Sustainability

Sweden is a global leader in sustainability, driven by a combination of historical, cultural, economic and policy factors. The country has achieved significant economic growth while reducing carbon emissions and limiting pollution. Sweden aims to be fossil-free and generate 100% renewable energy by 2045, leveraging its abundant hydropower and bioenergy resources. It excels in cleantech innovation, waste management, and sustainable transportation, with significant investments in electrifying transport and modern infrastructure. Citizen engagement and public awareness of eco-friendly practices are crucial, supported by comprehensive recycling systems and advanced research institutions.

Overview

Why Sweden?

Swedish Companies

The Swedish Government has set an ambitious goal and aims for fossil-free status and 100% renewable energy by 2045, leveraging hydropower and bioenergy

Sweden excels in innovating, implementing, and exporting cleantech solutions in energy efficiency, water and wastewater treatment, and renewable energy. Key areas include heating, cooling, waste management, and water treatment

Sweden has a sophisticated waste management system focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. Nearly 99% of household waste is recycled or used for energy, with strict laws on waste separation

Citizen engagement and awareness are crucial. Eco-friendly consumer choices, sustainable fashion, food production, and ethical business practices are widely supported by informed and environmentally conscious citizens

Overview

Sweden is at the forefront of sustainability due to a combination of historical, cultural, economic and policy factors. With a history of international commitment towards sustainable development, Sweden, along with its neighbouring Nordic countries, has managed to grow its economy substantially while reducing carbon emissions and limiting pollution.

The Swedish green model means integrating business and sustainability. Sweden is pioneering the evolution of climate-smart technologies and system-wide solutions, proving that green growth can be a driving force for transition.

Photo: Miriam Preis/imagebank.sweden.se

Government Policies and Renewable Energy

Sweden was the first country in the world to pass an environmental protection act in 1967, and Sweden also hosted the first UN conference on the global environment in 1972. The Swedish government has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including going fossil-free and generating 100 percent renewable energy by 2045 (around 60 percent today). Sweden has an abundance of rivers and forests/biomass, which contributes to the country’s high share of renewable energy. Hydropower and bioenergy are the top renewable sources. The government’s energy policies have also promoted the use of renewable energy. The Electricity Certificate System – a market-based support system for renewable electricity production – is one example. To qualify, electricity must come from wind, solar, geothermal, wave power, biofuels or small-scale hydroelectric plants.

Waste Management

Sweden has a sophisticated waste management system that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling. The legal basis for the Swedish waste management system is established by both Swedish and European waste legislation. As of 2024, a new law declares that everyone must separate their food waste at source – this goes for households and businesses alike. About 99 percent of all household waste is recycled as energy or materials and municipal waste in landfills is almost non-existent. Sweden even imports waste from other countries (for a fee), waste that is being used for energy recovery, metal recovery and material recovery of inorganic material. Material recycling is the top priority and source segregation of waste is undertaken by a vast majority of Swedish households. As more and more heavy-duty vehicles are being powered by alternative fuels, Sweden is actively working on utilising biogas produced from organic waste, including food waste. Scania and Volvo are examples of companies that are making significant investments in developing efficient and sustainable fuel solutions.

Sweden has long had a can and bottle deposit system that gives people money back when they recycle – since 1984 for aluminium cans, and since 1994 for PET plastic bottles. Each year, Swedes recycle more than 2 billion bottles and cans using the so-called pant system. It has even generated a new verb in Swedish; panta.

Green Building Practices

Swedish companies in the field of green buildings and infrastructure enjoy a global reputation for their methods and usage of innovative technologies. Wooden building technology and low-energy housing solutions are areas where Sweden is at the forefront.

Cleantech

Sweden is one of the world’s leading nations when it comes to innovating, implementing and exporting cleantech solutions. The main sectors are: energy efficiency, water and wastewater treatment, and renewable energy. Within these sectors, Swedish companies offer a variety of solutions, technologies and services within areas such as heating and cooling, waste management and water treatment.

Education and Research

The last decades have seen Sweden become a leading hub for environmental research. For example, Stockholm is home to world-class institutes such as the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University.

Sustainable Transportation

A significant element of Sweden’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 entails electrifying transportation on land, air and sea. Sweden's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its position as one of Europe's leaders in electric car sales, with three-quarters of its railway network electrified, with the Swedish startup company Heart Aerospace developing electric aircraft for regional travel and another startup company Candela beginning to operate electric ferries as part of the Stockholm public transport network. Around 0.8 percent of Sweden’s GDP goes towards investments in transport infrastructure, ensuring that public transport, freight logistics, and air travel maintain a high degree of modernity and cutting edge innovation. Additionally cycling infrastructure is a priority for Swedish cities, as is promoting walking.

Public Engagement

Citizen engagement and a widespread awareness of the impact of individual actions are crucial aspects of the Swedish commitment to sustainability. Initiatives such as eco-friendly consumer choices, sustainable fashion and food production, and ethical business practices are supported by informed and environmentally conscious citizens.