Vaxjo: a Swedish model of ecological development
In Sweden, sustainable development and the fight against global warming are not only the business of the state, although Sweden is the first country to have set the goal of “zero oil” by 20 years. While the European Union wants to reduce by 20% its CO2 emissions by 2020, the city of Vaxjo, southern Sweden already produces more than half of all its energy consumption from renewable sources. This common 80 000 people has dropped by 24% its CO2 emissions between 1993 and 2005. And she hopes to halve by 2010. A commitment welcomed by the European Commission, which awarded him first prize of sustainable energy for Europe. Vaxjo has become an example, nationally and abroad, for all those who want to demonstrate that sustainability is charged. One way of thinking ecological group, in recent decades has resulted in economic gains, at the same time as a cleaner air and clearer water. Everything had started by an ecological disaster. In 60 years, two lakes Vaxjo were seriously polluted. A huge rescue project was launched in 70 years and methods used on Lake Trummen gained worldwide recognition thanks to their effectiveness. Since then, many other measures have been taken in favour of the environment. Sarah Nilsson, head of energy planning within the municipality, is part of the designers of the program “No fossil fuel in Vaxjo.” A program adopted unanimously by the local politicians in 1996, stipulating that emissions of carbon dioxide per capita fossil should have halved in 2010 compared to 1993. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation has also exerted an important influence. Vaxjo needed an environmental authority, someone who could identify the problems and determine whether Vaxjo is on track. The company has sent experts to train and elected officials who are now incollables on global warming and greenhouse gas. More than 60% of the surface of Vaxjo is covered with forests. That makes timber production a major industry sectors. Biomass wood may seem a choice of green power to clear such a population, but when the thermal power Vaxjo began to seek alternatives to oil in early 1980, it was far from the case. The investment costs were considerable and there was little or virtually no suppliers of biomass. Since then, Vaxjo became the pioneer of the Swedish wood biomass, in a country itself very wooded area. Today 14,000 apartments, 1,700 houses, hospitals, hotels and businesses are connected to the heating network. Today, two thirds of heating Vaxjo from this fuel. In addition, ten years after the launch of the programme “No fossil fuel in Vaxjo,” CO2 emissions per capita fell by 21%. Most reductions were made in the heating sector, but also in those of electricity and transport. Biomass was also beneficial for the wallets of users. The investments and initial efforts begin to bear fruit, both for those who heat with the local, and in the form of benefits for those who operate it. Sarah Nilsson recognizes that environmental work is, firstly, a battle important. Whatever the changes, they are undoubtedly more expensive initially than the solution. To help politicians to see beyond the current finances, Vaxjo launched a “eco budget”, a model of environmental budget. It is designed to demonstrate to policy makers how to save natural resources, just as we must avoid squandering its financial assets. The next major challenge of Vaxjo for transport. Renewable cover only 2 to 3% of the fuel consumption of vehicles. And despite the premiums for the purchase of cleaner cars, free parking and other incentives introduced by the city to encourage. Vaxjo thus placing on local manufacture of biofuels. In recent years, the station wastewater treatment produces biogas from sewage sludge. The fuel used to cover part of the electricity needs of the site, and now it is sold to individuals. While production remains limited. But Steve Karlsson, head of the project, hopes to increase it by using household waste produced by residents. The University of Vaxjo runs for his part an international research programme, funded in part by the European Union, to develop a new bio fuel dimethylether (DME) from biomass. Experts from eight European countries participating in this project, called Chrisgas and funded by the European Union and the Swedish Agency for energy.
In 2006, elected officials have set new goals for the next ten years. Vaxjo pledged to reduce by 20% its per capita electricity consumption by 2015 and reduce 70% of its CO2 emissions by 2025. The municipality also wants to encourage organic farming, increase the recycling of household waste, reducing its paper consumption, extend the surface of its natural reserves and limit the discharge of nitrates in lakes. When asked the Mayor of Vaxjo if ecology is compatible with economic development, his response is immediate: “We know here economies and ecology are two concepts that go together, even if it is not obvious at first glance “. A few weeks “Grenelle” Environment desired by the President of the Republic, Vaxjo’s example shows us how local communities have a role of laboratory testing and to play to break the era of fossil fuels and to show that economic and ecological developments are now inseparable.
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