Press releases and news

IPCC report: Achieving climate goals only possible with immediate action
We have experienced the largest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in human history and if we are to have a chance in limiting global warming to 1.5 ° C immediate multisectoral action is required. Meanwhile, significant progress is being made in many places and the opportunities to limit climate change and to achieve synergies with other global sustainability goals are great both in the short and medium-term perspective, according to the UN climate panel IPCC.

Five major research institutions now pooling resources in marine research
Chalmers, the University of Gothenburg, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and RISE are joining forces to operate the marine research station Kristineberg under the name the Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation. The objective of the new agreement is for Kristineberg Center to become one of Europe’s leading marine research and innovation environments.

Accelerating the Climate Transition - new report on how to reach the Swedish climate target
By 2045, Sweden have pledged to have net-zero carbon emissions. The technology needed to get there is well known and the cost is often marginal at the consumer level. Yet, the transition to reach the target is far too slow. The research program Mistra Carbon Exit have released a report with important lessons from its research, that need to be considered if we are to accelerate climate transition and ensure that all parts of society are engaged in the work.

New project examines conditions for a Nordic BECCS market
New project examines conditions for a Nordic BECCS market Researchers at IVL and KTH will investigate the conditions for developing a Nordic market for Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage, so-called BECCS. The purpose is to facilitate a faster establishment and take advantage of the potential for large-scale BECCS projects in the Nordic region.

Export of sustainable solutions from Sweden
Waste management in Colombia, energy efficiency in Somaliland and mobility solutions in China – these are just a few examples of projects that have started as a result of Smart City Sweden. The visit platform works to demonstrate sustainable city solutions from Sweden and welcomes delegations from all over the world. The result is over 20 projects on four different continents.

El Salvador wants to turn waste into energy with the help of Swedish solutions
Waste experts from IVL are currently in El Salvador to investigate the possibilities of improving waste management in the country. The project, which is run within Smart City Sweden, will reduce the amount of waste that is currently landfilled and instead build facilities where the waste is converted into energy in the form of electricity, heat or fuel for transport.

Book about environmental permitting in Sweden released in China
A book about environmental permitting and related management system in Sweden has been released in China. The aim is to share successful examples on permitting practices, legal framework, public participation, and to give environmental authorities and researchers in China a better understanding of systems in Europe. The book is co-authored by IVL and the center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Ecology and Environment in China.

Innovation and sustainable development in focus for new research collaboration in India
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the Indian research institute NEERI are establishing a strategic collaboration to drive innovation and increase research collaboration in several important environmental areas. A Memorandum of Understanding between the parties was signed during a ceremony held in Nagpur on 18 October.

Media reporting affects the cities' conversion from biogas to electricity
Biogas production and use may be displaced or reduced as public transportation systems electrify. The portrayal of biogas and electrification systems in various media, research reports, and public debate contributes largely to current decision making, which can have important implications for regional systems. A recent study by researchers at IVL and Lund University highlight the role of these narratives and the potential implications they have on regional development.

IVL assesses the environmental footprint of biodegradable plastic bags in China
Under the pressure of serious environmental pollution, many major cities in China have started to promote the use of biodegradable plastic shopping bags. In Guangzhou the company Hairma's products have been put into use. In a new project, IVL has been commissioned to evaluate the environmental footprint of Hairma’s products’ materials and explore other possibilities in reducing the products’ carbon emissions.

New report reveals bad environmental habits
Switching to white meats and plant-based diets and finding alternatives to air travel are among the recommendations in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ new report on household consumption. The report, which was drawn up by IVL, maps Nordic private household consumption, focusing on four themes; housing, transport, food and consumer goods. It also presents eight recommendations for more sustainable and climate-friendly lifestyles.

New report on PFAS substances in cosmetics
On behalf of the Swedish Chemicals Agency, IVL and Stockholm University have investigated the presence of highly fluorinated substances, so-called PFAS, in cosmetic products. About 40 products have been analysed and the researchers have also calculated the volume of emissions to the environment.

Retailers to utilize life cycle analysis for sustainability
In collaboration with Apotek Hjärtat, Perrigo and Idun Minerals, IVL will examine how retailers can utilize life cycle analysis data to reduce the climate impact of their products. The aim is to drive improvements and encourage the industry to switch to a more sustainable business model.

New modelling shows how Nordic energy systems can become climate neutral
Emissions must be reduced fivefold over the next ten years if energy systems in the Nordic countries are to become climate neutral. More robust electricity networks, increased flexibility, more wind power and solar energy, the electrification of transport and carbon dioxide capture and storage are all crucial elements if the Nordic climate goals are to be achieved. This is clearly indicated by research carried out by the Nordic Clean Energy Scenarios project, which is funded by Nordic Energy Research.

Guidebook to district heating technologies of the future
Lowering the temperature of systems used to heat buildings will deliver several environmental benefits. This opens the possibility of utilizing renewable energy sources and residual heat more efficiently. IVL is participating in the creation of a guide to the main driving forces behind low-temperature district heating.

The gap between air pollution pacesetters and laggards in Europe and Central Asia has widened
Most emissions have fallen in Western, Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe since 2010. Hotspots remain in the Balkans and Central Asia, and air quality levels remain dangerous throughout region, but low-cost solutions are at hand, a new report from UNEP and IVL shows.

Russian youth learnt about Swedish sustainable solutions
Last week, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute arranged a sustainability academy for Russian youth. The academy was financed by the Swedish Institute and the purpose was to increase the youth’s knowledge in waste management, water issues, energy and more.

Increased plastic packaging recycling benefits both climate and industry
Swedish industries rely on vast amounts of single-use plastic packaging which is usually incinerated immediately after use. A collaboration between researchers and companies that targets both technology and politics is attempting to find ways to increase recycling.

Damaged wood can become raw material for clothing
Wood damaged by the spruce bark beetle could be new raw material for clothes. This is the aim for a project within the research program Mistra SafeChem.

New report shows continued problems with acidification and eutrophication in southern Sweden
Despite reduced emissions of air pollutants, acidification continues to be a problem, especially in the southern parts of Sweden. This is shown by the latest report from Krondroppsnätet's monitoring of forests and land. Measurements from 2020 show a probable effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, where society's shutdowns appear to have reduced sulfur and nitrogen levels by between 15 and 40 percent compared with previous years.

Purifies the E4 road stormwater from microplastics
Large amounts of rubber, asphalt and other types of microplastics and micro-debris accompany the stormwater runoff from the busy E4 highway at Sundsvallsbron, Sweden's third longest bridge. In a unique study, researchers at Luleå University of Technology together with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute investigated how effective a stormwater treatment plant is at cleaning microplastics from one of Sweden's busiest roads. The results are promising.

Requirements for climate declarations for buildings
Last week, the parliament said yes to the Government's proposal for a climate declaration for buildings. The new law takes effect at this years end and applies to newly produced buildings. IVL has, on behalf of the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, produced the climate database that will be used to meet the legal requirement. IVL's tool Byggsektorns Miljöberäkningsverktyg, BM (In English: the construction sector's Environmental Calculation Tool) can be used to produce such climate declarations and for other purposes.

Actions on black carbon – a short term complement to mitigate Arctic warming
Black carbon – a short-lived climate forcer that arises primarily from wood burning stoves and diesel engines and generators – intensifies climate warming, especially in the Arctic. Reduced emissions can have an immediate positive effect on the climate but coordinated policy action is required from across the northern hemisphere. New European-funded science-to-policy initiative shows how measures can be targeted.

Welcome to the Russia-Sweden Youth Sustainability Academy
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the Swedish Institute are arranging a sustainability academy for Russian and Swedish youth in August. Now we are looking for people who want to learn more about sustainable solutions and technology and are inspired by discussing and collaborating with others.

Participates in new working group on climate impact from consumption
IVL's employee Lars Zetterberg participates in the Environmental Objectives Committee's new working group that will develop goals and strategies for how Sweden can reduce the climate impact from consumption. The committee will, among other things, propose milestones for aviation's climate impact and see how the climate policy framework can have an impact on public procurement.

Big profits can be made through cooperation against food waste
One third of all food produced in the world is wasted, according to data from United Nations. In Sweden, more than 1.3 million tonnes of food waste is generated each year, which corresponds to approximately 133 kilos per person. An agreement in the food industry has been working for a year to reduce food waste.

Mobility expert strengthens the Climate Law Inquiry
IVL's mobility and transport expert Anders Roth will, from the first of September to the last of December 2021, work part-time as the investigation secretary for the Climate Law Inquiry. His task will be to strengthen the competence in the area of ​​transport-efficient society, which is one of two areas that the inquiry will focus on.

New platform for climate-adapted and circular procurement
Setting clear environmental requirements in procurement is a key to achieving reduced climate impact from products and services. To support the transition to a circular economy, IVL, together with the innovation program RE:Source and the Recycling Industries, is now launching a website for public procurement in a life cycle perspective.

Artificial wetlands will be built on the Testbed Storsudret
Region Gotland and IVL receive just over 300 000 Euros in support for constructing artificial wetlands on Testbed Storsudret on southern Gotland. The funding will be used in a nature conservation project that, with the help of dam hatches and dams, will strengthen the groundwater in the area and increase biodiversity.

Sustainable solutions must become standard in urban development
An important part of society's development towards increased sustainability concerns how our cities are designed. Many smart, innovative and sustainable solutions in urban development are developed in pilot projects - but stay there. Work is now underway to ensure that successful results from pilot projects are integrated into the regular operations and permeate the entire city.

New member of the Business Climate Change
The government has appointed Östen Ekengren, senior adviser at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, as a new member of the collaboration group Business Climate Change. Östen Ekengren hopes to be able to contribute by strengthening collaboration with the export and innovation platform Smart City Sweden, but also with his knowledge and experience of emerging countries such as China and India.

Seven steps for increased division in residential areas
How can housing companies make it easier for residents to share things, surfaces, and knowledge? IVL has together with Stockholmshem produced a guide based on seven steps.

New survey about climate adaptation in Sweden
Lomma, situated in the south of Sweden is the best climate adaptation municipality of the year. This is shown by the latest survey of the municipalities' climate adaptation work carried out by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Insurance Sweden. Almost all municipalities state that they have been affected by climate change and extreme weather events, but less than half have set aside resources for climate adaptation measures, the survey shows.

Great interest in calculating the climate impact of buildings
There is great interest in calculating the climate impact of buildings. Since the Construction Sector's environmental calculation tool was launched, it has had over 2,500 users who have counted on more than 10,000 projects. IVL has now further developed the tool so that it is available in four different variants – from a simpler free version to an advanced license-based multi-user version. In addition, IVL offers training and support.

New project manager for Smart City Sweden
Gina Aspelin Hedbring will be the new project manager for Smart City Sweden, an investment and export platform run by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute on behalf of the Swedish Energy Agency. Smart City Sweden shows the best Sweden has to offer in smart and sustainable cities. The goal is to inspire others and promote Swedish exports of sustainable solutions.

New sludge management technology tested in wastewater treatment plants
Roslagsvatten has initiated a collaboration with environmental technology company C-Green and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute with the goal of constructing a “sludge-free” wastewater treatment plant. A new method means that sludge will no longer be one of the end products at the Roslagsvatten Margretelund facility outside Stockholm.

Consultation response: With a simple adjustment, biogas cars can continue to be counted as green cars
The Government has presented a proposal for an amendment to the directive regarding environmental requirements for the procurement of cars and certain public transport services. If the proposal becomes a reality, it would mean that state authorities can no longer choose biogas cars as an environmental car. IVL believes that this would be negative for the development and proposes in its response to the consultation an adjustment of the proposal.

PFAS-contaminated water can be purified – but this can be costly
An IVL project has tested various techniques for purifying PFAS-contaminated leachate from waste facilities. The efficiency of the various methods has been evaluated through practical experiment and the costs estimated. Our conclusion is that purification is expensive but can be justified from a socio-economic perspective if the goal is to reduce PFOS or the most toxic PFAS substances.

Eight recommendation for strengthening biogas
The cities' rapid transition to electric power in public transport risks knocking out the largest market for Swedish biogas to date, if measures are not put in place. An IVL-led research study has produced a policy brief aimed at decision-makers with eight recommendations on how the conditions for biogas can be strengthened.