Sweden has long been a pioneer in the fight against global warming. By setting the objective of a neutral carbon footprint by 2045, the government has gone even further. Among the many Swedish innovations carried out, one of them was very noticed. Lidö Island, dubbed Zero Island, became carbon neutral in just one year.
DBy 2045, the balance between storage and Swedish greenhouse gas emissions will have to be zero. A real challenge for this kingdom, yet at the forefront of environmental preservation and the fight against global warming. The Neste company, specializing in renewable energies, is involved in a vast project called Journey to Zero, Voyage vers Zéro. Among the initiatives of this project is Zero Island. The objective is to experiment with a carbon neutral project on the scale of a tourist island. Neste Executive Vice President Carl Nyberg describes the climate emergency and the ambition of the project.
“Sweden's climate plans are ambitious, but time is running out. In the fight against climate change, we need all possible means. This includes new partnerships and the willingness to work towards a common vision of reducing emissions and developing sustainability. Project Zero Island proves that if we work together as institutions, businesses and individuals, we can change the world much faster than we think. "
Traditional windmill on Lidö island
The Neste company
In 2018, Neste was ranked “World's most sustainable energy company” in the Global 100 index. Neste is indeed the world's largest producer of renewable diesel, refined from waste and residues. The company also offers renewable solutions for the aviation and plastics industries. For its leaders, sustainability and responsibility are the key to everything.
“It's the only planet we have, so we're all responsible for keeping it in shape. "
The Zero Island project
Lidö, located in the northern archipelago of Stockholm, was the island chosen for the Zero Island project. Declared a natural conservation site, this island is a popular tourist spot for tens of thousands of vacationers during the summer season. With its traditional wooden houses, unspoiled nature and peaceful living atmosphere, Lidö has become the idyllic theater of a life-size experiment.
Arrival on Lidö Island
The mesures that took place
Nothing was left to chance to achieve the goal. Fuels are now produced through renewable alternatives. The inhabitants favor sustainable energy sources. They also optimize the management of water, waste and recycling. Many partners joined the project to find lasting solutions. And the project is an undeniable success. The island's emissions have reduced by 78%. The island's annual carbon dioxide emissions have increased from 180 to 40 tonnes, thanks to the combination of the different solutions and the transition to green electricity. The emissions reduction program has enabled the offsets.
An island with educational virtues
After having been an experimental site, the island of Lidö is now an inspiration and a place of transmission. The island welcomes vacationers who learn to live differently and reduce their carbon footprint. The Nolla cabin is also part of this approach. This small, autonomous and carbon-neutral home, presents only the essential equipment, while maintaining comfort and design. 18 euros are enough to acquire this compact, removable and energy-independent home.
“We want to show that small changes in everyday life can make a big difference in impact on the climate. "
Olle Telje and Hugo Olofsson, entrepreneurs of Lidö inn
Interior view of the Nolla autonomous house
On Zero Island, nothing has been overlooked. Food, energy, accommodation, waste, transport, carbon offsetting… 18 concrete solutions have been implemented in an efficient and sustainable manner to transform an entire island. This initiative has become a real source of inspiration for all those who would like to contribute to change.
Image credit: Neste.com
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