Within Gothenburg, STEP UP has enhanced understanding about developing low carbon projects and progressed the city's external and internal networks and collaborations. Gothenburg has learned from innovative best practice projects, from effective design to understanding how projects can be used in the development process as a driving force for change when it comes to putting city strategies into practice. Through STEP UP Gothenburg has also enhanced its sustainable energy action plan (SEAP), which has gained much attention and recognition, particularly for its ambitious consumption perspective.
Gothenburg has showcased its achievements through numerous high level events, such as the Smart Cities Network. The 4th Network meeting in June focussed on how large scale European projects can strengthen city strategies and goals on a local level, adding long term value to the city. Key STEP UP findings were presented by City of Gothenburg and SP. The Gothenburg Smart Cities Network brings together participants from different projects to share results, experiences and ideas. A short video featuring Kristina Mjörnell from SP explains further benefits of the network.
Anna Wenstedt and Peter Rydberg fromCity of Gothenburg's Environmental Administration were invited by the World Bank to participate in a climate strategies workshop in Yokohama, Japan, March 23-27th. The training program is tailored towards those who will lead the development of the City Climate Planner Professional Certification Program, aiming to increase the production of qualitative climate strategies and strengthen the skills of staff working within the field.
Next steps
Gothenburg will continue the development of the innovative projects; the micro terminal in the Free Port (Frihamnen) has been included in several new project applications, as has the tool for planning for sustainable lifestyles.
Gothenburg have recently joined the Swedish Politicians Week in Almedalen, Gotland, where they have spread the knowledge from the project and this work will continue. One example is the climate exhibition in The River Room (Älvrummet), where the SEAP is presented to the general public. The exhibition will be open until Christmas, with guides who have received special training about the SEAP.