EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
Reducing our climate footprint is essential to secure a sustainable future. With cities housing most of the world’s population, the urban dimension of the climate transition cannot be understated; transforming our cities into more sustainable spaces is vital. That is why Gothenburg is committed to climate smart solutions and innovations in the development of our urban landscape. We want to do our part in making our shared planet greener and healthier for everyone by becoming climate-neutral.
The EU Mission of 100 Climate-neutral and Smart Cities
The EU has committed to becoming climate neutral by 2050 but need some key actors to lead the way by developing sustainable solutions and share the subsequent knowledge. Gothenburg rose to the challenge and took our sustainability commitments to European level by joining the 100 Climate-neutral and Smart Cities Mission in 2022. Through the mission we were chosen, together with other select cities, to pioneer the EU’s urban climate transition by committing to climate neutrality already by 2030. In 2024, we also earned the prestigious EU Mission Label as a recognition of our dedication.
The EU mission is more than just a goal—it is about turning bold ideas into real, actionable solutions on the ground by combining cutting-edge research and innovation with fresh approaches to governance, collaboration, and citizen engagement. No actor alone can make climate neutrality a reality. It can only happen through collective action. That is why the mission emphasises not only collaboration at European level, but all the way through the chain of governance down to local level and beyond, by including residents, businesses, civil society, and academic institutions.
How will Gothenburg reach climate-neutrality by 2030?
By understanding where emissions come from, and which systems have the greatest climate impact we can take decisive, science-based action. With a clear focus on effective and tailored solutions, Gothenburg has identified seven strategic areas of priority —each with a unique set of actions aimed at tackling climate neutrality from different angles. These priorities touch on all aspects of our city’s life: technical innovation, financial investment, organisational transformation, governance, policy development, cultural change, and social behaviour.
Energy & Industry
- Cut refinery emissions by switching to renewables and investing in carbon capture technologies.
- Replace natural gas at the municipal energy plant.
- Promote energy efficiency and behavioural change.
Port & Heavy Transport
- Improve conditions for fossil-free freight by sea, rail, and road.
- Develop hydrogen infrastructure, onshore power supply, and electric truck lanes.
Sustainable Mobility
- Expand walking, cycling, and electric transport options (trams, buses, trains).
- Use city planning, parking regulations, and new business models to shift behaviour.
- Support initiatives like the Green City Zone; a test bed for future mobility and vehicles.
Waste Treatment
- Reduce plastic and food waste incineration.
- Enhance recycling, biogas production, and carbon capture.
- Encourage behavioural shifts through pricing and awareness.
Climate-Neutral Construction
- Use public projects to drive green procurement and innovation.
- Focus on reusing existing buildings and collaborating with the construction sector.
Circular Economy
- Leverage Gothenburg’s role as a major procurer to promote circular solutions.
- Build infrastructure for shared and circular services while involving local stakeholders.
Urban Farming & Nature-Based Solutions
- Expand urban agriculture through land allocation, procurement, and innovation.
- Strengthen green infrastructure and ecosystem services in city planning.