Sweco and the EU taxonomy
The taxonomy regulation and supplementary delegated acts are part of the EU’s green growth strategy. The taxonomy is aimed at redirecting capital flows towards a sustainable economy and has been designed as a common classification system for environmentally sustainable investments, products and services within the EU.
Sweco and the EU Taxonomy
As an architecture and engineering consultancy, Sweco supports the green transition through design, advisory services and project management in client projects. The company operates through a project-driven business model and is involved in around 150,000 client projects each year. As a business, Sweco is not responsible for the actual implementation and construction, this is primarily the client’s responsibility.
Advisory services provided by Sweco’s consultants to clients are guided not only by the consultant’s own expertise, but also by the client’s requirements and national standards as well as by the project stage at which Sweco enters. Group Finance provides Group-wide guidelines, tools and trainings for EU Taxonomy reporting. Business areas are responsible for reporting, which is consolidated at Group level in a shared system. Assessments are reviewed and validated both at both business area and Group levels. A precautionary approach is applied, with continuous improvements to methodologies as practices and knowledge evolve.
The EU Taxonomy
In order for an activity to be classified as sustainable, it must make a significant contribution to one or more of the EU’s six established environmental objectives, do no significant harm to any of the other five environmental objectives, and comply with the minimum social safeguards. The EU taxonomy includes the following environmental objectives:
- Climate change mitigation
- Climate change adaptation
- Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources
- Transition to a circular economy
- Pollution prevention and control
- Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
Taxonomy-eligible and aligned KPI’s
In 2025, 71 per cent (75) of Sweco’s total CapEx was taxonomy-eligible, pertaining to office premises and the company vehicle fleet and IT/OT data-driven solutions. The IT/OT data-driven solutions relate to investments in the in-house development of digital products such as Twinfinity, a cloud-based platform for digital twins. In 2025, the share of taxonomy-aligned CapEx has decreased to 12 per cent (24) compared with the previous year. Key drivers being lower number of renovations and no larger investments in new offices compared with the previous year.
In 2025, Sweco did not assess taxonomy-alignment for net sales and therefore reports only taxonomy-eligibility. Taxonomy-eligible net sales amounted to 22 per cent (19) of Sweco’s total net sales and was broadly unchanged compared with the previous year, with infrastructure for railway transport continuing to represent the largest share. In 2025, no OpEx related activities were deemed to be material for Sweco, and total OpEx amounted to 9 million SEK and consists of the total expenses related to short-term leases.
Detailed information on the taxonomy is presented in the 2025 Sustainability Report.
Examples of projects with taxonomy-eligible economic activities
Climate protection for the urban area Kulturstrøget, Denmark
The urban area Kulturstrøget is a multifunctional project where climate protection, art and landscape architecture will create a new framework for urban life. Sweco will assist with landscape architecture, traffic planning and multiple engineering disciplines including rainwater management, climate adaptation and mobility.
Increase resilience against floods, Netherlands
Sweco is involved in one of the largest dike improvement projects in the Netherlands, covering 21 kilometres between the areas of Cuijk and Ravenstein. The objective is to increase resilience against floods through both technical and environmental aspects.
Sustainable solutions for Anglian Water, UK
As the largest water company in England and Wales, Anglian Water provides drinking water as well as drainage and sewage services to seven million customers. Sweco will develop a framework for quantifying and analysing the value of sustainable solutions, such as nature-based solutions, in comparison to traditional engineering solutions.
Carbon Capture and Storage plant, Sweden
Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest building materials companies has commissioned Sweco to assist in the permit application process for the full-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) plant that Heidelberg Materials plans to construct in Slite, on the Gotland island, in Sweden. The project is one of Sweden’s most comprehensive climate adaptation initiatives.
Expansion of the light rail system in the city of Tampere, Finland
Sweco is part of an alliance that has been contracted to provide design services in the expansion of the light rail system in the city of Tampere in Finland. The tram system plays an important role in the city of Tampere’s efforts to reduce traffic emissions and thereby become carbon-neutral by 2030.
Availability of electricity and green fuels in 39 ports, Denmark
Sweco has been commissioned by the Danish Transport Authority to conduct an analysis of the availability of electricity and green fuels in 39 commercial ports. A multidisciplinary Sweco team with expertise in transport, logistics, ports, geotechnics, and energy will carry out a mapping of the energy infrastructure in the ports, in order to provide clarity on the need for green energy investments.
Sustainability report
Sustainability forms an integral part of Sweco’s business and strategy.
Transforming society together with our employees
We attach great importance to being an attractive employer for both current and future talent and leaders.
Business ethics
Sweco takes responsibility for our projects and the way we conduct our business.
