Nordic Green New - 30 June, 2020

Denmark’s climate plan receives mixed reviews

Last week, Denmark’s parliament voted reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to 1990. But, opinions are divided. Greenpeace says that it is optimistic, with a spokesperson saying that there are “no political or financial barriers to achieving the goal”. But, another group, Danish 92, an association of Danish environmental and climate organizations, says that "it is too little and too late", with less than 20% of the cuts secured.

 

Sweden’s Moderates want to see more climate ambition

Although Sweden’s government consists of the centre-left Social Democrats in partnership with the Greens, members of Sweden’s opposition Moderate Party claim it lacks ambition. Four Moderate members write a debate article saying that that the government’s plans lack many details.  

 

Sweden’s largest pension fund sells out of fossil fuels

AP7, Sweden's largest pension fund, with over $70 billion under management, managing pensions for more that four million Swedes, said it would sell off assets in fossil fuel industries, as part of a "growing climate awareness".

 

H&M-owned Sellpy to launch in Germany

The H&M-owned second hand platform Sellpy is set to launch in Germany. H&M acquired Sellpy in October last year, and plans to launch the platform abroad were revealed then. "We are delighted with Sellpy's first step on their international journey, which we also support through our investment and strategic partnership," said Nanna Andersen, head of H&M CO: LAB, in a press release. H&M invested in Sellpy in 2015 via its investment company CO: LAB, and has since the fall of 2019 been its majority owner.

 

Swedish Label Raises the Sustainability Bar

Vogue reports that Amendi, a new Swedish label aims to up the bar on sustainability. Amendi, claims a committment to being as low-impact and open-source as possible, outlining every step of their supply chain, their factories, how they ship their garments, and even how you can eventually dispose of them in the years to come.

 

Self-sufficient apartment buildings, first in the world

Jönköping, in southern Sweden is to see the first fully off-grid condominium. In total, the 44 apartments will fully self-sufficient in terms of energy, water, sewage and ventilation. The concept uses solar energy, storing energy produced energy using batteries and a fuel cell that converts electricity into hydrogen. The hydrogen gas is stored seasonally under the ground and converted into electricity, as needed, via the fuel cell, driving heat pumps and the electricity supply when the sun does not shine. The water supply comes from the rain that is captured and purified. The project uses many innovations - the management of food and waste water is done in different ways. Sewage is cleaned and recycled. The total additional cost for the two off-grid houses is approximately SEK 50 million, with half of this to come from the Swedish Energy Agency.

 

RISE to coordinate the development of Swedish cement industry roadmaps

RISE, the Swedish Institute of Research, has been commissioned to lead the cement and concrete industry's work on enabling and accelerating the implementation of roadmaps for climate-neutral construction with cement and concrete. The project aims to bring together cement and concrete manufacturers, industry organizations, authorities, researchers and innovators, entrepreneurs, clients and financiers in a broad stakeholder collaboration in a joint strategy with joint activities.

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