Sweden highlighted energy innovations for buildings during New York Climate Week

New York’s annual Climate Week brings together business leaders and decision-makers from around the world to accelerate climate change action. The Swedish Energy Agency was there to create business opportunities for companies in the sustainable construction sector.

During Climate Week NYC, a business delegation from the Swedish Energy Agency’s Skyline accelerator programme took part. The programme connects Swedish energy solutions with the needs of New York’s construction and real estate sector, creating opportunities for trade and knowledge exchange.

Urban innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic cities

For the companies in the Skyline programme, the trip was an opportunity to showcase their solutions and establish contacts with key players in urban development, as well as to be inspired by innovative construction projects in NYC. New York has become a global hub for urban innovation. The city is ranked as the world’s ninth largest economy, and investments in sustainable urban development and energy infrastructure are driving the growth of a green economy – which is creating new business opportunities.

Four strategic events to position Swedish solutions

During the week, the Skyline delegation participated in four specially planned events. The first was a roundtable discussion focusing on the needs and challenges involved in converting the city’s buildings. Sana Barakat, Deputy Director and Head of Carbon Reduction at New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection, gave an inspiring opening speech about the progress that has been made.

–NYC is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. We have already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 26 per cent by fiscal year 2023, installed 32 MW of solar energy, and achieved energy savings of $152 million per year in 2,500 city-owned buildings. With over $2.4 billion invested in energy efficiency improvements, we are at a critical stage in driving this progress forward and achieving our climate goals.

The Swedish Energy Agency also organised a pitching event, Swedish Tech Showcase, together with NYSERDA, where Swedish companies got to meet engineering consultants from New York’s energy and real estate sectors.

Together with Sweden’s Consul General Erik Ullenhag and Team Sweden, a high-level reception was also held at the Swedish residence. NYSERDA CEO Doreen Harris opened the event, and speakers included Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari and Climate Ambassador Mattias Frumerie.

The week concluded with a seminar entitled From Sweden to NYC: Shaping the Future of Clean Buildings. Participants included NYSERDA, NYCEDC, Building Energy Exchange, Vornado, Durst, Alfa Laval and Skanska USA.

Picture: Taken by Sofie Fjellgren.