I-SUSTAIN has led over 20 sustainability study tours to Denmark and Sweden and is leading another one September 17-22, 2017, in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure at Evergreen College. The program will be modeled on the success of I-SUSTAIN’s 2015 research mission to Scandinavia for Washington state legislators and senior administrators from WSDOT and Gov. Inslee’s office, in addition to private sector participants, such as Puget Sound Energy.

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This second delegation will highlight how energy policy in Denmark and Sweden is part of a larger set of policies, including land use, transportation, solid waste management, architecture, economic development (both local and national), forest management, and environmental protection. We will also experience the strength of having an aligned commitment between government and industry to achieve defined goals and the economic development benefits from a clean energy economy.

Our meetings and site visits to cities, neighborhoods, and rural communities will be punctuated with ample opportunities to enjoy Scandinavian culture – the city design, the architecture, the food and, yes, the weather! We will incorporate the use of excellent public transportation systems, as well as an introduction to Copenhagen’s bike culture and infrastructure, bicycle parking, bike bridges, bike paths, elevated cycle lanes and innovative bike projects, including suburban-urban commuting.

This delegation will also visit the Swedish cities of Malmö and Växjö. Malmö shows how a neighborhood can run on 100% renewable energy while Växjö, not only is on track to be fossil free but shows how locally produced Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) can provide economic development and be used for even tall buildings. Please consider joining us on this remarkable tour!