I had just returned from my vacation when I saw a segment on SVT that made me stop and think. In the report, journalist Linus Arenius tries to live as sustainably as possible to meet the Paris Agreement’s climate goals. The result: he would practically need to live in a cave to reach them. Even after making radical changes—giving up flights, driving an electric car, eating a plant-based diet, and using renewable electricity—his efforts still weren’t enough to meet the CO₂ goal of one ton per person. For those of us who drive EVs, reuse, recycle, and believe we’re doing enough, it’s a wake-up call. How should one live to actually reach the targets?
IoT as a driver for public good
When Linus asked economics professor Frans Prenkert at Örebro University how to live within the carbon budget, Prenkert pointed out an often-overlooked aspect of the climate debate: the enormous responsibility carried by the public sector. According to Prenkert, what prevents individuals from reaching the goal is not just their own consumption, but emissions from public consumption and investments that remain so high they affect every individual’s carbon footprint.
Digitalisation enables transformation
Prenkert argues that many companies are ready for the transition, but the decision-making environment is still marked by short-term thinking and political hesitation. This means long-term sustainable choices are often deprioritised. A major transformation is therefore needed—one where the public sector is not just one actor among others, but the central hub of climate action.
Here, digitalisation and its toolbox of technologies for a smarter society play a crucial role. By measuring, analysing, and automating, the public sector can make its operations more efficient, improve service quality, and monitor climate impact in real time. By measuring—by knowing—good examples can be shared and replicated, and change can happen faster. Now, it may sound like I’m talking about IoT. And that is exactly what I’m doing.
How municipalities can lead
Municipalities directly control perhaps ten percent of emissions—through their own operations and procurement—but their indirect influence is far greater. Public consumption and investments account for about 40 percent of Sweden’s consumption-based emissions, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Procurement alone represented more than a quarter in 2019.
Municipalities therefore hold the key to how sustainably Sweden develops. As forerunners, they can set standards, drive innovation, and, through urban planning and public transport, multiply their climate impact. This is where IoT becomes an enabler. So where do we begin?
From home care to waste management
One of the most rewarding areas for digitalisation is home healthcare. When care is brought into the patient’s home with connected sensors, digital platforms, and easy-to-use technology, resources are freed and quality of life improves.
I have had the privilege of being part of such projects and vividly remember Greta, who at over 90 years old had never used any technology more advanced than a toaster. After a brief introduction, she managed her care at home, booked video calls with her doctor, and received help when needed. The outcome: fewer emergency calls, lower costs, and a safer, more comfortable life for her.
Another area is waste management. By connecting bins and containers, transport can be reduced by 20–40 percent—resulting in less heavy traffic, lower emissions, and significant cost savings. Emptying is guided to where it is actually needed, improving both environmental outcomes and citizens’ daily lives.
Smart cities need smart data
Parking systems with embedded sensors can show available spaces in real time and guide drivers directly to them. This reduces congestion in city centres, cuts emissions, and makes cities more accessible.
It also enables new services such as automatic billing and improved monitoring of disabled parking spaces. It becomes possible to see if someone has parked illegally in a reserved space, allowing immediate action to improve accessibility. Smart parking systems make cities greener, more efficient, and more attractive.
Data collection is another cornerstone of the smart city. Sensors can measure air quality, water levels, noise, and bathing temperatures, with results made publicly available to residents and decision-makers. Transparency builds trust but also creates new opportunities to make fact-based decisions instead of relying on estimates. When data is accessible in real time, resources can be directed where they are truly needed, and citizens can follow how their city evolves.
Start simple with bathing temperatures
Many municipalities and regions start their IoT journey with something as simple as connected bathing temperature sensors. It’s a concrete example of how digitalisation can create direct public value: the information becomes available to everyone, the service is easy to understand, and the solution is simple to implement.
Most importantly, it serves as an entry point for a broader IoT initiative. If you haven’t yet started working with IoT, this might be a perfect first step to build competence and gather experience.
IoT as a tool for transition
Frans Prenkert reminds us that the climate challenge cannot be solved by individuals alone. The responsibility rests heavily on the public sector—and this is where IoT can become a decisive part of the solution. The public sector needs to take the lead, and IoT is one of the most powerful tools we have to turn ambition into tangible public benefit.
For those running companies
Those of us running companies must, of course, support the work of municipalities and regions. Innovative companies with ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can align with ongoing initiatives, including Viable Cities and other climate-neutral city programs.