Project and Sustainability Communication strengthens acceptability and supports strategic goals

Planning and construction projects shape our surroundings and influence our daily lives. They are investments in the future, but they can also raise concerns and uncertainty. For a project to be seen as attractive and sensible, acceptability must be built from the very beginning—alongside tracks, routes, facilities, and residential areas.

Project acceptability doesn’t happen automatically; it is the result of timely, proactive communication and interaction. Projects are often located near existing homes, services, businesses, and activities, making professional and well-planned communication and engagement essential.

Communication is needed in all types of projects, especially those that:

1. Affect and interest people
2. Influence the daily lives of residents, employees, businesses, commuters, and other stakeholders
3. Impact the environment
4. May attract public attention or concern

Engaging stakeholders ensures smooth project execution

Plans created by experts only become tangible to residents and decision-makers when they are communicated clearly. When the right stakeholders are informed about what is happening and when, inevitable disruptions are easier to tolerate, and daily operations at the construction site run more smoothly. Effective communication during the planning and construction phases also helps residents commit to the project.

Project communication takes place both internally within the project team and externally with stakeholders and target groups. It helps make plans concrete for residents and decision-makers, promotes project acceptance, engages stakeholders, and supports smooth implementation while building a positive public image.

Communication and training foster collaboration

In alliance projects, communication plays a key role in successful collaboration. It supports teamwork and capability by articulating goals, making them visible, and creating a shared understanding.

Collaboration is supported not only in alliance projects but also in various other types of projects through coaching and training. Sweco’s project communicators have extensive experience in supporting internal operations and collaboration across different project environments.

Sweco’s communicators bring extensive experience across diverse projects

Sweco offers comprehensive project communication services, training, and consulting for projects and alliances across a wide range of technical sectors. We are committed to ensuring that every project receives the visibility and understanding it deserves.

Sweco’s project communicators have years of experience in communication, stakeholder engagement, and interaction within land use, transportation, railway, and tramway design, as well as urban development projects.

In addition, our communicators have strong expertise in sustainability communication, corporate communications, service design, coaching, and training.

Sweco’s Project Communication has supported numerous projects

Explore some of our recent and ongoing projects:

1. Western Helsinki Tram Project Plan
2. Raide-Jokeri Alliance
3. Espoo–Salo Direct Railway (Western Railway)
4. Hajala–Kupittaa Railway Project (Western Railway)
5. Tampere Passenger Rail Yard
6. Tampere Tram Pirkkala–Linnainmaa Alliance
7. Turku Tram
8. Koskela Depot (Akseli Alliance)
9. Vantaa Tram
10. Porvoo Water Transfer Pipeline Project

Transparency at the heart of sustainability communication

Sustainability is a core part of modern business – it’s no longer optional, but essential. When communicated effectively, responsibility can bring business benefits and serve as a key differentiator in reputation building.

In sustainability communication, as in project communication, it’s crucial to understand your audience, stakeholders’ concerns, and reasons for potential opposition. Projects must continuously communicate their plans, implementation, and outcomes – and this is the right way to practice sustainable communication. In this context, the journey matters more than the destination: how, why, when, and with whom the journey is made is the essence of sustainable communication.

Sweco’s Communicators at the core of sustainability

When a company, organization, or project works toward responsibility, it’s important to communicate that to customers, partners, and other stakeholders. Sweco’s communicators have extensive experience in sustainability topics – both in content and communication. They also have access to Sweco’s expertise in sustainability consulting. At Sweco, we don’t just communicate about sustainability – we ensure that communication covers all key perspectives and highlights elements that enhance reputation and minimize risks. It’s important to note that responsible communication is not the same as sustainability reporting, although reporting is a vital part of it. Sweco also has strong expertise in reporting (CSRD, VSME, etc.).

Sweco’s communicators have deep knowledge of current and upcoming marketing legislation, including regulations on environmental claims. This expertise helps us communicate the sustainability features of companies and products transparently, convincingly, and effectively. Articulating responsibility in a way that clearly and factually demonstrates its benefits – both to the organization itself and its stakeholders – is essential for all organizations.

Sweco’s sustainability communicators have supported a wide range of projects over the years. Here are a few examples of our work in sustainability communication:

• Tampereen Energia – Training on responsible communication and green claims
• Oras Group – Training on green claims and analysis of sustainability communication
• Viljava Oy – Themes, messages, and impacts of sustainability communication
• DEN – Sustainability strategy, roadmap, and communication; carbon footprint calculation
• Otava Oyj – Sustainability communication strategy and sustainability report
• Nordic Trout – Stakeholder communication as part of a broader sustainability initiative
• City of Oulu – Communication and marketing materials for the updated environmental program, considering accessibility and diverse target groups such as officials, politicians, and local residents

Whether you’re planning a new project or in the middle of an ongoing one, we’re ready to be your communication partner. Get in touch and let’s discuss how we can support you in communication and engagement. Together, we’ll ensure your project meets its goals and builds a sustainable future for all.