EU taxonomy steers capital towards sustainable investments

The EU taxonomy is a regulation on sustainable finance, whose classification system allows companies and investors to direct funding towards more sustainable solutions. We support our clients in meeting these requirements, achieving taxonomy compliance  and taking advantage of the opportunities of sustainable finance.

EU taxonomy requirements in practice – read more about our services

Our experts at Sweco will help you find out how the EU taxonomy affects your business; what measures are needed and how taxonomy requirements are reported effectively.

1. Evaluations: how the EU taxonomy affects your business
   We identify the areas of business that the EU taxonomy targets. We offer EU taxonomy assessment services, such as eligibility and compliance checks.
2. Reports: do you meet the criteria of the EU taxonomy?
   We map out the extent to which your business meets the criteria for compliance with the EU taxonomy and offer concrete development proposals for them.
3. Sustainable development: solutions in accordance with the EU taxonomy
   We calculate
4. Maximising energy efficiency: achieving the objectives of the EU taxonomy
   We carry out energy renovations, update energy certificates and support  the achievement of energy efficiency targets.
5. EU taxonomy as part of sustainability reporting: We help you understand how the EU taxonomy relates to other reporting obligations, such as sustainability reporting and the CSRD Directive. We integrate taxonomy requirements into your company’s reporting package efficiently and clearly.

What is the EU taxonomy?

The EU taxonomy is a classification system for sustainable finance created by the European Union that enables companies and investors to assess and communicate the sustainability of their operations in a comparable and reliable manner.  In addition to financial returns, sustainable financing solutions aim to have positive social and environmental impacts. Ignoring sustainability considerations in investments increases the investor’s risk, may weaken returns and reduce the profitability of the business in the long run.

The EU taxonomy of sustainable finance supports the Green Deal and directs capital towards Green Deal objectives, such as low-carbon solutions and biodiversity conservation. Obtaining sustainable finance requires companies to report in accordance with sustainability criteria, such as the taxonomy CSRD reporting framework developed at EU level. In investment calculations and project development, sustainability should be taken into account comprehensively, for example in life cycle costs and risk assessments. At Sweco, we are happy to act as facilitators in sustainable financing processes and sustainability reporting.

What are the criteria for the EU taxonomy?

The criteria of the EU taxonomy are based on six environmental objectives:

1. climate change mitigation
2. adaptation to climate change
3. sustainable use of water bodies and marine resources
4. the transition to a circular economy
5. pollution prevention and control;
6. preserving biodiversity

Companies and projects that wish to meet the requirements of the taxonomy must demonstrate that their activities are in line with these objectives.

Who does the EU taxonomy apply to?

Initially, reporting under the taxonomy will particularly concern large companies, financial market participants and financial institutions. In the future, it will be extended to more companies as part of the EU’s sustainability reporting reform. The EU taxonomy also supports the acquisition of green finance.

How does the EU taxonomy affect construction?

In the construction sector, the EU taxonomy is particularly important, as construction and property development are significant emitters.

The EU taxonomy in construction guides projects through, for example, energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and sustainable material choices.

EU taxonomy opportunities: competitive advantage and sustainable growth

By anticipating requirements and making the necessary changes, you support sustainable development and influence your competitiveness in the future:

1. Access to finance: Investors and financial institutions are actively looking for projects and companies that meet the criteria of the EU taxonomy. By following the requirements of the EU taxonomy, you can improve your company’s financing opportunities, get better financial terms and conditions and increase investor interest.
2. Communicating sustainability: When you meet the criteria of the EU taxonomy, you can communicate clearly and reliably about your company’s sustainability. This will not only strengthen your reputation, but also appeal to customers who value sustainable solutions.
3. Business efficiency: Following EU taxonomy criteria can lead to more efficient use of resources, reduced carbon footprint, and energy savings. These actions not only contribute to environmental goals, but can also improve your financial performance in the long run.

With the help of our experts, you can ensure that your project is in line with the EU taxonomy criteria.

Our services cover everything from EU taxonomy surveys and reporting support to carbon footprint calculations, energy efficiency solutions and climate risk management.