As many as 14 of the 16 cities that came top in Aktuell hållbarhet's ranking of Sweden's best environmental municipalities are mobilizing for the mission of Climate Neutral Cities 2030 within Viable Cities. Congratulations Eskilstuna, Malmö, Helsingborg, Lund, Uppsala, Karlstad, Stockholm, Linköping, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Gävle, Växjö, Skellefteå and Nacka.
The purpose of the ranking, which Aktuell hållbarhet is conducting and which was presented at the Sustainable Municipality 2024 conference on October 2, is to show how far many municipalities have come in the climate transition work and highlight the challenges that exist.
The overall winner to be celebrated extra in 2024 is Eskilstuna. Jimmy Jansson (S), chairman of the municipal council in Eskilstuna, will receive the award together with Eskilstuna's process leaders in Viable Cities: Elin Svanström and Malin Isaksson, as well as Maria Johansson.
- "I am absolutely convinced that Viable Cities has helped us to move up in the rankings, and especially in environmental and climate work in general," says Jimmy Jansson. "For example, through Spy and apply, where we learn from each other, find low-hanging fruit and get inspired. Viable Cities also contributes to the feeling that you are not alone, that there are many who are working hard on the issue, also in an international perspective.
Congratulations to Malmö and Helsingborg, who were finalists for the overall award. Malmö also won in the Large Cities and Metropolitan Municipalities category, and Rebecka Persson, Environment Director of the City of Malmö and member of the Viable Cities Board, was on hand to accept the award in a category that Malmö has now won four years in a row.
- We have a policy that is courageous," says Rebecka Persson. Viable Cities' focus on climate-neutral cities by 2030 is important, as it is in cities that the transition takes place. We cannot solve all the challenges alone in cities, we need cooperation between national, regional and local levels, and Viable Cities brings the different levels together and creates opportunities to accelerate the transition and reach the goal.
- "ICLEI is the voice of the local level at the global level, where the chair of the municipal council Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh is president, and plays a major role in linking the ecological, social and economic part of Malmö's sustainability work," Rebecka continues.
In the Smaller Cities category, Skellefteå takes home the ranking.
- "It's great that we're being recognized for the work we do and we're always striving for more," says Evelina Fahlesson (S), municipal councilor in Skellefteå. "Our goal is to be measured against the very best cities in Sweden and to be a role model in Europe. Participating in Viable Cities helps us to set a high standard and share knowledge with others.
Helsingborg was placed third this year and is pleased to have the best average ranking since the ranking started in 2009.
- This year's third place is extremely gratifying, this shows that we continue to be at the forefront and that our efforts are producing results, says Lars Thunberg (KD), municipal councillor and Chairman in the committee for quality of life in Helsingborg. "Over time, we have the best average ranking of all municipalities. But we need to do more and will only succeed if we work together. The business community and civil society are important partners, as are all citizens of Helsingborg, and our cooperation is crucial if we are to manage the necessary transition.
The conditions for municipalities vary greatly, which is why there are four categories to better compare in the ranking, in addition to the overall winner. Congratulations also to the 2030 cities of Helsingborg, Lund and Stockholm, who were all finalists in different categories. And of course congratulations to Söderhamn, Vetlanda, Simrishamn, Älmhult, Härnösand and Lomma, who were finalists. The winners in all categories are highlighted below in bold.
- Finalists for Overall Winner 2024: Eskilstuna, Malmö, Helsingborg
- Finalists in the Large cities and peri-urban municipalities category: Malmö, Stockholm and Lomma
- Finalists in Medium-sized cities and municipalities close to medium-sized cities: Eskilstuna, Helsingborg, Lunds
- Finalists in Smaller cities and towns: Skellefteå, Älmhults, Härnösand
- Finalists in rural municipalities: Simrishamns, Söderhamns, Vetlanda
Several 2030 cities were ranked highly in the different categories. You can find the full list here.
