Nordic commitment to low carbon construction and circular principles in the construction sector – common effort and common gain

Affirm our commitment to fight climate change by facilitating reductions in emissions from the built
environment. Further, we state our commitment to work towards making the Nordic construction
sector the most sustainable in the world.

Recognise that the construction sector has a significant environmental impact, and that buildings
affect the climate throughout their lifespan. At the same time, we recognise the construction sector’s
potential to play a major part in the transition to a sustainable future.
 

Call for collaboration in the search for low carbon solutions in the Nordic construction sector,
through Nordic co-operation and harmonisation where possible.
 

Acknowledge the need to reduce the emissions and waste from the construction process, and work
towards emission free construction sites.
 

Will work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building materials.
Recognise the potential in preserving and developing existing building stock as a contribution to
reduced emissions.

Reaffirm our commitment to continue our collaboration on harmonising relevant regulations,
methods, data, tools, and policies for carbon neutrality in the built environment, in accordance with
the basic principles of a Roadmap, jointly developed within the Nordic Sustainable Construction
network.
 

Call for continued collaboration on establishing a common framework for calculating greenhouse gas
emissions in building projects.

Recognise that using and enhancing EU initiatives, can contribute to making the Nordic countries the
most sustainable region in the world.

Call for continued Nordic collaboration on developing a framework for facilitating the circular
economy in the building sector.
Stress the importance of continuing and strengthening Nordic collaboration.

By signing this declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing work towards low carbon solutions and the integration of circular principles in the Nordic construction and building sector.

Approved by:
Pernille Rosenkrantz Theil, Minister for Social Affairs and Housing, Denmark

Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, Minister of Infrastructure, Iceland

Kai Mykkänen, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Finland

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik, Minister of Local Government, Norway

Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Sweden

Harry Jansson, Minister of Housing, Åland Islands

Ingilín D. Strøm, Minister of Environment and Housing, Faroe Islands

Erik Jensen, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Greenland