A greener, healthier Skellefteå: measuring our impact

As part of VARCITIES, each Pilot implemented a portfolio of Visionary Solutions aimed at transforming public spaces into healthier, greener, and more inclusive environments. Through co-creation with local communities and the integration of digital, social, and nature-based innovations, the pilots addressed specific urban challenges related to accessibility, well-being, and sustainability. To understand the effectiveness of these interventions, a comprehensive set of indicators (Key Performance Indicators or KPI) was monitored throughout the project.

The data collected offers valuable insights into the local impact of the solutions implemented, helping to inform future urban development strategies both within and beyond our Pilot.

This is our impact in Skellefteå!

Energy Savings

Through the installation of smart lighting under VS3, Skellefteå has achieved measurable energy savings that contribute directly to climate goals and urban sustainability. Each of the seven luminaires installed delivers an average saving of 22 Wh compared to conventional fixtures, adding up to 154 Wh in total. While modest in scale, this intervention demonstrates the tangible efficiency gains of smart technologies in everyday infrastructure and points to the potential for larger-scale replication across the city.

Data on water quality physical parameters

Increase focus on environmental monitoring by conducting systematic water quality measurements along the Skellefteälven River, which flows through the city center. Samples collected at four sites were analyzed for copper concentrations and microbiological indicators such as E. coli and coliforms. These results provide valuable baseline data on river health, enabling our Pilot City to better track changes in water quality over time, identify risks, and plan interventions that protect both ecosystems and public health.

Reduce (storm)water run-offs

VS1 and VS2 contributed to improving local water management (reduced stormwater to be treated in the public sewerage), demonstrating cost savings for the municipality ranging between 550,000 kr (€47,103) and 1,100,000 kr (€94,207). This highlights the dual advantage of nature-based and smart solutions: reducing pressure on existing infrastructure while lowering operational costs, ultimately creating more resilient and financially sustainable urban systems.

The Skellefteå pilot highlights how smart technologies, environmental monitoring and nature-based approaches can generate multiple benefits for cities at once!