The concept of green buildings can be traced back to the late 20th century, as global attention to environmental issues grew, and the construction industry began to recognize the impact of carbon emissions and resource consumption on the Earth’s ecology. Since the 1990s, an international green building movement has emerged, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of buildings through optimized material choices and improved energy efficiency. In this wave, Swedish construction and project development leader Skanska quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the global pioneers in promoting sustainable construction.
In 1997, Skanska became one of the first companies in the construction industry to participate in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), leading the way by integrating carbon emission monitoring into their core business and actively exploring the use of low-carbon materials and the integration of smart technologies. Through these efforts, Skanska not only enhanced its competitiveness but also set new sustainability standards for the entire industry.
Today, Skanska’s Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation, Lena Hök, has taken up this green mission, striving to further deepen the company’s achievements in environmental protection. “Carbon disclosure and knowledge sharing are the driving forces behind advancing sustainable development. We also showcase sustainable innovation and intelligence in both the design and construction phases,” says Lena Hök. Skanska’s history is not only a tale of architectural and technological evolution but also a continuous journey of pursuing environmental and social responsibility.
“Skanska’s mission is to create innovative solutions that meet both environmental responsibilities and future needs for the next generation. We actively adopt low-carbon materials, develop energy-positive buildings, and use smart technologies to reduce environmental impact during construction. At the same time, we promote more efficient and sustainable operational models across the industry through global knowledge sharing and public affairs collaboration, making buildings not just structures but vehicles for positive change for the Earth and humanity.”
From Construction Site Electrification to Energy-Positive Buildings: Leading the Green Revolution in the Construction Industry
“As an engineering company, what really matters must be measured. In 1997, we started detecting our environmental impact through carbon disclosure and made it a core part of our operations.” This forward-thinking policy placed Skanska ahead of its competitors, allowing it to gain valuable experience in identifying major sources of carbon emissions. Skanska set a target to reduce operational carbon emissions by 70% by 2030 and to cut value chain emissions in development projects by 50%. Lena Hök is also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045:
“Carbon disclosure is not only a corporate responsibility, but it is also key to enhancing our competitiveness. This is particularly challenging in the construction industry, but we must achieve it.”
“Being able to quantify our carbon footprint allows us to guide clients during the design phase, and that is crucial. Material selection is not just about cost, but about reducing carbon usage.” As a result, Lena Hök and Skanska developed a carbon calculation tool for the U.S. market, creating a database containing more than 100,000 environmental product declarations to help material suppliers and designers understand their carbon footprint. This has led to greater industry awareness of sustainability. “In a subway system project, by using low-carbon materials, we reduced carbon emissions by 20% and saved millions of dollars in costs.”
Skanska’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the design phase and is embedded in every part of the construction process. “We are electrifying construction sites on a large scale, from heavy machinery to sensor technology. Everything is changing. For densely populated areas, reducing noise and pollution, these actions to reduce environmental impact are especially important for social well-being.” Skanska has also collaborated with other companies to develop energy-positive buildings (Powerhouses) that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, electrification of construction sites not only reduces carbon emissions but also significantly lowers environmental impacts.
Building a “Sustainability Think Tank” to Transform Regulations into Accelerators for Sustainable Development
To bridge the knowledge gap, Skanska has established an internal knowledge center focused on low-carbon materials and artificial intelligence, providing employees with resources on technology and sustainability. Additionally, Skanska launched the radio program “Shaping Sustainable Places,” where it engages in dialogues with external leaders to explore innovative solutions for achieving sustainable development. As the Chief Sustainability Officer, Lena Hök actively promotes a range of sustainability strategies, stating, “We need to integrate multiple solutions to tackle complex challenges. Sustainability is not a single solution but a collective intelligence.”
This emphasis on knowledge sharing is also reflected in Skanska’s team culture. “We need to dare to share, not only challenges but also success stories,” Hök believes. Only through open communication can the industry truly progress and ensure that Skanska maintains its leadership position in the global market.
With the increasing stringency of global sustainability regulations, Hök actively participates in international organizations such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), continuously tracking industry trends and regulatory changes. “Collaboration with public affairs is crucial. Regulations should not be seen as obstacles, but as the direction we must take,” she emphasizes. Through close cooperation with policymakers, Skanska not only adapts to changes but also sets benchmarks for advancing sustainable development.
“Smarter Buildings”: Reshaping the Future of the Construction Industry with Collective Intelligence
By actively engaging in public affairs, Skanska is able to more flexibly adapt to the rapidly changing environment and maintain its leadership position in the global market. “From sensor technology to energy management, making buildings ‘smarter’ is the goal we are heading towards,” Hök points out. These technologies not only optimize building efficiency but also reduce resource waste, driving the industry toward a more sustainable direction.
Skanska combines technological innovation with human intelligence, making breakthroughs in carbon reduction and fundamentally changing the way the construction industry operates. “I hope these efforts will lessen the burden on the Earth and leave a better environment for the next generation,” Hök emphasizes. This is not only the core mission of the company but also a long-term commitment that requires the participation of everyone. Skanska’s net-zero goal extends beyond its operations, encompassing the entire value chain, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Within the company, the “collective intelligence” of employees plays a significant role in sustainable development. “At Skanska, the collective intelligence of every employee is our pride and responsibility.” Through their efforts, Hök has integrated this intelligence into the energy-positive buildings Skanska constructs, achieving significant results in sustainable development. “These buildings are not only self-sufficient but can also supply excess energy to the surrounding community, dramatically changing the traditional dependence on energy in construction.” This is not only Hök’s commitment to the future but also a contribution to global sustainable development.
“We hope these efforts not only effectively reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry but also set an example worth following. Skanska is redefining the future of the construction industry with innovation and responsibility at its core, leading the way in sustainable development.”
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