New SGBC Handbook Offers Guidelines for Reducing Construction Emissions
The SGBC has unveiled a handbook for policymakers aiming to cut emissions in the construction sector.
Key Points
- • The building sector heavily contributes to Sweden's greenhouse gas emissions.
- • Only 10% of Swedes believe politicians are responsible for sustainable building.
- • The SGBC handbook offers strategies for reducing construction emissions.
- • Public sector procurement results in roughly 18 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
On June 25, 2025, the Sweden Green Building Council (SGBC) launched a crucial handbook aimed at policymakers, titled "Så minskar vi utsläppen i bygg- och fastighetssektorn – Handbok för beslutsfattare som vill minska utsläppen från byggande." This initiative seeks to combat the building and real estate sector's significant role in Sweden's greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for a large proportion of the country's total emissions. Alarmingly, only 10% of Swedes feel that politicians are actively addressing sustainable construction, highlighting a compelling gap in public perception and political responsibility.
The handbook outlines practical strategies for legislative action, aiming to enhance climate measures in the industry. With public sector procurement exceeding 900 billion SEK annually, leading to approximately 18 million tons of CO2 emissions, it is evident that decisive changes are urgent. Lotta Werner Flyborg, CEO of SGBC, noted, "Our industry has both the willingness and competence to implement the climate transition, but clear incentives and long-term guidelines are needed for more to follow suit."
Flyborg presented the handbook during a prominent seminar at Almedalsveckan, collaborating with various stakeholders, including industry leaders and decision-makers from both national and municipal governments. The handbook provides recommendations for increasing material reuse and drawing lessons from international examples, positioning Sweden as a potential leader in sustainable building practices.