25% of the city electricity, till citizens should ride a bike constantly, till 2040 city refuse usage of oil, and till 2045 launch of glass tunnel for connection two banks of the river”

“The River City 2050: Three scenarios for a sustainable Gothenburg”

Eco-town of Vaxjo Has reduced its CO2 emissions by 35%; 56% of energy comes from renewable sources (2008); 46% of families in Vaxjo do not own a private car (2008).

Conclusions: Sustainable development is a part of modern urban planning in Sweden; Swedish society is one of the examples of high consumer culture, however they concern about reducing for minimum a negative impact to the environment, and only through this the goal of future sustainable development can be reached.