When most of us think of Sweden our first thoughts are probably of Abba, flatpack furniture, or possibly even meatballs. However, for those with a special interest in sustainable energy, their thoughts may well turn to Hyllie – a district on the outskirts of Malmö, which is a testbed of innovation in climate-smart urban development. But how did Hyllie become a driving force in energy efficiency, and what can it teach the rest of the world about the future of sustainable living?
As one of Sweden’s largest cities, you might assume that Malmö has long been a bustling hive of creativity, but that couldn’t be further from the case. Until relatively recently, the city had a reputation for being a post-industrial backwater – but all that changed in 2000, sparked in part by the opening of the Öresund bridge. It connects Sweden with Denmark, and helped power an economic transformation in Malmö by improving links to the rest of Europe. Now, 25 years later, the city is at the forefront of sustainable living, with Hyllie the jewel in its crown.
