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“With GoClimate, not only do we become CO2 transparent but together create a more sustainable colocation industry”

conapto
Christoffer Linder, Sustainability Project Manager at Conapto.

Conapto offers secure and flexible data center colocation as well as cloud connectivity – all with a focus on sustainability. Switching to renewable electricity, recycling heat from data centers, and recycling electronics are just some of the initiatives Conapto is pursuing to become a more sustainable company.

“Prioritizing sustainability is not only important for Conapto but also for our customers and society at large. Thanks to our great partnership with GoClimate, which enables us to become even more knowledgeable about sustainability issues, we can become CO2 transparent and together create a more sustainable colocation industry with a healthy future mindset,” says Christoffer Linder, Sustainability Project Manager at Conapto.

Strive to reduce emissions

Since the beginning of its journey in 2008, with the establishment of the data center Stockholm 2 South and the decision to focus on sustainability issues, Conapto has continuously strived to reduce its emissions. This commitment led to a switch from Fortum to Vattenfall in 2021, which enables the use of 100% renewable energy from water and wind, as well as the ability to match energy consumption on an hourly basis through Vattenfall’s 24/7 matching system.

This system displays production hour by hour and not only increases transparency but also ensures that Conapto can fulfill its commitment to 100% renewable electricity every hour of the day, all year round. The only exception is during potential power cuts, where backup generators are used. Since 2022, the company has invested in new generators that enable the use of Ecopar diesel, a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel.

Energy in the data halls is being reused as heat

Another central part of Conapto’s sustainability work is their focus on heat recovery. The collaboration with Stockholm Exergi and Sollentuna Energi and Miljö enables the redirection of residual heat from the data center back to the local district heating network, which contributes to, among other things, recycled and cost-effective heat for residential homes. The goal is to reuse up to 90% of the energy fed into the data halls.

Conapto’s sustainability initiatives also extend to its environmental and energy management systems, which are certified according to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001. The certifications testify to Conapto’s systematic approach to integrating environmental and energy management into their operations, facilitating continuous improvement of energy performance.In addition to these measures, Conapto also recycles electronics in collaboration with Stena Recycling, which has saved more than 350 000 tons of CO2 since 2020. 

Conapto’s business model is an excellent example of how companies can operate sustainably by reducing their climate impact while offering high-quality services. We hope that their integration of environmentally friendly solutions across their operations can serve as inspiration for other companies in the industry!

Take a look at Conapto’s CO2-transparency page for more insight into how they work to reduce their emissions!

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Clean burning stoves in Zambia

This project, supported by the GoClimate community, improves health conditions and quality of life on top of fighting climate change in Zambian households. Consumption of local wood fuel is reduced by up to 70% with these improved cookstoves. This leads to a range of positive effects, both for the environment and for people’s health.

The stoves save 4.67 tonnes of wood per household per year. This equates to a considerable reduction in deforestation, which in turn helps preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems.

Thanks to using less wood fuel this project contributes to that 549,123 less tonnes of CO2e have been released into the atmosphere during six months (its last monitored period June-December 2023).

This project is an excellent example of how climate action can be combined with improved health, increased gender equality, and sustainable development. The project started in 2021 and so far 99% of project households reported a reduction in smoke (or particulate matter) after the introduction of the stoves. 99.5 % reported time savings; female beneficiaries may use time saved collecting fuel or cooking to pursue other education or economic activities. By addressing multiple challenges simultaneously, the project creates a positive change that benefits both people and the environment in Zambia.

Background

Over 700 million Africans cook on three-stone fires. It’s an inefficient type of cooking when it comes to both the amount of wood fuel needed and the time it takes to collect and cook on these fires. 

On top of that the smoke from open fires causes 600,000 premature deaths each year in Africa. It’s the second-highest health risk on the continent. 

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Comments from the participants in the project

Almost 100,000 stoves have been distributed across Zambia within this project. The improved cookstoves are replacing inefficient, traditional 3-stone fires. Most participants collect wood for free while a few of them buy it. They cook both inside and outside the home which is made easy with these portable cookstoves. Positive comments from participants include that the cookstoves use less wood, cook faster, are stable and safer, produce less smoke and are user friendly. A few of the participants still use an alternative stove, mostly the 3-stones fires as a complement, something that has been taken into account when calculating the emission reductions of this project. The only change requested from participants was to produce a stove which can accommodate two pots.

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How do the improved cooking stoves (ICS) work?

The cookstoves have an improved heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the cooking pot. It saves both cooking and fuel collection time. 

The design of the stoves optimizes the combustion chamber shape, amount of fuel and air flow through the stove. Thermal energy is maximized by reducing the thermal mass of the stove minimizing heat loss through the sides and bottom of the stove. The cooking surface is positioned at the optimal distance from the fire providing optimal gas flow needed for efficient heat transfer. 

The global sustainability goals

This project contributes to the following Global Sustainability Goals;

Good Health and Wellbeing (3) – 99% of households participating in the project reported a reduced smoke and thus improved indoor air quality. According to WHO, women and children disproportionately bear the greatest health burden from polluting fuels in homes as they typically take care of household chores such as cooking and spend more time exposed to harmful smoke from polluting stoves.

Gender Equality (5) –  time savings for women who do not have to collect as much fuel and get access to a faster cooking method. Firewood collectors among the participants in this project are mainly female. The average time saved for fuel wood collection was calculated to 3.2 hours a week and time saved for cooking was around 2.5 hours a day on average. 

Affordable and clean energy (7)

Decent work and Economic Growth (8) – in 2023 16 people (11 male and 5 female) were employed in VPA (Voluntary Project Activity) 1 and 3 in Zambia. They are working in the permanent office and as monitoring staff. Since all distribution of cooking stoves is done now, the number of employees is lower than during the first year.

Responsible Consumption and Production (12) –  wood fuel savings due to the higher thermal efficiency of the burning stoves. In total each distributed stove saves 4.67 tonnes of wood per year. 

Climate action (13) –  during the last monitored period June-December 2023 there has been an emission reduction of 549,123 tonnes of CO2e. 

Project facts

Project name: TASC Clean Cooking POA – VPA 3 (Zambia) 
Certification: Gold Standard
Project start: 2021
Area: The project is implemented across Zambia and not limited to any specific provinces.  
Number of distributed stoves: 99,785
Wood savings per stove and year: 4.67 tonnes
Last monitoring period: June-December 2023
Crediting period: 15 years (5 years, twice renewable)
Funding: There is no public funding. This project is funded only by the private sector. 

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Guide to planning a more sustainable vacation

Hållbar semester
Choose the train instead of flying, look for ecolabels when booking accommodation and rent equipment while on adventures. That’s some of the tips in our guide towards a more sustainable vacation.

Planning a sustainable vacation can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider, and researching everything can be time consuming. What eco-labels should you look for when choosing a hotel? What is the best mode of travel, and how far can we get by using climate friendly alternatives? We’ve put together this guide full of tips for those who want to book a more sustainable vacation this summer.

Preparing for your adventure

Booking the Trip

Time, distance, money, and your climate budget. There are many things to consider when choosing type of transportation. Generally, trains are preferred over cars, and try to stay on the ground – the climate impact of flying is significant compared to other options.

If you must fly, consider the following:

  • To stay within planetary boundaries, you should not fly more than a short round trip every three years and a long round trip every eight years.
  • Try to minimize your flying. Fly shorter distances, stay longer at each location, take the train for part of the journey. 
  • Finance climate projects equivalent to the emissions caused by your flying. Check out our climate financing service here.

If you want to check the climate impact of your planned vacation, you can use the calculator on the website Travel and Climate.

Travel by train or bus

📍GLOBALLY

Rome2rio.com – This website helps you search for possible routes between any two places in the world. When possible, you get the option of bus and train presented.

📍EUROPE

All Aboard – Digital platform for travels by train.

Deutsche Bahn – German website that sells train tickets for big parts of Europe.

Trainline – Website for both train and bus tickets.

⭐️ Tip! If you do not find the route you’re looking for, try dividing it and search for smaller sections instead, that usually does the trick!

📍USA & CANADA

Amtrak.com – Search for travels in the US by train.

Viarail.ca/en – Search for travels in Canada by train.

Greyhound.com – Busses in USA, Canada and Mexico.

📍AUSTRALIA

Greyhound.com.au/ – Busses on the East coast.

Journeybeyondrail.com.au – Here you’ll find coast-to-coast trains.

Booking accommodation

How do I know that the accommodation I choose take responsibility for their climate impact? One way to find out is to look for different labels.

Power down your home

Set aside time the evening before departure to go through your home and make sure as little as possible is drawing energy while you’re away. Unplug cords and turn off anything that uses power or generates heat. Remember that even standby mode consumes electricity and that it can add up if you’re away for an extended period.

During the Trip

Recycle even while on vacation

When leaving home and not having access to all your things, it can be easy to fall out of habits. But remember that it’s just as important to handle your waste properly while on the go. Turn it into a learning opportunity; what does waste sorting look like in this new place you’re visiting, whether it’s the neighboring municipality or another country? There might be new ways to be inspired by!

Use reusable items

Warm sunshine often comes with outdoor meals and picnics. Remember to pack reusable items, such as mugs, utensils, and plates, to avoid wasting nature’s resources during your picnic. Since January 1st of this year, all retailers of food and beverages in Sweden are required to offer reusable items.

Rent or borrow equipment

Does your vacation involve more adventurous activities where you need to use equipment or clothing that isn’t in your everyday wardrobe? Check if you can rent or borrow equipment and/or clothes locally. It’s often more convenient than buying, as it also minimizes your packing.

Be bold, ask questions and make demands

Sometimes you have to be the one who dares to ask to raise the issue. Dare to demand from the airline, hotel, or restaurant to take climate into consideration. Ask about their environmental policy and if the ingredients are locally sourced. Ask how they think about sustainable tourism in terms of social sustainability -for example, do the employees have collective agreements? The more people who ask the questions, the more important it becomes for actors in the tourism industry to live up to the demands.

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“See travel time as an opportunity for thoughts, reflection, and a chance to meet new people.”

Aylin Bertlin
Aylen Bertlin and her partner Gurgin travels a lot in their van.

Aylen Bertlin’s travel habits have transformed dramatically – from being a passionate traveler to completely giving up air travel. She reflects on her previous travel frequency: “There was this one year when I was abroad at least 10 times. In hindsight, I wonder what it was I was actually searching for.”

Opting out of flying has proven to offer benefits such as the ability to explore multiple cities along the way to the final destination. Train journeys to Berlin often include a stop in Malmö to enjoy a falafel or two. Similarly, when Aylen and her partner Gurgin travel by motorhome to southern Europe, making both planned and spontaneous stops to enrich the travel experience with new discoveries is a priority.

Workes well with a full-time job

Despite the challenge of managing time constraints, especially at the beginning when traveling by train requires more travel days, Aylen has found a balance that works well even with a full-time job.

“Even though the thought of skipping a spring trip to Cape Verde might feel like a near-death experience for many, I can guarantee that the journey takes on a whole different value if you just open the doors to, for example, train travel.”

This shift has not only led to a more sustainable travel style but also to a deeper appreciation for the essence of traveling and the values it can embody.

Aylen’s best tips for more sustainable traveling

Aylen shares her best tips for those who want to explore the world in a more sustainable way:

  • Start small: A short trip is an excellent first step. For example, a train journey to Berlin with Snälltåget is a perfect start.
  • Explore the options: There are many ways to travel. Consider a sailing trip if it suits you better, or use carpool groups to find car-sharing opportunities. When Aylen and her partner travel with their motorhome, they often look for fellow travelers.
  • Plan smart for long-distance train travel: Avoid journeys with many changes. Train delays are common and can lead to missed connections and involuntary overnight stays at train stations. Instead, plan sightseeing stops along the way.
  • Travel comfortably: For a pleasant journey, make sure to bring something to keep yourself occupied, such as a book, knitting, or a Game Boy. On longer trips, a pillow and a small sleeping bag are invaluable accessories.
  • Embrace the time: Many are deterred from sustainable travel due to the time it takes. Aylen emphasizes the importance of letting go of stress and seeing travel as a chance for contemplation, reflection, and making new acquaintances. A stressful vacation is not a real vacation.
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Popular environmental bonus leads Edge to reduce emissions

Mia Border, a landscape architect at Edge and one of the firm’s driving forces in sustainability.

The landscape architects and engineers at Swedish firm Edge aims to encourage its employees to be mindful of their carbon footprint when traveling. Therefore, everyone receives a bonus when they choose environmentally friendly modes of transport, a benefit that has been utilized by over three-quarters of the staff.

“In a time of climate crisis, it’s necessary to act. Through our environmental bonus, we want to encourage and facilitate our employees to live more climate-smart, which also brings health benefits,” says Mia Border, a landscape architect at Edge and one of the firm’s driving forces in sustainability.

In the Lokstallsområdet area in Kirseberg, Malmö, one finds Edge, a company dedicated to designing the landscapes and urban spaces of the future. Known for their strong focus on sustainability, Edge’s philosophy is rooted in leaving each place they work with in better condition than they found it. 

Mia Border shares insights about Edge’s vision: ‘Our work revolves around conscious choices for a sustainable future, where we combine vision with goodwill to benefit both individuals and society.’

Edge stands out with its comprehensive sustainability strategy, reflected not only in their projects but also in their corporate culture. They have implemented a comprehensive environmental policy for business travel, prioritizing train, bus, and carpooling over flights. Additionally, they have introduced unique climate benefits for their employees. These include reimbursement for business travel by bicycle and a special environmental bonus. This bonus rewards employees who choose environmentally friendly modes of transport and has been used by over three-quarters of the staff.

Want to encourage employees to live more climate friendly

Border explains the purpose behind the environmental bonus: “In a time of climate crisis, it’s necessary to act. Through our environmental bonus, we want to encourage and facilitate our employees to live more climate-smart, which also brings health benefits.”

This approach is part of Edge’s larger commitment to be climate neutral by 2030, a promise that is part of the global LFM30 initiative.

It’s not just Edge’s projects that reflect their focus on sustainability, but also their internal culture and policies. Their efforts to reduce the company’s carbon footprint have not only led to a stronger team spirit among the staff but also to appreciation and recognition within the industry. The employees take pride in being part of a company that takes concrete steps towards a sustainable future, and this commitment permeates the entire organization.

Despite the financial and administrative costs that come with offering these climate benefits, Edge sees them as essential to driving society towards a sustainable future. Through their commitment to sustainability, both in their projects and internal policies, Edge stands as a shining example of how companies can play an active role in creating a more sustainable world.

Read more about, and get inspired by, Edge’s climate work here!

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How We Choose Climate Projects

At GoClimate, we prioritize quality and efficiency in our support for climate projects. Our rigorous selection process is based on the following criteria to ensure that every project we support truly contributes to climate improvements.

Certification: We require that an independent third party certifies the projects, guaranteeing that they meet continuously updated and increasingly higher standards.

Additionality: It’s crucial that the projects would not have been realized without funding from climate initiatives. This principle ensures that our investment leads to a real change.

Verification: The climate benefit of each project is verified by an independent third party, ensuring its efficiency and credibility.

Traceability: We ensure that funding is traceable through transparent and open databases. This prevents double counting and ensures the project’s uniqueness.

Durability: The projects must offer lasting effect, meaning the benefits do not disappear over time.

Contribution to Sustainable Development: Beyond the direct climate benefits, the projects should also contribute to sustainable development, such as creating job opportunities or contributing to cleaner air. It’s important that the projects do not contribute to negative social development where they are implemented.

At GoClimate, we focus on supporting the best climate projects. We have chosen to work only with projects certified by Gold Standard. This is because we believe that Gold Standard has the strictest and best requirements for climate projects.

What Makes Gold Standard So Special?

Stringent Requirements: Gold Standard has stricter rules compared to other standards. They ensure that the projects really need the money to be implemented and continue to make a difference.

Focus on the 1.5-Degree Target: Projects supported by Gold Standard are those that help us reach our global climate goals. This means that they do not support projects linked to fossil fuels or nuclear energy.

Updated Requirements: Gold Standard regularly updates its requirements to ensure that the money is used where it is most beneficial for the climate.

Our conclusion is that supporting Gold Standard-certified projects is the best way to make a difference right now. However, we are open to changing our approach if we find other ways to achieve even greater climate benefits in the future.

Please feel free to contact us if you think there’s something we’ve missed, as we are always open to learning more!

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Climate projects reducing greenhouse gases

Projects focusing on reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can be divided into two main types: nature projects and technical projects.

3.1 Nature Projects

These projects include tree planting and conservation of existing forests. They are strongly encouraged by leading climate initiatives such as Science Based Targets and Exponential Roadmap, and are critical in addressing the climate crisis and the perhaps even greater crisis in biodiversity. Trees are a proven method for capturing carbon dioxide and require no new technology or cost-reducing innovations to be effective.

3.1.1 The Reason We Do Not Support This Type of Project (Yet)

Despite the importance of these projects, there are complexities surrounding land use and the durability of biology that must be addressed. Issues such as the alternative use of land, suitability of tree species, and tree growth under changing climate conditions are important. There is also uncertainty about how long the carbon dioxide actually stays stored in the trees. In addition, many previous tree projects have not lived up to their quality expectations. Higher costs per ton of greenhouse gas compared to emission reduction projects is another challenge.

3.2 Technical Projects

According to the IPCC, it is necessary to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the coming years. Technical projects, or ‘removals,’ are a rapidly growing and exciting area where many companies compete to develop the most effective and cost-efficient methods. For example, ClimeWorks uses giant fans similar to technical trees, and other companies are creating biochar for storage in the soil. This type of project is continuously monitored and evaluated by several initiatives.

3.2.1 The Reason We Do Not Support This Type of Project (Yet)

Currently, the cost of removing one ton of CO2e from the atmosphere using these methods is extremely high, for example, ClimeWorks costs about $1,200 per ton CO2e. Cheaper alternatives include biochar, but they are still costly. Critics argue that these technologies have difficulties scaling up to necessary levels and can distract from the main task of reducing emissions. In addition, paying private companies involves a lack of transparency and third-party certification of climate benefits.

However, we are convinced that the development of this type of project is necessary and are excited to see how the market grows!

Please get in touch at [email protected] if you think we have missed something, we are always open to learning more!

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Projects Contributing to Reduced Emissions

This is part three of our article series about how we consider the climate projects we support. This part is about the projects that contribute to reduced emissions and covers the projects that GoClimate primarily supports today. 

This category includes, for example, energy-efficient stoves that reduce the need for wood and thus deforestation. There are also projects in renewable energy that reduce the need for coal power plants and those that handle harmful methane gas by converting it into electricity, replacing fossil energy sources. More examples of these climate projects are available here.

2.1 Why We Support This Type of Project

There is scientific consensus that it is urgent to reduce the world’s emissions. Therefore, it is reasonable that at the present time, when there is so much left to do, the focus should simply be on supporting projects that reduce the world’s emissions.

2.1.1 The Technology is Already Here

To reduce emissions, both capital and technology dissemination are required. The necessary technology to cope with climate change already exists to a large extent, but it needs to be spread, financed, and implemented. The type of climate financing that we, our members, and customers contribute to plays a big role here; this is exactly what is needed to speed up the transition. But it’s not just a question of investing money, the projects must be effective and well thought out too.

2.2 Challenges with These Types of Projects

The climate benefit of the projects is often calculated based on hypothetical scenarios, which can be problematic. Changed subsidies, norms, and knowledge levels can affect the projects over time. Some projects may no longer need support due to technical development and price reductions in renewable energy. However, the role of climate financing is crucial. It has historically contributed to economies of scale and price reductions, meaning that some projects no longer need the same support. To manage these dynamic factors, one can choose to support newer projects or specific years.

Despite the complexity of these projects, we are convinced that they can be supported effectively, especially if the right type of project is chosen.

2.3 Projects We Do Not Support in This Category

In this category are projects that we consider to be less efficient or problematic. For example, we do not support the construction of large-scale hydroelectric power plants, as they require large land areas and can have a negative impact on both the environment and local communities.

New renewable energy projects in countries not on the UN’s list of least developed countries are also not certified according to the standard – Gold Standard – that we go by. These projects are often considered to not need financial support to the same extent as they did in the past.

However, it is important to understand the climate credit market and how it affects the lifespan and financing of projects. We still support certain energy projects that would not be certified today, because if we stop supporting certain projects that were certified because climate financing was deemed necessary earlier, it could undermine the confidence in the climate credit market and make it more difficult for future projects to get financing.

We also do not support local projects in Sweden, as the country already has access to financing and relatively low climate emissions compared to other regions. Our strategy is to support projects where they can have the greatest positive climate impact. Even though projects like solar cell support in Sweden can be beneficial, financing does more good when used in other countries, for example, those with a higher mix of fossil fuel sources in their electricity mix.

Please get in touch ([email protected]) if you think there’s anything we’ve missed; we are always open to learning more!

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Climate Organizations Influencing Society

This is part two in our article series about how we consider the climate projects that we support. This part focuses on climate organizations that influence society.

There are many organizations trying to stop climate change by influencing society in various ways, such as by developing political proposals, organizing demonstrations, or through lobbying. We at GoClimate work for systemic changes just like other climate organizations in this category, but we also support certain other organizations such as Klimatriksdagen (Sweden) and Shado (UK). We choose to support organizations where even small contributions can make a big difference, which ensures that our contributions provide what is called additional climate benefit. This means that we want our money to contribute to a climate benefit that would not have occurred if we had not contributed the money.

In addition, we support projects and individuals where our contribution, in addition to providing direct climate benefit, also indirectly contributes to us getting more funds for further climate work. An example could be sponsoring a climate conference with 10,000 SEK, which not only creates direct climate benefit but also attracts corporate customers who contribute an additional 20,000 SEK to climate projects, effectively more than doubling the climate benefit for the invested money.

Supporting society-influencing organizations is complex. We do not want to support any concrete party politics and do not support specific political parties. But we believe it is crucial to show, among other things through debate articles, to politicians that the climate crisis is urgent and that political solutions are an essential part of the answer

When we support different climate organizations, we believe it is important to carefully evaluate them and try to calculate the benefit they provide, something we think the organization Giving Green does well. The challenge in evaluating these organizations lies in how to calculate the climate benefit they achieve in terms of tons of carbon dioxide. Giving Green uses a method where they calculate backwards from previously achieved results and make a series of assumptions about what proportion of the result for a specific action is thanks to the organization.

A simplified example: An organization drives a political proposal that leads to the U.S. reducing its emissions by 1%. When the proposal is implemented, 1% of the U.S.’s annual emissions equals an incredible 63 million tons of CO2e. To calculate the organization’s share of this, one can assume that the organization expedited the proposal by six months. This means that the organization may have contributed to 31.5 million tons of CO2e climate benefit in half a year. If the organization achieved this with a budget of 10 million dollars, it means that each dollar contributed to eliminating 3.2 tons of CO2e, which corresponds to a cost of 0.3 dollars per ton CO2e. This is a cost-effective result, but the calculation also contains some uncertainties.

1.1 The reason we do not exclusively support such projects

We believe that it is possible to achieve significant climate benefit through these types of organizations. In fact, it can be one of the most cost-effective ways to make a climate impact. As an example, the article’s author gives 50% of their donations to GeEffektivt’s recommended climate organizations and 50% to GoClimate’s measurable and certified climate projects.

1.1.1 Uncertainty in the assumptions

Despite this, there are uncertainties in these calculations. It is not always certain that the organization actually contributed or that they could do more good with additional funding. However, we are strong advocates of trying to evaluate the benefit, even if it poses challenges. The efficiency of charitable organizations can vary greatly, so we recommend supporting organizations that GeEffektivt and Giving Green highlight.

1.1.2 By definition political

Moreover, support for certain proposals driven by these organizations often involves a political stance. This can be problematic for some of our corporate clients. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these aspects when supporting politically influencing organizations.

1.1.3 Measurability

At GoClimate, we value being able to specify the exact climate benefit that each contribution provides. We have seen that both individuals and companies appreciate traceability and are willing to contribute more when they know exactly what their money accomplishes. Therefore, we focus on climate projects where the benefit is measurable, clear, third-party audited, and transparently reported.

We also believe that there is strength in each individual and company taking responsibility for their own emissions. This means that those who emit more carbon dioxide should contribute more to climate work. If someone has caused 10 tons of CO2e in emissions during a year, they should pay proportionally more than someone who has only caused 1 ton of CO2e. This principle places high demands on the measurability of the climate projects we support and it is not at all certain that a specific sum of money will prevent or neutralize an exact amount of CO2e moving forward through these organizations.

However, it is important to emphasize that uncertainty exists in all types of climate projects. In the case of the projects we are discussing here, the uncertainty and traceability can be particularly high, even though the potential benefit can also be very significant.

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you think there is anything we have missed on this topic, we are always open to learning more!

Keep an eye out for the next part in this article series which will be about climate projects that contribute to reduced emissions.

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“Working sustainably requires daring to try new alternatives and exploring groundbreaking solutions.”

Olle Sundemo, CEO at Undersåkers Snickeri.

Undersåkers Snickeri, a versatile construction company in Jämtland, is actively working to simplify the construction of sustainable houses. The company offers a range of services that extend from renovation and fine carpentry to new construction and design of low-energy houses.

By prioritizing simple material choices and awareness of their CO2 footprint, Undersåkers Snickeri aims to show the construction industry how small decisions can contribute to significant positive changes for the planet.

We spoke with Olle Sundemo, CEO at Undersåkers Snickeri, about the company’s sustainability work. Olle talks about how Anders and Tore, two of the company’s craftsmen, focus on renovating and restoring kitchens, windows, doors, and furniture that would otherwise be thrown away. The company heats its premises with wood shavings and waste material and minimizes its waste by only having a small trash can for plastic and metal. To further reduce their climate impact, they have switched from diesel cars to electric cars, optimized their logistics to reduce transportation, and strive to minimize non-recyclable waste. They also focus on replacing materials with a high CO2 footprint with more environmentally friendly alternatives and inspire other craftsmen to do the same.

Construction industry stands for 21 % of Sweden’s emissions

With the construction industry responsible for about 21% of Sweden’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket), sustainable construction is an important part in reducing overall emissions. As a smaller construction company, Undersåkers Snickeri faces the challenge of finding new sustainable solutions within the framework of the customer’s budget.

“Working sustainably requires daring to try new alternatives and exploring groundbreaking solutions,” says Olle Sundemo.

One of the company’s main products, wood fiber insulation, is entirely based on recycled material and has the potential to make a huge difference for the climate. By using wood fiber in their climate shells, the energy requirement is minimized while carbon dioxide is sequestered. Undersåkers Snickeri is proud of this solution, which replaces the use of wood chips for energy and instead contributes to better insulation and reduced energy needs.

The goal for Undersåkers Snickeri is to lead the construction industry towards a norm where low-energy houses built from natural materials become the standard. By continuously seeking new ways to replace environmentally harmful materials with eco-friendly alternatives, they hope to inspire other craftsmen to follow their example.

“We want to continue delivering complete solutions and material deliveries for low-energy houses made of natural materials to our customers. We also want to be an obvious partner in sustainable construction projects throughout Scandinavia and actively contribute to ensuring that all houses built in Jämtland have a minimal climate impact,” concludes Olle Sundemo.