Like a green-tech rock star, Swede Erik Freudenthal has been touring Europe, Asia, Africa and Northern America over the last year lecturing about the environmental achievements of Stockholm and how other cities can create a more sustainable environment for its citizens to live.

His lecture tells the story how a polluted run-down old industrial district in Stockholm, with grave pollution problems, was transformed into a sustainable, eco-friendly residential area.

 “I’ve held the speech in twelve countries so far this year. Or is it 13? Stockholm and Hammarby Sjöstad is the most sustainable city in the world and an example that people want to learn from,” Freudenthal told The Swedish Wire just before entering the stage at the Eco Asia Expo in Hong Kong,  one of the biggest clean-tech exhibitions in the region.

He is the head of communications of the environmental information centre GlashusEtt, which is situated right in the middle of Hammarby Sjöstad.

During his presentation, Freudenthal explained that making a change in society has to be based on both political will and participation of the people. Education and information is fundamental to create a green society.

"If you really want to make a change, start with the children", he said.

Undergoing the redevelopment, the City of Stockholm imposed tough environmental requirements on buildings, technical installations and the traffic environment from day one.

Stockholm Water Company, energy company Fortum and the Stockholm Waste Management Administration have jointly developed a common eco-cycle model designed to ensure organic recycling throughout Hammarby Sjöstad – known as "The Hammarby Model", a web portal to the area said.

The model is the thread that binds together the entire environmental programme and demonstrates how the various technical supply systems are integrated.

More about Hammarby Sjöstad at Sweden.se

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This article was published in collaboration with Stockholm Business Region.

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