Sweco brings green expertise to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts
Published on 9th November 2026
A delegation from Sweco will travel to Warsaw in mid-November to take part in the Rebuild Ukraine international exhibition and conference. The conference is a platform for recovery projects, materials, technologies, equipment and investments required to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy with an emphasis on infrastructure, industry, energy and housing.
With a portfolio that encompasses more than 70 projects, Sweco has continuously performed engineering assignments in the energy, industry, water and wastewater sectors in Ukraine for more than 30 years. This work spans for example district heating, building energy efficiency, residential housing, healthcare architecture and wastewater treatment.
Over the years, Sweco has developed a strong track record of successful partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors and development banks in Ukraine, alongside a well-established network of local partners nationwide.
Continue reading to learn more about some of Sweco’s recent projects in the country.
The needs in Ukraine for reconstruction, recovery, resilience, and green transition are immense. We proudly support cities and municipalities in vital areas such as energy, water and waste management, construction, and urban recovery. With over 30 years of experience working on projects in Ukraine, our commitment to building sustainable and resilient institutions and cities remains unwavering, says Tina Karlberg, President of Sweco International.
Energy efficiency in Rivne
Sweco’s energy engagements in Ukraine include a key project in Rivne. In 2019, Sweco was selected to develop a Priority Investment Plan (PIP) for energy upgrades in public buildings and street lighting, with support from Nefco, the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership, and the Norway-Ukraine Energy Efficiency Initiative.
The project has now been successfully completed, delivering significant improvements to the city’s public infrastructure. Modernised street lighting has enhanced public safety and reduced energy costs, while five day-care centres have undergone comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades.
At two healthcare facilities, rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems are now fully operational, helping to maintain essential services during power disruptions. The installations are integrated into the city’s energy management system, allowing the municipality to monitor performance and optimise energy use.
Following successful final inspections, the project demonstrates how sustainable energy investments can strengthen municipal services and contribute to Ukraine’s resilience. Sweco supported the city’s project implementation unit throughout the implementation process.
Housing for internally displaced persons
In response to the displacement of millions of Ukrainians, Sweco was selected in 2023 to support Nefco and the EU in delivering sustainable housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across five cities in western Ukraine. The wider programme also includes the reconstruction of public facilities and the development of new day-care centres in Makariv, Kyiv Region.
The programme is progressing, with the first residential buildings now completed and providing new homes for displaced families in two cities. Work continues in the other participating cities, with further buildings expected to be completed and occupied in the coming months.
Designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, the new housing provides more than just accommodation. It offers residents a safe and stable environment in which to recover and rebuild their lives, while supporting Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Modernising water and wastewater management systems
Sweco has extensive experience supporting Ukrainian municipalities in strategically important water supply and wastewater projects, together with our local partners. Our services cover the full project cycle, including feasibility studies, preliminary and conceptual design, and integrated assessments of technical, environmental, social, economic, and financial aspects.
Through assignments in Chornomorsk, Kobleve, Dobroslav and Kremenchuk, we have helped define practical development pathways, prioritise investments, and establish a sound analytical basis for informed decision-making.
Our collaborative approach and strong understanding of local conditions enable us to develop solutions that are robust, well prepared, and ready for implementation throughout the project life cycle. For example, Sweco was selected to plan and design water and wastewater systems in Kobleve and Dobroslav. This important preparatory phase was financed by Sweden through Swedfund. The projects secured investment financing from Nefco and entered the implementation stage, using funds that included grant proceeds from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Sweco was selected by Nefco to support the municipalities and their Project Implementation Units (PIUs), providing assistance with procurement, contract management, and construction supervision. This support helps ensure efficient implementation, high-quality delivery, and a successful transition to operations.
Towards sustainable waste management
Sweco has been commissioned to develop a sustainable and transparent tariff system as part of Ukraine’s municipal waste management reform. This work is under the Sida-funded WM4U – Waste Management for Ukraine programme, implemented by SALAR International and Avfall Sverige. The programme aims to support Ukraine’s transition to a circular and EU-compliant waste sector. Based on a thorough analysis of Ukraine’s current system’s shortcomings, Sweco has provided recommendations for updating Ukraine’s current tariff system and developed calculation tools for municipalities to set fees as well as to calculate costs related to landfill closure and aftercare including training materials for these tools.
Sweco was selected to support the Swedish EPA through a framework agreement, in implementing the waste management component of the project “Institutional cooperation on EU accession in the environment and waste sector in Ukraine”. The cooperation between the Swedish EPA and the Ministry of Economy and Environment aims to strengthen Ukraine’s compliance with EU requirements in waste management and enhance the capacity of authorities at national, regional, and local levels to implement efficient waste management systems.
As part of above framework agreement, Sweco started in 2026, developing Directive Specific Implementation Plans for the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directive. These will support Ukraine’s negotiation position under the Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis by justifying the necessity of transitional periods for certain areas regulated by theses Directives.
As part of above framework agreement, Sweco started in 2026, developing Directive Specific Implementation Plans for the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directive. These will support Ukraine’s negotiation position under the Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis by justifying the necessity of transitional periods for certain areas regulated by theses Directives.
Partnering for long-term industrial development
Sweco Finland received government support from Finnpartnership to lead the sustainable reconstruction of industrial parks in Ukraine in alignment with the green transition. The project aims to accelerate Ukraine’s post-conflict economic recovery in line with EU green transition goals. Sweco partnered with the Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. to identify promising industrial areas, with a vision to sustainably develop more than 100 parks over the next decade. This initiative leverages Sweco’s expertise in digital design, circular economy practices and resource efficiency.
Key phases include partner identification, feasibility studies and pilot project, with operations beginning in 2024.
Finnpartnership’s support fuels early stages, aiming for scalable development across multiple zones. Priorities include mitigating risks related to war and corruption and fostering sustainable job creation in line with social and environmental standards, emphasising resilience and economic sustainability for Ukraine’s industrial future.
