Towards net-zero by 2040

Sweco’s goal is to achieve net-zero emissions in its own operations by 2040 and to halve the company’s emissions by 2030 from base-year 2020 levels. Sweco adheres to the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” and has set climate targets aligned with what is required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.  

Sweco’s carbon footprint and emission reduction outcomes »

Climate targets based on the latest science

Sweco adheres to the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” and has set climate targets aligned with what is required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. In 2024, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated and approved Sweco’s near-term targets for 2030. Targets cover Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are well in line with the latest science and the Carbon Law.  

Net-zero Sweco by 2040

Sweco’s long-term target remains to reduce emissions across the company’s value chain and to achieve net-zero by 2040. All emissions reduction efforts are to be achieved primarily through mitigation measures. Remaining residual emissions will be permanently removed through carbon sinks or carbon capture, via established and third-party verified mechanisms.  

Key actions for emissions reductions

1. Decrease energy consumption at the offices and improve energy-efficiency. The Helsinki office in Ilmala has switched to geothermal heat and cooling and received LEED Gold certification for the operational phase in 2024. This reduces the carbon footprint of about half of Sweco’s employees.
2. Transition to renewable energy contracts at Sweco’s offices together with property owners. In Finland, renewable energy already accounts for over 50% of all energy in business premises. 
3. Electrification of the vehicle fleet across Group. In Finland, the goal is to have fully electric company cars by 2029.
4. Motivate and incentivise employees to contribute to low-carbon business travel and commuting. In Finland, we have updated our business travel policy to prefer train instead of air travel.
5. We support our employees in sustainable commuting between home and work and offer commuter ticket benefits and company bike benefits in Finland. 

Sweco’s carbon footprint in brief 

• Sweco Finland’s carbon footprint in 2024: greenhouse gas emissions 11,546 tonnes of CO2e (total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions combined). The direct emissions of our own operations and the emissions of our properties decreased by 28% in Finland in 2024 compared to 2023 (Scope 1 and 2).

• Sweco Group’s carbon footprint in 2024: greenhouse gas emissions 70,123 tonnes CO2e (total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions combined). Compared to 2023, in 2024, Scope 1 emissions decreased by 11%, Scope 2 emissions decreased by 22% and Scope 3 emissions increased by 12%. In total, Sweco Group’s emissions increased by 6% in 2024 compared to 2023.

• Sweco’s operations have grown both organically and through acquisitions since the comparison year 2020, which has led to an increase in absolute emission levels. Sweco Group’s emission intensity was 3.4 tonnes CO2e per full-time employee in 2024. By comparison, Sweco Finland’s emission intensity was 4.0 tonnes CO2e per full-time employee in same year.