Sweden's wooden city

Summary: Stockholm real estate developer Atrium Ljungberg has unveiled plans to expand the '5-minute city' neighbourhood of Sickla with the world's largest wood-based urban construction project.

Why this is important: Wooden construction could be an important decarbonisation and health and wellbeing solution in certain areas and for certain constructions. Sustainable management is key.

The big theme: The built environment, including residential and commercial buildings, communal areas such as parks and supporting infrastructure such as energy networks and water supply, generates almost 40% of energy-related GHG emissions and it consumes 40% of global raw materials. So, it's not surprising that it's a target for a lot of new regulation - aimed at making our buildings more energy efficient and improving their sustainability. The good news is that there are many financially viable tools and techniques we can use to deliver on this. But as with all of the transitions, we need to avoid green washing, by ensuring that the environmental and societal gains (health, well-being and DEI) are real, and that we find ways of actually delivering the financial benefits we are seeking.

Summary of an article in arch daily:

• Stockholm real estate developer Atrium Ljungberg has unveiled plans for the 250,000 sq m Stockholm Wood City, the world's largest wood-based urban construction project, with construction set to begin in 2025 and the first buildings ready for completion in 2027. The Sickla neighbourhood in southern Stockholm will include 7,000 business spaces and 2,000 houses, with the focus on self-produced, stored and shared energy.

• As well as reducing CO₂ emissions, the development has a broader sustainability remit. Atrium Ljungberg will invest in resource-efficient construction techniques and circular material flows. With the abundant business space, the development also aims to reduce commute times for locals which has both wellbeing and emissions benefits.