In 1993 the municipal council passed an environmental policy for Växjö. This formed the basis for the work on Agenda 21.

The policy points out the guidelines for long-term sustainable development. The importance of Agenda 21 in Växjö is emphasised by the fact that the municipal executive board has executive responsibility.

Work on Agenda 21 developed further in cooperation with the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation during 1995-97. The aim was to identify new methods in local Agenda 21 work, which were subsequently tested in about thirty pilot projects. This cooperation has included the training of politicians and civil servants, thereby forming the basis for the insight and conviction required for making controversial decisions. Since the project has been very rewarding for both partners, cooperation is now continuing with several municipalities. The project is called "Swedish Network for Fossil Fuel-free Cities" and aims at persuading municipalities to stop using fossil fuels.

Town and country planning is a vital instrument for guaranteeing long-term sustainable development. In the region of Gemla/Öja, outside Växjö, the inhabitants are making an overall plan and a local Agenda 21 for their own community. This method of planning demands more personnel and lasts longer than the traditional one, but it produces better results as the inhabitants themselves know their village best.