Wilzéns: Sustainability in the construction industry

"The CSRD’s push for greater transparency in sustainability work is something we welcome – it will be a positive force for the construction and civil engineering sector."

– Herman Nilsson, KMA at Wilzéns

A changing industry

The construction industry has long lagged behind in terms of sustainability. For Wilzéns, a growing family-owned company based in Östergötland, it quickly became clear that the future of business requires more than quality and delivery – it demands transparency, accountability, and structured sustainability data.

When Herman took on the role of KMA Manager, Wilzéns began to shift focus – from simple environmental goals to a holistic approach addressing climate impact, social responsibility, and supply chain accountability.

"We have thousands of suppliers, both locally and globally. We need control – but also insights to make better decisions."

The challenge: Scope 3 and complex supply chains

The biggest obstacle? Scope 3. In a sector where procurement, subcontractors, and technical installations vary from project to project, gaining a clear picture of climate impact is difficult.

92% of Wilzéns’ carbon footprint comes from materials – but tracking that impact reliably remains a challenge.

"We have a good grasp of our own data – but mapping the impact of downstream actors is tough. In many cases, reliable data is simply lacking."

The solution: A platform that grows with their needs

Wilzéns began preparing for the CSRD already in 2022, despite not being directly subject to the regulation at the time. When the time came to choose a system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting their data, they chose SustainLab.

"We were drawn to the user-friendliness, the clear dashboards, and how easy it is to present data to management and the board."

The fact that SustainLab had a dedicated CSRD module was a big advantage – but just as important was the personal support and the feeling of being more than just a customer.

CSRD, Omnibus, and what lies ahead

The interview was conducted before the EU Commission's Omnibus proposal to simplify CSRD. Afterward, Herman commented:

"We’re continuing as planned, as long as it remains a proposal. CSRD is good for the industry – but it’s also resource-intensive. We’ll wait for a final decision before taking the next step."

No matter how the regulations evolve, the need remains: reliable, recurring data to support informed decision-making – and a partner that can keep pace when conditions change.

Real sustainability, not just on paper

Wilzéns is a strong example of how sustainability work in the construction industry can be both concrete and ambitious. With initiatives like Bygghubben – a collaborative industry effort to reuse building materials – they show that cooperation, not competition, can reduce the sector’s climate impact.

"It’s rare for competitors to come together to build a shared solution – but it’s also necessary."

Wilzéns also understands that sustainability work isn’t a project with an end date – it’s a way of working that requires consistency, insights, and the ability to adapt as things change. With SustainLab, they have a platform that doesn’t just manage data – it supports the entire journey.

"We work with sustainability every day – so we need a tool that lets us see both the big picture and the details."

Are you in the construction industry and facing similar challenges?
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