Environmental technology
Environmental technology can be defined as goods, systems, processes and services that offer
clear environmental advantages in relation to existing or alternative solutions, seen from
an ecocycle perspective. Examples are processes and technologies in heating and electricity production from renewable fuels, renewable motor fuels, solar cells, wind turbines, biogas plants, systems for energy management in housing, renewable materials, technologies for waste management, water treatment and smoke gas cleaning systems. The Swedish approach not only includes technologies and technical systems in themselves; it also involves holistic ideas on integrated systems solutions. This approach towards environmental technology is completely in line with the EU and OECD definition of environmental technology.
SymbioCity and sustainable cities
Through its focus on environmental issues and advanced cooperation between local authorities and the business sector, Sweden has built up an extensive knowledge base for achieving sustainable urban development, with several examples that have attracted considerable international attention. Swedish systems expertise and the environmental technology sector are represented by what is termed the SymbioCity concept, and other initiatives. SymbioCity is a marketing concept and communications platform produced jointly by the Government and the Swedish Trade Council. There is great interest from other countries in sharing Swedish knowledge. One example of this is China, where close cooperation has been established on environmental technology, renewable energy and sustainable urban development. It is crucial, however, that new best practices emerge, both from environmental and climate efforts in Sweden and for the further development of international cooperation. To strengthen this development, the Government has appointed a Delegation for Sustainable Cities for the period 2008-2010. The task of this Delegation is to bring together the state, the business sector and local government in a national platform for sustainable urban development. One of the aims of this initiative is to encourage urban development projects that help improve the environment and reduce climate impact, and that facilitate the export of Swedish environmental technology. The ambition is to realise visions for future cities and sustainable housing solutions in individual neighbourhoods, urban districts and local communities, using cutting-edge technology and far-sighted planning.
Other important actors
On 1 April 2008, the Government appointed a special delegation for environmental technology, the Swedish Environmental Technology Council (SWENTEC). The aim is to make state structures more effective in order to strengthen Swedish environmental technology companies. The Council is also to draw up background material for Government initiatives in the field of environmental technology and to support the environmental technology sector in Sweden in various ways.
VINNOVA - the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems - links research and development with technology, transport and working life. The aim is to promote sustainable growth by financing research and technical development and developing effective innovation systems. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth works to promote more and growing companies and a sustainable and competitive business sector throughout the country.
The Swedish Trade Council works for internationalisation of the environmental technology industry and other industries. This takes place by making it easier for more companies to start exporting and to increase their exports by means of project collaboration. The environmental technology export project is supported and partially financed by the Government and includes companies dealing with waste management, recycling, renewable energy and air, water and sewage treatment, where renewable energy includes bioenergy, windpower and energy-efficiency technology. The project comprises expert advice, skills development, market surveys, visits by delegations, trade fairs and matchmaking.
The most recent figures concerning the environmental technology sector show that the sector´s turnover increased by 11 per cent between 2005 and 2006, to almost SEK 97 billion. Exports increased by almost 20 per cent, to just over SEK 25 billion. Since 2003, exports have increased by 75 per cent, while turnover increased by 36 per cent and employment in the industry by 13 per cent. Environmental technology accounted for two per cent of Swedish exports of goods.
More information on environmental technology in Sweden is found on the links under related information.
