We act fairly and transparently in our business and decision making, aiming for a culture where everyone working with us understands that they can speak up and also chooses to do so. We strive for environmentally and socially sustainable supply chains that ensure safe and fair conditions for all. We have zero tolerance for corruption, bribery or any other kind of unethical behavior. Our Code of Conduct is supplemented by the Supplier Code of Conduct, to which all subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, intermediaries and agents must adhere. 

Read more about our ethical business 

We know that diverse and inclusive teams are a key driver for a successful business. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer, attracting, recruiting and advancing diverse talent to enlarge our talent pool in a traditionally male-dominated industry. We do not tolerate discrimination, regardless of social background, ethnicity, disability, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We strive for a workplace free from harassment and bullying. 

Read more about Diversity & Inclusion in Skanska 

The safety of our employees and subcontractors is our highest priority. We address our health and safety objectives with industry-leading standards and safety solutions, coupled with an inclusive culture and leadership focused on systematic performance monitoring and targeted actions. 

The construction industry is associated with unwanted events and lasting health problems that can arise if risk factors are not managed properly. Noise, working in traffic or at heights, vibration, hazardous materials, and lifting operations are risk factors in our everyday work. With clear direction, dedicated leadership, and high standards, we build a solid foundation for safe work. We are strongly committed to providing a work environment where everyone feels encouraged to speak up, to ensure that we work safely or not at all. 

Read more about our healthy & safe environment 

In Skanska, we have been reporting on our environmental impact since 1997—way before it became a requirement and standard. Until 2001, we did it in the form of dedicated "Environmental reports", between 2002 and 2018 in the form of "Sustainability reports" and since 2019, sustainability has been reported jointly with the annual report to demonstrate the strategic importance of the progress we’re making in this area. 

You can find the full history of reports on a dedicated website.

Our goal is to transition to low-carbon construction across all our projects and ultimately reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. This includes an interim target to reduce our own emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 70 percent by 2030 and the value chain emissions from our project development (scope 3) by 50 percent by 2030. 

Our climate target is science-based according to the requirements of the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). It has been accredited to be in line with the reductions required to keep global warming to 1.5°C, the goal of the Paris Agreement. 

Read a dedicated article on our global website to learn more about our science-based climate target.

Reducing our climate impact is a responsibility as well as a business opportunity. Actions we take to reduce carbon emissions differ depending on the project and so does the impact of decisions taken throughout the various project phases. Early-stage decisions have a major impact as reducing the use of carbon-intensive materials and creating low-energy solutions greatly reduces the project’s total carbon emissions. 

Skanska has measured and reported carbon emissions since 2008. We use 2015 as the base year for our own emissions (scope 1 and 2). In recent years, we have expanded and improved the quality of our value chain data, with 2020 serving as the base year for value chain (scope 3) emissions. 

Confirmation of the direction we have taken is our scientifically approved climate goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieving emission neutrality by 2045 by Skanska.

At Skanska, we take a holistic approach to designing and building low-carbon projects, incorporating resource efficiency, recycling, renewable energy, electrification, and digitalization. The ongoing energy crisis has further sharpened the need for energy-efficient products and solutions. 

We use many solutions to make sure our products are as energy efficient as possible and we constantly push ourselves to go even further, innovate, and find new ways to make our impact lower and lower. For example, our Equilibrium 1 and 2 buildings in Bucharest are equipped with LED lighting and motion sensors in common spaces, and our heating and ventilation equipment is A+ efficiency class. We have also contracted 100% renewable electricity to operate the buildings, contributing to significant energy savings.

Improving water efficiency is a key factor in minimizing our impact on the environment. As a construction and development company, we have a major impact on water usage, both during construction and when the building is in use. We have promoted more sustainable water usage by integrating innovative water-efficiency solutions, such as replacing potable water with alternative quality grades where possible. Examples include gray-water systems, where domestic wastewater from bathroom sinks and showers is treated and then reused for non-potable uses such as toilets, or rainwater harvesting systems that are used to irrigate the green spaces around our buildings.

We focus on increasing resource efficiency by reusing and recycling materials and products where we can. We closely monitor and reduce the amount of waste produced in the construction process, aiming at preventing the waste from ending up in landfills and improving efficiency with smarter design, planning, procurement, and logistics. This often goes hand in hand with reduced costs. 

We have been tracking self-generated waste to landfill since 2008 and our target is that less than 5 percent goes to landfill. 

Globally at Skanska, in 2022, 72 percent of total waste was recycled, 8 percent prepared for reuse and 13 percent went through other waste treatments. 

Improving circularity is a stepwise process that requires new ways of working and testing new solutions. In Poland and the Czech Republic, we are preparing for the first circular demolitions of an office building in Warsaw and Prague, which are preceded by in-depth analyses of the design, materials used, and systems installed, which enable the reuse of many materials.

We believe that what we deliver should prioritize the well-being of people and the planet. That's why we offer buildings certified by LEED or WELL, the most respected certification programs in the industry. These certifications demonstrate that a building has met rigorous standards for energy efficiency, sustainability, and indoor environmental quality. For residents or employees, this means a healthier and more productive environment, with access to natural light, fresh air, and other amenities that promote well-being.

We aim to create spaces with the end user in focus, working with the environment to inspire healthy living. Together with our customers, we apply our expertise to develop insights and help mitigate the risks associated with climate change. When building new office buildings, we conduct local neighborhood analyses or even social consultations to find out what our neighbors lack. In this way, new bicycle paths, playgrounds, and even... basketball courts are created. 

This is how, in front of the Equilibrium project in Bucharest, a 3500 sqm of green area was developed. It is open to be enjoyed by the community and tenants as well, and it is specially designed for outdoor work and recreation. 

The values we build reflect our interest in what is happening around us. We are not indifferent to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, but also to ordinary citizens who are affected by our activities. In doing so, we use our knowledge, skills, and great teams willing to go beyond their regular duties. 

We want to be a good neighbor

International certification schemes for buildings and infrastructure are increasingly adding social topics to their sustainability assessments and we are aware that certifications make sustainability performance comparable. To objectively verify our efforts when it comes to building healthy places to live and work for all, we use the most respected certification programs. 

The Equilibrium complex for example stands as a testament to Skanska's unwavering dedication to sustainability and accessibility. Equilibrium 2 is the first and the only building in Romania certified with Access4You Silver. The project not only meets the highest standards of sustainability but also ensures inclusivity for all its occupants. This certification underscores our commitment to providing a space where everyone can thrive and enjoy a high-quality living or working environment.

Additionally, Equilibrium 2 has recently achieved WiredScore Platinum certification, making it the first building in Romania to receive this prestigious recognition. This certification highlights our commitment to providing cutting-edge digital infrastructure that meets the highest standards of connectivity and innovation. It guarantees that our tenants have access to reliable and high-speed internet, which is crucial for modern businesses.

Certificates