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The time to #ActOnClimate is now

9/21/2020 12:43 PM CET
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The climate crisis is one of humanity's greatest challenges, and as the construction sector accounts for about 40 percent of all energy-related carbon emissions in the world, we want to do our part by acting forcefully to tackle climate change. Being a part of World Green Building Week’s (WGBW) Global Ambassador Programme, Skanska continues to articulate the need for increased focus, collaborations and innovation to create smart, long-term solutions.

We’re continuously taking important strides towards our goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045. We have reduced carbon emissions within our own operations by 28 percent compared to the base year, 2015. During this period, the Group's revenues have increased. In other words, revenue and focusing on sustainability are not conflicting ambitions, but quite the contrary. Skanska has a strong will to raise our ambitions and that includes working towards a more sustainable transition for the entire industry. Through innovative collaborations and new partnerships across industry boundaries, we want to be a leader in that transformation.

If we are to slow down climate change, the entire construction sector must make great changes. At Skanska we work with innovative energy-efficient solutions, more resource efficient use of materials, transition to renewable energy and low-carbon materials like green concrete. This fall we even tested something that is close to being climate neutral asphalt in Sweden. The work is ongoing. We also believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role. For example, we have partnered up with key partners within AI for construction equipment which has in turn decreased emissions, increased the pace of production and lowered costs. Being one of the largest players, we want to lead and pave the way for new solutions and create the momentum that is needed for the industry can act with boldness and vigor.

This year’s WGBW theme, #ActOnClimate couldn’t be more accurate. It emphasizes how net zero carbon buildings are instrumental in tackling the climate crisis. This has become even more clear in the light of the pandemic. By offering sustainable, smart solutions, we’re simultaneously helping our customers meet their climate goals. The work of minimizing our greenhouse gas emissions also goes hand in hand with increased efficiency, better utilization of resources and lower costs.

Piloting net zero buildings

As the focus is on zero carbon buildings, we’re proud to state that we’ve accepted the challenge of achieving climate neutrality: Hyllie Terrace is one of the few projects in Sweden that is part of the Sweden Green Building Councils (SGBC) pilot study on ZeroCO2 certification of buildings, and has now received a pre-certification. The certification means that the property will achieve a net-zero climate impact during its lifetime - from material production to dismantling.

We’re all responsible for being a part of the solution. Let’s #ActOnClimate now.

Skanska's climate targets

Skanska's target is to reach net-zero carbon emissions from its own operations and the whole value chain by 2045. As an intermediate target, Skanska's own project development (Residential Development and Commercial Property Development) will reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030, including the value chain for projects initiated in these units. For construction projects with external customers, the intermediate target is to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030, including emissions from Skanska's own operations. The base year is 2015 for emissions from Skanska's own operations and 2020 for the whole value chain.