A Case Study: Hammarby Sjöstad (Stockholm)
Hammarby Sjöstad is a sustainable urban development located in the southern part of central Stockholm, Sweden, near the Hammarby Lake (Hammarby Sjö).
The area was originally an industrial and harbor zone, with factories, warehouses, and shipyards. In the early 1990s, Stockholm city officials decided to transform it into a modern residential and mixed-use neighborhood.
Hammarby Sjöstad demonstrates sustainable urban development through an integrated approach to energy, water, waste, and transportation systems.
The area features highly energy-efficient buildings, many of which use district heating and cooling powered by renewable energy sources. Solar panels and biofuels also contribute to the neighborhood’s energy mix.
Water management is another key focus. Wastewater and stormwater are treated locally and reused for heating and irrigation through an innovative system called the “Hammarby Model,” which links energy, water, and waste cycles to minimize environmental impact.
Recycling is made easy for residents, with separated waste collection stations placed throughout the district. Organic waste is processed into biogas, which powers public transport and buildings.
In terms of transportation, Hammarby Sjöstad promotes low-carbon mobility. The district is well connected by trams, buses, and ferries, and it encourages walking and cycling with extensive pedestrian pathways and bike lanes.
Overall, Hammarby Sjöstad has become a global example of how a former industrial area can be transformed into a modern, eco-friendly, and livable urban community.
Reference: Iveroth, S.P., Johansson, S. and Brandt, N., 2013. The potential of the infrastructural system of Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, Sweden. Energy Policy, 59, pp.716-726.
