Energy

Optimizing the use of energy and power is beneficial for both the wallet and the climate.

Smart and renewable energy

The real estate sector accounts for nearly one-third of total energy consumption in Sweden and one-sixth of carbon dioxide emissions. This means that efforts to improve energy efficiency in buildings have a significant impact on our ability to reach the climate goals.

In Hammarby Sjöstad, housing associations have a high level of expertise in the energy field. For over ten years, ElectriCITY Innovation, in collaboration with Sjöstadsföreningen, has organized meetings for energy managers within housing associations, contributed to energy audits of properties, and facilitated shared experience exchanges.

ElectriCITY Innovation is also involved in several projects focused on renewable electricity and energy efficiency. The goal is to create a model for how a district like Hammarby Sjöstad can achieve climate neutrality by 2030. A model for organization, business models, and technology that can be shared locally, nationally, and internationally.

The EU has introduced a new regulatory framework aimed at facilitating the creation of energy communities — local groups where members can collectively produce and share electricity with one another. In the fall of 2023, Stockholm’s first energy community was formed by six housing associations in Hammarby Sjöstad, marking a milestone in the longstanding efforts toward energy efficiency.

Energy Community Hammarby Sjöstad is also unique in that it does not involve laying cables between buildings. Instead, it focuses on creating the conditions to manage and share energy collectively and share electricity virtually, using the existing electricity grid.

Microgrid in Hammarby Sjöstad

Learn from and with each other

Most housing associations in Hammarby Sjöstad have a designated energy manager who monitors and presents energy-saving measures to the board. These measures can lead to both lower operating costs and an increase in the property’s market value. A higher rating on the property’s energy performance certificate can also improve access to more favorable green loans.

ElectriCITY Innovation, in collaboration with Sjöstadsföreningen, organizes energy meetings where energy managers from various housing associations meet and share experiences. Janne Fransson, an energy manager for his association, has contributed to energy savings of over one million SEK per year and is happy to share his and his association’s experiences.

The path to a collaborative energy effort

Together, we can increase our understanding of energy systems, fix issues, inspire each other toward profitable investments, reduce energy costs, and focus on more renewable energy.

The model for collaborative energy efforts developed in Hammarby Sjöstad is now being implemented by ElectriCITY Innovation in other municipalities and neighborhoods as well. The insights and experiences from initiating and managing joint energy efficiency projects are documented in ”En liten handbok för medborgardrivet klimatarbete kring energi” — (”A Small Handbook for Citizen-Led Climate Action on Energy”).

Download here! (Swedish version only)

The building's backup power

In Hammarby Sjöstad, we have worked intensively to get electric vehicle chargers, resulting in over 1,000 charging points in the area. About 25 percent of garage spaces now offer charging access.

The next step is to use these vehicles to supply electricity to buildings. Some electric cars today can both supply and receive electricity. This means that when everyone returns home from work and school in the evening, when energy demand is highest, we could draw power from the car batteries to meet the building’s electricity needs instead of purchasing electricity at peak prices. This approach would help reduce peak loads and cut down on purchased electricity. We’re not there yet — but we’re on our way.

Charge at home