When Akademiska Hus decided to take the next step in its sustainability efforts, it became clear that the impact on biodiversity does not only occur on construction sites, but far upstream in the value chain. Together with Ecogain, the real estate company has now carried out a comprehensive analysis of its purchases of building materials, following TNFD's LEAP methodology.
Akademiska Hus, one of Sweden's largest real estate companies, has put sustainability and biodiversity at the heart of its long-term goals. When a previous general analysis showed that the greatest impact on biodiversity does not occur in the company's own operations but in the supply chain, it became clear that a further step was necessary. To gain a deeper understanding of how the building materials used in new construction and renovations affect nature in different parts of the value chain, Akademiska Hus turned to Ecogain.
In the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, Ecogain conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact, dependencies, risks and opportunities associated with the building materials that Akademiska Hus purchases for new construction and renovations. The results provided the company with a concrete basis for further decisions and priorities.
Support for future reporting under CSRD/ESRS & TNFD
By applying the TNFD framework and the LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, Prepare) methodology, Ecogain has conducted an in-depth analysis that not only maps Akademiska Hus' impact on biodiversity, but also provides the company with concrete evidence to meet the reporting requirements of CSRD/ESRS and TNFD.
- This type of analysis makes it possible to prioritize the right actions linked to different building materials, set stricter requirements in procurement and in the long run reduce the negative impact on ecosystems," says Ylva Lundgren, Senior Analyst, Ecogain.
Sustainable material choices and reduced impact on nature
During the project, the traceability of the value chains has been investigated, adding important information to the analysis. The results have led to clear recommendations on which materials should be prioritized, as well as suggestions for measures to reduce impacts and risks linked to biodiversity and ecosystems.
Akademiska Hus has now increased its understanding of the impacts, risks and opportunities linked to the upstream value chain and has received concrete suggestions to continue its work towards more sustainable material choices.
How the analysis strengthens Akademiska Hus' sustainability work
- Deeper understanding of biodiversity across the value chain
- Enables more informed priorities in the choice of building materials.
- Support for reporting under the EU CSRD/ESRS and TNFD
- Opens up for increased dialog and requirements towards suppliers.
With Ecogain's support, Akademiska Hus has taken an important step towards continuing to integrate biodiversity into its decision-making processes. The deeper understanding of the impact of the value chain provides the company with a more solid and sustainable decision-making basis for the future.
