Selecting the right materials for the right places

Material use represents the largest share of our carbon emissions – and a significant opportunity to reduce them.

Lower-carbon materials and circular solutions

By choosing and developing low-carbon materials, improving resource efficiency and advancing circular economy principles, we work to achieve substantial reductions in emissions across our projects’ lifetimes.

Designing for longer life and lower impact

Smart design and planning enable improved material efficiency and lower embodied carbon. Extending the lifespan of existing buildings and infrastructure through renovation and refurbishment optimizes resource use and reduces emissions compared with new construction. Meanwhile, we are increasingly using low-carbon concrete, alternative binders and recycled materials.

Our Finlandia Hall renovation balances efficiency with preserved heritage

Modern architectural exterior of Finlandia Hall in Helsinki under a clear blue sky.

Cutting emissions from high-impact materials such as concrete, steel and asphalt

53%

of our concrete production in Sweden in 2025 was low-carbon concrete.

4%

of the Group’s 2025 revenue comes from renovation

26%

average amount of reused asphalt in Skanska-produced asphalt mixes in Sweden 2025.

Driving decarbonization through materials

To reduce emissions at scale, we focus on three areas that together strengthen material efficiency, extend the life of existing assets, and promote more circular construction practices.