Sustainable Municipalities Programme

Last updated: 5 November 2017
The Sustainable Municipalities programme started in March 2001. During the first period, which ran five years from 2003-2008, six municipalities were selected to participate in the programme. During the next programme phase, 2008-2011, the programme included 62 Swedish municipalities, amounting to approximately 20% of all Swedish municipalities. In the current phase, running from 2011 to 2014, a total of 38 municipalities are participating. The reason for the reduction in participating municipalities is i.a. higher demands put on those participating. The programme builds on the municipality ambitions to make society more sustainable.
The municipalities work towards integrating long-term energy and sustainability perspectives in their daily functioning, with the purpose to save both on costs and protect the environment. The responsibility of the municipalities is to decide an energy policy, engage in a continuous improvement process and carry out measures to improve energy efficiency and introduce renewable energy sources. The Swedish Energy Agency contributes with research grants, environmental scanning, basic data and method support, as well as participating in the municipalities efforts in the area of energy. .

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