In 1996, the executive committee of Växjö municipality unanimously decided to stop using fossil fuels in the activities of the municipality. Furthermore, the aims set by the Climate Alliance, of which Växjö is a member, have been unanimously accepted: Emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels in the whole municipality shall be reduced by 50 per cent per capita by the year 2010 compared with 1993.The reduction, as agreed upon in Agenda 21 round table discussions with stakeholders, is to be achieved by changing behaviour patterns, increased energy efficiency and primarily to substitute oil for bio-fuels.

Local partners will contribute to the implementation of the Fossil Fuel Free Växjö programme and they are positive that this work will contribute to economic growth within the region.

PROCESSEnergy from bio-mass

Since the beginning of the1980's Växjö Energy Ltd, VEAB, has worked towards replacing oil by bio-fuel and developing a combined power and heating plant in Växjö. Major parts of the city are served by district heating and new areas are continually added.In minor villages, small-scale district heating plants using bio-fuel, are used. Municipal subsidies for conversion of heating systems from oil to biomass are provided for households outside district heating area. Since the summer of 1997, the Municipality of Växjö has an advisor on energy, financially supported by the Swedish National Energy Administration.SolarThe municipal housing company, Värendshus, has favorable experience of solar panels. During 1998-2001, the municipality will press for the use of solar heating by means of a general subsidy to households for the installation of solar panels.

Transports

Emissions of carbon dioxide in the transport sector continue to increase. Even so, some progress has been made during recent years as far as alternative vehicle fuels are concerned. There are several ethanol vehicles, both goods vehicles and private cars, including two lorries at BTL Schenker Ltd. In conjunction with the BSR Sportsman company in Växjö and the county's largest Volvo-dealer, the municipality is re-building Volvos to be fuelled by ethanol. In the city there are also several electric cars. At Växjö Public Transport Company, buses run on 50% RME(rape-methyl-ester). Municipality of Växjö has made extensive changes to the city centre in order to encourage cyclists and pedestrians. For instance, car crossings have replaced pedestrian crossings and the whole of the city centre is a pedestrian precinct. During the next three years, large investments are planned for the expansion of the cycle path network.

MonitoringStatistics Sweden monitors the use of fossil fuels in the municipality. Total emissions of CO2 from fossil fuels are diminishing due to great efforts in the energy sector. However, CO2 emissions from the transport sector are continuing to increase. A task force is needed in this area.All municipal departments and companies monitor their emissions of fossil carbon dioxide from transport and heating.

Co-operation

The local companies are deeply involved in environmental work and more than 200 of them are represented in the Växjö environmental network. Several of them, apart from those mentioned below, are ready to sign agreements to reduce fossil fuels.

RESULTS ACHIEVEDEnergy

•Municipalcar pool with environmentally adapted cars.

Changes in local institutions or regulatory frameworksThe travel policy for the municipal staff is currently being revised. Changes in the way the community works togetherIncreased cooperation in the whole community for CO2-reducingactions.