Transformative trends driving development

Sustainability, demographic shifts and greater defence and security preparedness are driving demand for Sweco’s consulting services and shaping the company’s strategic priorities. Digitalisation and AI offer a wide variety of opportunities to increase efficiency and create value in Sweco’s client projects and its own operations.

Sustainability and the green transition

Key drivers
Europe continues to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and in 2025 a new climate target was adopted by the EU, aiming for a 90 per cent reduction by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. The green transition involves the increased production of renewable energy, expansion and modernisation of electricity grids, the electrification of industrial processes and transport, as well as greater reuse and resource efficiency in the construction and real estate sector. In order to create sustainable societies over long term, the transition needs to proceed within planetary boundaries and be socially and economically equitable.

This places great demands on broad-based expertise, integrated solutions, and close collaboration between public and private actors. There is also a growing need to strengthen preparedness and resilience in light of geopolitical and economic instability. This is reflected in European and national investments in civil and military preparedness, energy security, and modernisation of ageing infrastructure. The development of dual-use infrastructure for both civil and military purposes is becoming increasingly important. As a result, Europe’s green transition is becoming more closely linked to strategic autonomy and to safeguarding Europe’s competitiveness and security.

How Sweco adresses sustainability and the green transition

By transforming complex transition goals and client requirements into practical solutions, Sweco plays an active role in Europe’s green transition. The company provides multidisciplinary expertise that enables private and public sector clients to plan, design and implement projects that meet high technical, economic and sustainability standards. AI and digitalisation are key facilitators. Through advanced data analytics and digital innovation, Sweco strengthens its ability to optimise energy flows, secure critical infrastructure, streamline industrial processes, and improve urban development. By combining architecture, engineering and social analysis, Sweco delivers integrated solutions that support its clients’ goals and Europe’s long-term development.

Demographic shifts

Key drivers
By 2050, an estimated 84 per cent of Europe’s population is expected to live in cities. As a result, urban areas will serve as epicentres of the green and digital transition, where investments in energy systems, climate adaptation and circular resource flows are combined with enhanced resilience and social sustainability. At the same time, Europe’s demographic landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift, characterised by declining birth rates, an aging population and irregular migration patterns.

This transformation is reshaping demand for essential public services, including healthcare and social care, infrastructure, schools, housing and workplaces. As lifestyles and working patterns continue to evolve, AI and digitalisation are becoming key long-term drivers for streamlining processes, unlocking resources and safeguarding future productivity and welfare.

How Sweco adresses demographic shifts

Sweco contributes through consulting services in integrated urban development, where social, economic and environmental sustainability are considered holistically. The company supports municipalities, regions and private sector clients with climate analyses, adaptation of buildings and infrastructure, and circular resource flows. In healthcare and life sciences, Sweco plans and designs modern facilities for care delivery and pharmaceutical production, with a focus on accessibility, resource efficiency and digitalised workflows. The development of sustainable infrastructure for transport, water and wastewater is central, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions that strengthen communities’ resilience to climate change and extreme weather events. Social sustainability is integrated into projects through inclusive design, citizen dialogue and social impact assess-ments that enhance security and cohesion.

Digitalisation and AI

Key drivers
The rapid advancement of digitalisation and AI is transforming the conditions for planning, designing and operating societal infrastructure, driving new ways of working in which data analysis, modelling and automated processes are increasingly important. AI and IoT enable more resource-efficient solutions through improved decision-making, optimised energy use and more efficient operations.

At the same time, the technologies per se entail environmental impacts, including energy demand in data centres, connected equipment and digital infrastructure, underscoring the need for responsible and efficient use. Heightened requirements related to data protection, cybersecurity and transparency are also shaping how technology can be applied in both public and private sector operations. EU legislation, such as the AI Act and NIS2, further raises expectations for robust and responsible digital systems.

How Sweco adresses digitalisation and AI

For Sweco, this development involves a change in its service offering and client deliveries – from more digitally integrated projects to the expanded use of AI-supported ways of working that improve quality, efficiency and value creation for clients. Internal operations are streamlined through automation, data analytics and digital platforms that free up consultants’ time for client engagement and innovation. More than 70 per cent of Sweco’s employees use the proprietary AI language model, SwecoGPT, on a regular basis, and over 200 AI assistants automate workflows continuously. In client projects, Sweco applies AI-based tools for modelling, simulation and predictive analytics, increasing precision and quality in project deliveries. Sweco is a well-established advisor in the planning, design and delivery of data centres, where its combination of strong local presence and European consulting capacity reinforces the company’s market position in pace with growing demand for digital services and secure infrastructure.

Preparedness and resilience

Key drivers
Shaped by the war in Ukraine, Europe is undergoing historic transformation, marked by heightened demands for preparedness and strategic autonomy. The EU’s Readiness 2030 initiative, together with investments in military mobility, infrastructure security and robust supply chains, is driving extensive investments in both civil and military assets. Meanwhile, NATO member states are increasing defence spending to around 5 per cent of GDP, of which 1.5 per cent is allocated to investments in civil preparedness and infrastructure.

In parallel, the need to strengthen resilience is growing as a result of climate change and extreme weather events, placing new demands on climate-adapted and robust societal systems. Public authorities and companies are therefore bolstering their preparedness by expanding and modernising critical infrastructure for buildings, energy, water, transportation and digital communications. The need for a holistic perspective, where security and sustainability are integrated, is increasing rapidly. The ability to understand how different systems interact – and how design, technology and planning together can safeguard society – is a clear competitive advantage.

How Sweco adresses preparedness and resilience

By combining architecture, engineering and urban planning with in-depth expertise in sustainable development, Sweco holds a strong market position. The company’s experts assess risks, develop scenarios and design solutions that strengthen preparedness and resilience across energy and water systems, buildings, and both physical and digital infrastructure. As part of efforts to reinforce total defence capabilities, Sweco contributes to the development of protected infrastructure, redundant energy solutions and secure data environments. The company also supports the establishment of infrastructure and logistics needed for the rapid restoration of vital societal functions in the event of crisis and reconstruction. In addition, climate adaptation and nature-based solutions are integrated into the resilience of the built environment, where blue-green infrastructure helps protect cities and communities against flooding, heatwaves, and other climate-related risks.

Sustainability forms an integral part of Sweco’s business and strategy.

Sweco’s group-wide sustainability goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

A couple taking an evening walk surrounded by greenery

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