Environmental responsibility
Our greatest environmental impact arises from the projects we deliver together with our clients, primarily through the use of materials, machinery and transport.
At the same time, our projects contribute to essential improvements across society. These include expanding electricity networks to increase capacity, developing rail infrastructure that can help reduce transport-related emissions, and adapting infrastructure to meet the challenges of a changing climate, such as modernising water and wastewater systems.
By taking a proactive approach throughout our projects, we can influence project outcomes. The choices we make regarding materials, construction methods and machinery are key to improving resource efficiency and reducing negative environmental impacts.
Focus areas in our projects.
Climate and energy efficiency
We are working to electrify our operations and projects wherever possible, while implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Circular resource use
We strive to use resources more efficiently through effective planning and management of excavated materials, as well as by reusing materials wherever possible.
Environmental considerations in project delivery
Environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of our projects. This includes making informed material choices and taking measures to reduce pollution, noise and other environmental impacts.
Climate impact and emissions.
NYAB’s climate impact extends across the entire value chain.
We work with around 4,000 suppliers, consultants and subcontractors who provide materials, products, services and transport to support our operations and projects.Many of our suppliers are based locally, and a significant proportion of the materials used in our projects are sourced from the Nordic region. Materials are also sourced from elsewhere in Europe and, to a lesser extent, from suppliers outside Europe.
We have mapped our direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within Scope 1 and Scope 2. An assessment of our remaining indirect emissions (Scope 3) will be carried out as part of the continued implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Given our business model, we expect the majority of our emissions to arise outside our own operations, both upstream and downstream in the value chain. Significant sources of emissions include:
- the use of fossil fuels in machinery operated by subcontractors
- the procurement of materials and components
- the end use of the infrastructure and facilities we build
Emissions from our own operations primarily arise from energy use in our offices and certain projects, as well as from the operation of our own vehicles and machinery.
Strengthening infrastructure resilience.
NYAB contributes to climate adaptation through the projects we deliver. This includes:
- adapting infrastructure to changing climate conditions
- strengthening the capacity and reliability of electricity networks
- improving flood protection
- developing and upgrading drainage systems
As climate-related pressures on existing infrastructure continue to increase, so does the need for robust and reliable solutions. This is driving investment in measures that strengthen the long-term resilience of society.
Energy
NYAB’s own energy use is primarily related to vehicles and machinery, as well as electricity and district heating used in our offices. A significant share of our current energy use is still based on fossil fuels, and we are working to gradually increase the proportion of renewable energy in our energy mix.
A significant proportion of energy use also occurs across our value chain. Suppliers and subcontractors consume energy in the production of materials, transport, and the operation of machinery and equipment. In addition, the infrastructure we build requires energy throughout its operational lifetime.
Resource inflows
Our operations depend on raw materials and construction materials during the delivery of our projects. At the same time, we are working to use resources more efficiently and increase the share of circular resource flows.
This includes:
- selecting materials with a long service life and the potential for reuse
- designing infrastructure for flexibility and future adaptation
- prioritising the reuse of materials wherever possible
Environmental impacts arise both within our own operations and upstream in the value chain, for example through the extraction and production of materials.
Resource outflows and waste
Indrastructure projects involve significant material flows, which also generate substantial amounts of waste. We work to reduce resource use and prevent waste throughout the project lifecycle.
Our focus is on:
- identifying and managing waste-related risks at an early stage
- reducing the overuse of materials in projects, including concrete, steel and asphalt
- improving resource efficiency throughout project delivery
Waste is generated across the entire value chain. Upstream, waste arises during the extraction of raw materials and the production of construction materials. Downstream, significant volumes of waste are generated through the demolition and decommissioning of infrastructure and facilities at the end of their service life.
The environmental impact of our projects varies depending on factors such as material choices, design, construction methods, and how infrastructure and facilities are operated and maintained over time.
Three steps forward.
Sustainability
Creating long-term value through responsible business practices, environmental responsibility and positive societal impact.
Social responsibility
Supporting employee wellbeing, safe workplaces and positive societal impact through our projects and partnerships.
Ethics and compliance
Acting with integrity through responsible business practices, transparency and compliance with regulations.