Sustainable construction is material- and energy-efficient aiming for our wellbeing
Sustainable construction requires multi-professional expertise
Sustainable construction brings together goals related to people’s well-being and economic viability while seeking to minimize the impacts of construction on nature and the climate. Sweco helps clients plan and deliver projects in which greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on biodiversity are identified and assessed, and where opportunities to reduce emissions and address environmental impacts are integrated into decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Our services include climate and nature impact assessments, carbon footprint calculations, biodiversity footprint assessments, circular economy solutions and material efficiency, indoor air quality management, environmental certifications for buildings, energy and lifecycle efficiency consulting, as well as sustainability and carbon management for projects. We align design solutions with the applicable EU Taxonomy framework and, when needed, provide guidance on selecting the most relevant taxonomy for a project.
At Sweco, sustainable construction brings together architects, sustainability consultants, structural and building services engineers, indoor air specialists and concrete experts, quality assurance professionals and project management. We also provide industrial design and consultation for production development and industrial facility projects. Our experts support clients in addressing a wide range of sustainability challenges.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency are integral to sustainable construction
Sustainable construction refers to material- and energy-efficient building practices that create long-lasting and resilient buildings, transport and infrastructure solutions, and industrial facilities. It aims to minimise environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions throughout both the construction process and on-site operations. Sustainable construction is also resilient by design, taking into account the effects of extreme weather events on buildings and infrastructure.
As sustainable construction becomes more widespread, carbon footprint assessments and energy-efficiency solutions are being incorporated into an increasing number of projects. These services are among the most requested areas of our sustainability expertise.
Advancing circular economy principles in construction is an effective way to reduce both climate and biodiversity impacts. The EU has set a target for the construction sector to achieve a 70% circularity rate. We support resource efficiency through the optimisation of material and energy use, the recycling and reuse of products and waste streams, and services such as pre-demolition audits. Circular construction also helps reduce the biodiversity footprint of the built environment.
Our consultants use the latest digital tools to conduct carbon footprint assessments and other analyses for building and industrial projects. This enables us to identify opportunities to improve energy performance before construction begins and to assess greenhouse gas emissions throughout the project lifecycle and during building operation. Our lifecycle and energy consulting services can cover individual buildings, industrial facilities, or entire districts. Structural engineers optimise material use and apply hybrid solutions where appropriate to improve overall project performance.
We design safe and socially sustainable living environments
Social sustainability is an essential consideration in sustainable construction. The accelerating impacts of climate change further highlight its importance. Socially sustainable and safe living environments are inclusive, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of diverse user groups while supporting people’s well-being in their daily lives. Social sustainability also encompasses accessible and safe transport infrastructure, buildings that promote health and well-being, and close connections to nature.
At Sweco, we use the latest innovations and technologies to help design and deliver economically and socially sustainable living environments. The needs and well-being of local communities are always at the heart of our sustainable construction projects.
Preparing for climate change is essential in sustainable construction
Preparing for climate change is essential in sustainable construction
Europe has already experienced severe heatwaves, extreme weather events and heavy rainfall that have led to flooding. The impacts of extreme weather and other consequences of climate change are now well understood in sustainable construction, as they pose significant challenges to buildings, infrastructure and ground conditions.
Weather-related risks must be considered in areas such as stormwater management, infrastructure resilience, the ability of buildings to withstand heat and heavy rainfall, landscape design, and urban development. Our experts model climate-related risks, including intense precipitation, snow loads and high temperatures, as part of the planning and design of buildings, residential areas and infrastructure. This modelling helps identify how climate change may affect a proposed development area and supports informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Biodiversity must be taken into consideration in both urban and industrial planning
Cities will become an increasingly important living environment in the future, with an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas. Sustainable construction and urban planning can help protect and enhance biodiversity in cities while harnessing ecosystem services to support both human well-being and environmental health. Key measures for preserving biodiversity include safeguarding blue-green infrastructure, such as waterways, parks and other green spaces.
At Sweco, we help clients integrate biodiversity considerations into both strategic decision-making and individual projects. Our project planning services can incorporate comprehensive biodiversity and environmental analyses to assess potential impacts on ecosystems and species. Based on these assessments, we can recommend design solutions that help strengthen biodiversity outcomes.
The impacts on biodiversity can also be evaluated when selecting locations for new industrial facilities, wind farms and other developments. Using Sweco’s proprietary biodiversity assessment tool, potential effects on biodiversity can be identified and analysed already during the early planning stages, enabling more informed and sustainable project decisions.
Accelerating the transition to circular and sustainable construction
The importance of the circular economy is growing across society and throughout all industrial sectors. Circular economy solutions focus on the sustainable use, reuse and circulation of raw materials and resources. Material efficiency and the reuse of structures and construction materials help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use, construction and industry, while also lowering impacts on biodiversity. Rising raw material costs and increasingly ambitious climate targets have further accelerated the shift towards circular construction practices. In sustainable construction, buildings and urban structures are designed to be adaptable over time, with energy, material and waste flows integrated into broader resource and energy systems.
Sweco’s structural engineers and architects help reduce the environmental impacts of construction through informed material choices. Our building services experts design more energy-efficient buildings and building portfolios. Across all our projects, we seek opportunities to advance circular economy solutions and improve resource efficiency. Our sustainability consultants support clients in developing sustainable built environments and industrial facilities, providing expertise ranging from circular economy strategies and material management to effective waste circulation and resource recovery.
Sustainable construcion references
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