City Of Gothenburg Research Articles

The 15-minute city dilemma? Balancing local accessibility and gentrification in Gothenburg, Sweden

This article explores the relationships between gentrification and the realization of the 15-minute city vision in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. Using unique Swedish registry micro-data, we track changes in local accessibility to urban social functions from 2011 to 2017 in neighborhoods experiencing different gentrification processes. Findings reveal a positive association between gentrification and improved local accessibility in low-income neighborhoods experiencing classic gentrification. The findings emphasize the need to balance socio-spatial polarization and 15-minute city planning, particularly in neighborhoods undergoing classic gentrification. Future studies should delve in more detail into potential displacement effects when gentrification and 15-minute city goals intersect.

Traffic safety implementation at local level in line with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: synergies, challenges and enablers

This study explores how traffic safety implementation at local level in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is characterised. By investigating interactions between traffic safety and other sustainability goals (synergies), as well as identifying contradictions between goals and conflicting interests (challenges), the study aims to pinpoint the main enablers for implementing traffic safety as part of sustainability. The emphasis lies on local authorities in Sweden representing a mature traffic safety context when viewed globally. To delve into this issue, interviews were conducted with 37 municipal employees from the city of Gothenburg, encompassing diverse roles that exemplify the significant influence Swedish local authorities wield in shaping traffic safety: as road manager and planner, in maintenance and construction phases, as employer and purchaser, and as influencer of behaviour. The study reveals several synergies between traffic safety and other sustainability goals, as well as contradictions between goals and conflicting interests posing challenges to traffic safety implementation. Main enablers for implementation of traffic safety as part of sustainability at the local level concern, for example, an integrated approach on strategic level where traffic safety could be handled as either a prerequisite (e.g. for active mobility) or a framework condition (e.g. for green cars). The necessity to bridge gaps between strategic and operational levels is also emphasised. Contradicting goals and interests are inevitable and must be managed. The study identifies the traffic strategy and strategic analyses, in the European context referred to as Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning, as a platform for traffic safety implementation as part of sustainability. Such platform highlights implementation areas in common for different target areas. The significance of integrating traffic safety in relevant activities and processes, alongside fostering horizontal collaborations across target areas, becomes apparent when striving to embed traffic safety in a wider sustainability context. While Swedish municipalities may not always recognize traffic safety as part of the sustainability agenda, existing platforms within municipalities serve as a foundation for adopting an integrated approach to traffic safety implementation. However, there is a need for a central coordinating function to ensure robust leadership in integrating traffic safety as a vital component of sustainability.

Implementing a digital twin for optimized real-time control of Gothenburg's regional sewage system

Abstract The emerging challenges facing the City of Gothenburg and surrounding municipalities include the impacts of a variable climate, rapid growth and urbanization, aging infrastructure and changing community values and customer expectations. A digital twin (DT), based on the Future City Flow (FCF) platform, was created for the catchment to address many of these challenges in terms of improved real-time sewerage performance and predictability in the face of storms, improved DT visualization of the regional sewage transport system for operators and greater responsiveness to avoid service interruption. The FCF-based DT provides a sound base for modelling, simulating, forecasting and controlling the catchment. The versatility of the FCF DT makes it useful for gaining insight into catchment dynamics and the simulator can be used to study the effects of different scenarios or changes in the catchment. The predictive control imbedded in the FCF DT recommends setpoints for controlling the catchment that can be used by the operators for decision support or even be directly applied in the control system as model-based predictive control. A DT requires good quality online data from the catchment and, perhaps most importantly, high-quality rain forecasts, especially when prognosing long time horizons.

Climate Proofing Cities by Navigating Nature-Based Solutions in a Multi-Scale, Social–Ecological Urban Planning Context: A Case Study of Flood Protection in the City of Gothenburg, Sweden

Due to unsustainable land management and climate change, floods have become more frequent and severe over the past few decades and the problem is exacerbated in urban environments. In the context of climate-proofing cities, the importance of nature-based solutions (NBSs), obtaining relevant outcomes in the form of ecosystem services, has been highlighted. Although the role of ecosystem services in building resilience against negative climate change effects is widely recognized and there is an identified need to better integrate ecosystem services into urban planning and design, this has proven difficult to operationalize. A critical limitation is that modeling is a time-consuming and costly exercise. The purpose is to roughly estimate the ecosystem service of water run-off mitigation through simplified, cost-effective, and user-friendly modelling at three nested biophysical scales, under four climate change scenarios. Using the Swedish city of Gothenburg as an example, we propose an approach for navigating NBS-oriented flooding adaptation strategies, by quantifying the ecosystem service of water run-off mitigation at three nested biophysical scales, under four climate change scenarios, hence, proposing an approach for how to navigate nature-based solutions in a multi-scale, social–ecological urban planning context against present and future flooding events. Our findings validate the effectiveness of employing an ecosystem service approach to better comprehend the significant climate change issue of flooding through user-friendly and cost-efficient modeling.

Revealing patterns in household product consumption and sharing: An approach to support urban governance towards a sustainable sharing economy

To accomplish the sustainability potential of the sharing economy (SE), there is a need for proactive governance of the SE. In this paper, we aim to generate knowledge on household product consumption and sharing to support SE governance in Gothenburg City (Sweden). Data from two independent cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were statistically analyzed, which generated insights within 7 product groups covering household durables; and within 20 demographic categories regarding gender, age, dwelling type, education level, family composition, and income. Results were in accordance with the well-known attitude-behavior gaps regarding sustainable practices, though variance was seen for these gaps depending on the product and demographic group considered. The study suggests that, for 2021, clothes were consumed in high amounts (units/year) but there was relatively low interest and participation in sharing them, while the opposite was seen for tools and leisure items. As for demographic groups, men were less likely than women to reduce their consumption through participating in sharing, contrary to respondents with higher education. Governance reflections are included for the highlighted cases, such as investigating the reasons why men are less interested in the SE and in reducing their consumption; and exploring hinders to achieving a critical mass of users and providers in clothes sharing.

A new species of Craspedostauros (Bacillariophyceae) from the west coast of Sweden, with taxonomic and ecological notes on Craspedostauros laevissimus

Abstract Since its separation from Stauroneis in 1999, several new species of Craspedostauros were discovered in a variety of habitats and geographic locations, adding morphological and phylogenetic data to the investigations of the genus. In a survey of littoral diatoms of Sweden, both on the west and east coasts, two epiphytic stauros-bearing species were encountered and assigned to Craspedostauros following the characteristic features of this genus, including the possession of a stauros narrower than the central area and cribrate areolae. One species is described as new to science; Craspedostauros lateralis sp. nov., and the other is of uncertain identity but bears morphological similarity to C. laevissimus. Caspedostauros lateralis is a marine epiphytic species found in the west coast of Sweden, off Gothenburg city. Based on light and electron microscopy, a detailed description of the morphological and ultrastructural features of these species is given and a comparison of the distinguishing characters with allied species is discussed. Some ecological data and the occurrence of associated species on the host macrophyte are provided.

Brace for impacts: Perceived impacts and responses relating to the state of connected and autonomous vehicles in Gothenburg

It is anticipated that Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) will be introduced for public use in the coming decade. Thus, it is important to consider how ready cities are to integrate them into the urban environment. To address this question, this article frames the introduction of CAVs within the context of a socio-technical transition. We use the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response (DPSIR) framework to identify the impacts and responses of the introduction of CAVs in cities, with a specific emphasis on Gothenburg, Sweden. The results of the DPSIR analysis are then analyzed through the lens of transition management, in which the responses are related to strategical, tactical, operational and reflexive governance strategies. It was found that the reflexive component is likely to be critical for a successful introduction of CAVs in cities, so that policies can be adjusted as the uptake of the technology changes. Many issues that could arise from CAVs, such as increased car traffic and physical barriers to mobility, are already addressed in the City of Gothenburg’s official transportation strategy, but there is room for clearer policy with regard to CAV technology.

Using various geotechnical techniques for challenging conditions at the West Link project

AbstractThe city of Gothenburg in western Sweden is currently experiencing the construction of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country – The West Link (Västlänken). The West Link is an 8 km double‐track railway project, of which 6 km will be through underground tunnels with two new stations, Haga and Korsvägen, and construction of a bigger Central station. The construction of the project began in May 2018 and the finalization is expected in 2026. The project is split into five different sections which were awarded and are being executed individually. The widely varied geological profile of the area consisting of weak‐to‐very weak clay and silty‐sandy‐gravelly moraine along with challenging local conditions like existing waterways, traffic routes, and buildings requires a range of soil improvements and shoring system solutions suiting the local conditions. Some techniques executed by Keller include dry deep soil mixing (DDSM) to stabilize the quick clay to facilitate excavation, jet grouting for water sealing, excavation support in addition to soil improvement purposes, uplift piles over a flowing river, drilled steel piles at the bottom of excavation pit as foundation support, drilled steel pile wall, and sheet piling. Apart from technical challenges, the West Link has strong focus on adopting sustainable solutions like methods to reduce disposal of wet masses from jet grouting. A team of experts of design and execution from different parts of the world is working together to make it a success story.

Gothenburg Digital Twin. Modelling and communicating the effect of temperature change scenarios on building demand

The article presents the first prototype of a web-based City Digital Twin (CDT) viewer developed for the city of Gothenburg to promote the understanding of the interrelation between the spatial, energy and climate change domain related to building stocks and to support stakeholders’ collaboration. The focus is on the development process of the viewer and decisions taken to target the users. 3d spatial data about the current city combined with building energy demand modelling following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios provide the basis that potentially allows local actors to take informed decisions about decarbonization measures in a long-term perspective. First, future climate conditions are modelled for Gothenburg following the IPCC pathways 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 for the year 2050. Second, a Building Stock Model is employed to simulate the energy use of buildings by using the climate scenarios as climate boundary conditions. Finally, results are visualized in the CDT viewer showing that future climate conditions contribute to an overall decrease in final energy demand up to 18% in spring and autumn months and an increase up to 1.5% in summer months.

Renegotiating state-third sector relations through collaborative partnerships: The case of reception services for asylum-seeking children in Gothenburg, Sweden

ABSTRACT Unprecedented numbers of unaccompanied minors entering Sweden in 2015, alongside other challenging social issues, have contributed to renegotiating collaborative forms of local governance in the country. This has resulted in an emergence of collaborative partnerships between civil society and public actors (Idéburna offentliga partnerskap or IOP), as real alternative to the market-based contracts and traditional state grants. This article addresses IOP from a collaborative governance perspective and questions if and how it may cope with a major and well known governance challenge, that of balancing the different roles and principles of public and civil society realms, so as to sustain an effective and legitimate cross-sectorial partnership. It asks, may and how an IOP enable civil society organisations a more active role in co-designing and co-implementing local welfare services with public sector actors without undermining their distinctiveness? The arguments are based on a case study of, at the time, the largest IOP in Sweden initiated for early reception of unaccompanied minors in Gothenburg city. The partnership is assessed against a normative theoretical framework of balanced state-third sector relations. The results suggest that IOPs, under certain conditions, may serve as ‘spaces of hope’ for more balanced power relations in local governance models.

EXECUTION OF VARIOUS GEOTECHNICAL WORKS FOR CHALLENGING PROJECTS IN SWEDEN AND SLOVENIA

The city of Gothenburg in western Sweden is currently experiencing the construction of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country - The West Link (Västlänken). The West Link is an eight km double track railway project, of which six km will run through underground tunnels. The project is split into five different sections, which were awarded and being executed individually. The widely varied geological profile of the area consisting of weak to very weak clay (often referred as ‘quick clay’) and silty, sandy and gravelly moraine along with challenging local conditions like existing waterways, traffic routes and buildings require a range of soil improvements and shoring system solutions suiting the local conditions. Keller has been executing Dry deep soil mixing (DDSM) to stabilize the quick clay to facilitate excavation and jet grouting for water sealing and excavation support in addition to soil improvement purposes. Execution of uplift piles over a flowing river, drilled steel piles at the bottom of excavation pit as foundation support, drilled steel pile wall and sheet piling for excavation support are other examples of geotechnical solutions executed as customized to site requirements. The knowledge gained from challenging international projects is further applied to key local projects, such as those in Slovenia, where the advantages of developed geotechnical technologies and procedures are leveraged in the most effective ways. Two significant projects have recently been executed using this approach. Firstly, ground improvement works were undertaken for the new Central Correctional Facilities Project in Ljubljana, involving the use of premixed vibro concrete columns (PVCC). This project was carried out on an abandoned quarry that had been filled with construction waste over the past few decades. The second project involves landslide prevention measures, specifically the reconstruction of an existing anchored wall on a highway near Maribor. To address this, longer and higher capacity geotechnical anchors were installed at heights of up to 8 meters.

SolVis: A pilot study to facilitate understanding of real-time solar energy production through energy visualizations in learning environments

The transition to a carbon neutral society requires actions on all levels of society. Hereby, renewable energy - especially considering the current European energy crisis – such as solar energy will play an increasing role. To promote a more extensive use of solar energy and thus contributing to a faster energy transition, it is valuable to engage all citizens, not least children. How can real-time visualization of solar energy production in learning environments contribute to increased understanding of energy production and consumption? Educational environments can be a powerful platform to cultivate an interest in more environmentally and sustainable behaviour at an early age. However, energy is intangible, abstract, and difficult to grasp for non-experts. Digital tools incorporating energy visualization may be able to facilitate an increased understanding of energy units and measurements. The City of Gothenburg, Sweden, has the ambition to place photovoltaics on all roofs of schools and kindergartens, a process that is already in progress. The solar energy production is measured in real-time and only used for building operation management. This paper presents a study that develops a concept for a digital and educational visualization tool for school children aged 9 to 12, with the goal to engage, facilitate a lasting learning outcome, and awaken curiosity in solar energy. A prototype of a real-time visualization tool was developed, which in a playful way visualises the solar electricity production of the school property and compares it to the energy consumption of everyday activities, displayed on a centrally placed screen in the school. It was installed in four pilot schools and evaluated with 233 pupils. Results indicate several potentials of the visualization: to communicate local solar energy production to pupils, triggering thoughts, ideas, and a will to continue to learn more about solar energy production.

Ways to go? (un)sustainable school commuting in Majorna, Gothenburg city

ABSTRACTGothenburg city has bold ambitions of becoming carbon neutral. School commuting is one piece of the puzzle in reducing emissions. While the literature on school transportation is extensive, the issue of climate change has been overlooked. This article explores how parents in the district of Majorna understand mundane choices of school transportation in a context of increasing recognition of climate change. The article shows that school transport is a contentious issue, entangled with subjectivity, emotions, and notions of responsibility. The findings also highlight some complexities: (1) Although most parents are concerned with climate change it is not a significant factor in daily transportation. (2) There is a discourse in favour of active transportation where climate change is explicitly downplayed, on the other hand regular car use merges with deep climate concerns. (3) Informants’ anticipations of future urban traffic conflict with their hopes, yet it seems difficult to imagine something otherwise.

Accumulation of antimony and lead in leaves and needles of trees: The role of traffic emissions

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid, which has been increasingly used in the brake lining of vehicles, and increased concentrations have been found in soils near abundant traffic. However, since very few investigations of Sb accumulation in urban vegetation have been undertaken there exists a knowledge gap. We studied the concentrations of Sb in leaves and needles of trees in the Gothenburg City area, Sweden. In addition, lead (Pb), also associated with traffic, was investigated. Sb and Pb concentrations of Quercus palustris leaves at seven sites with contrasting traffic intensity varied substantially, correlated with the traffic-related PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) air pollution at the sites and increased during the growing season. Sb but not Pb concentrations were significantly higher in needles of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris near major roads compared to sites at larger distances. In Pinus nigra needles at two urban streets both Sb and Pb were higher compared to an urban nature park environment, emphasising the role of traffic emissions for these elements. A continued accumulation of Sb and Pb in three years old needles of Pinus nigra, two years old needles of Pinus sylvestris and eleven years old needles of Picea abies was observed. Our data suggest a pronounced link between traffic pollution and Sb accumulation in leaves and needles, where the particles carrying Sb seem not to be transported very far from the source. We also conclude that there exists a strong potential for Sb and Pb bioaccumulation over time in leaves and needles. Implications of these findings are that increased concentrations of toxic Sb and Pb are likely to prevail in environments with high traffic intensity and that Sb can enter the ecological food chain by accumulation in leaves and needles, which is important for the biogeochemical cycling.

Strategizing and “strategifying” for the common good: the case of deprived neighborhoods in the Swedish city of Gothenburg

Globally, we face grand challenges such as poverty and climate change. In response to such challenges, previous research claims that strategy research should address the “major challenges of contemporary society” this article examines a strategy adopted in Gothenburg, Sweden in an attempt to create an inclusive city through various actions in vulnerable areas. Using the concepts of strategizing and strategifying, the study shows how an attempt to address this challenge put pressure not only on the organization adopting the strategic document, but also on collaborating organizations. This illustrates how a strategic approach to a common challenge can create new organizational solutions and strengthen collaborating networks, although this might also lead to tension between organizations.

Simulating the Impact of Shared Mobility on Demand: a Study of Future Transportation Systems in Gothenburg, Sweden

Self-driving cars enable dynamic shared mobility, where customers are independent of schedules and fixed stops. This study aims to investigate the potential effects shared mobility can have on future transportation. We simulate multiple scenarios to analyze the effects different service designs might have on vehicle kilometers, on the required number of shared vehicles, on the potential replacement of private cars, and on service metrics such as waiting times, travel times, and detour levels. To demonstrate how simulation can be used to analyze future mobility, we present a case study of the city of Gothenburg in Sweden, where we model travel demand in the morning hours of a workday. The results show that a significant decrease of vehicle kilometers can be achieved if all private car trips are replaced by rideshare and that shared vehicles can potentially replace at least 5 private cars during the morning peak.

Deep learning of sea-level variability and flood for coastal city resilience

Due to climate change, it is important to study the relationship between floods and sea-level rise in coastal city resilience. In this research sea surface temperature (SST) from MODIS, wind speed, precipitation, and sea-level rise from satellite altimetry are investigated for dynamic sea-level variability. An annual SST increase of 0.1C° is observed around the Gothenburg coast. Also in the middle of the North Sea, an annual increase of about 0.2C° is evident. The annual sea surface height (SSH) trend is 3 mm on the Gothenburg coast. We have a strong positive spatial correlation between SST and SSH near the Gothenburg coast. In the next step, dynamic sea-level variability is predicted with a convolution neural network and long short term memory. Root mean square error of wind speed, precipitation, SST, and mean sea-level forecasts are ±0.84 m/s, ±48.75 mm, ±3.48C° and ±24 mm, respectively. The 5-year trends of mean seal level show a significant increase from 28 mm/year to 46 mm/year in the last 5 year periods and the rate of increase has doubled. In the final step, the water rise of 5–10 m in Gothenburg city was simulated, and in the worst scenario, more than 50 % of the city will be damaged.

Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function in Early Old Age: Comparing Subjective and Objective Hearing Measures

Introduction: Population-based research has consistently shown that people with hearing loss are at greater risk of cognitive impairment. We aimed to explore the cross-sectional association of both subjective and objective hearing measures with global and domain-specific cognitive function. We also examined the influence of hearing aid use on the relationship. Methods: A population-based sample (n = 1,105, 52% women) of 70-year-olds that were representative of the inhabitants of the city of Gothenburg, Sweden completed a detailed cognitive examination, pure-tone audiometry, and a questionnaire regarding perceived hearing problems. A subsample (n = 247, 52% women) also completed a test of speech-recognition-in-noise (SPRIN). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of hearing with cognitive function, adjusting for sex, education, cardiovascular factors, and tinnitus. Results: Global cognitive function was independently associated with the better ear pure-tone average across 0.5–4 kHz (PTA4, β = −0.13, 95% CI, −0.18, −0.07), the better ear SPRIN score (β = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.19, 0.40), but not with the self-reported hearing measure (β = −0.02, 95% CI, −0.07, 0.03). Both verbally loaded and nonverbally loaded tasks, testing a variety of cognitive domains, contributed to the association. Hearing aid users had better global cognitive function than nonusers with equivalent hearing ability. The difference was only significant in the mild hearing loss category. Discussion: In a population-based sample of 70-year-old persons without dementia, poorer hearing was associated with poorer global and domain-specific cognitive function, but only when hearing function was measured objectively and not when self-reported. The speech-in-noise measure showed the strongest association. This highlights the importance of including standardized hearing tests and controlling for hearing status in epidemiological geriatric research. More research is needed on the role that hearing aid use plays in relation to age-related cognitive declines.

Nutritional Composition and Estimated Iron and Zinc Bioavailability of Meat Substitutes Available on the Swedish Market.

Transition towards plant-based diets is advocated to reduce the climate footprint. Health implications of a diet composed of meat substitutes are currently unknown, and there are knowledge gaps in their nutritional composition and quality. Samples of available meat substitutes were bought in two convenience stores in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, and were included in the study. Meat substitutes (n = 44) were analyzed for their contents of dietary fiber, fat, iron, zinc, phytate, salt, total phenolics and protein, as well as for their amino acid and fatty acid composition. Bioavailability of iron and zinc was estimated based on the phytate:mineral molar ratio. We found large variations in the nutritional composition of the analyzed meat substitutes. Amino acid profiles seemed to be affected by processing methods. Mycoprotein products were rich in zinc, with a median content of 6.7 mg/100 g, and had very low content of phytate, which suggests mycoprotein as a good source of zinc. Degradability of fungal cell walls might, however, pose as a potential aggravating factor. None of the products could be regarded as a good source of iron due to very high content of phytate (9 to 1151 mg/100 g) and/or low content of iron (0.4 to 4.7 mg/100 g). Phytate:iron molar ratios in products with iron contents >2.1 mg/100 g ranged from 2.5 to 45. Tempeh stood out as a protein source with large potential due to low phytate content (24 mg/100 g) and an iron content (2 mg/100 g) close to the level of a nutrition claim. Producers of the products analyzed in this study appear to use nutritional claims regarding iron that appear not in line with European regulations, since the iron is in a form not available by the body. Meat substitutes analyzed in this study do not contribute to absorbed iron in a relevant manner. Individuals following mainly plant-based diets have to meet their iron needs through other sources. Salt and saturated fat were high in certain products, while other products were more in line with nutritional recommendations. Further investigation of the nutritional and health effects of protein extraction and extrusion is needed. We conclude that nutritional knowledge needs to be implemented in product development of meat substitutes.

Relocation rationale – why people move in connection with renovation projects

The existing housing stock is constantly in need of maintenance and renovation. Previous research has showed that renovation projects may force tenants to move involuntarily, and there is a correlation between the scale of the renovation project, the economic consequences for the tenants, and the relocation frequency. In this paper, the aim is to identify the reasons for tenants’ choice to relocate, based on both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper is based on material from a larger study of tenants’ experiences of housing renovation and their decision to relocate. From a large empirical material of 426 personal interviews with tenants living in municipally owned rental apartments within the city of Gothenburg, 117 respondents were identified, whose choice to relocate were directly linked to the renovation process. The interviews were transcribed, analyzed and coded into different categories. Preliminary results show that the majority of relocations that occur in connection to renovation projects are in fact not related to the renovation process in itself. The primary reason to move was to upsize, to move in with a partner, to move from rental to home ownership, and to live in another area. Arguments directly connected to the renovation process were to avoid the disturbances connected to living in an apartment while it was being renovated, or avoiding being evacuated and having to move several times, and avoiding the economic consequences of rent increases after the renovation. The results illustrate the vital role of the property owner in planning and organizing the renovation projects in order to minimize the disturbances for the tenants. It supports the current trend to divide renovation projects into smaller segments, applying more diverse strategies and avoiding one-size-fits-all-approaches to renovation.