Globally, buildings account for 30% of energy consumption and almost a third of CO2 emissions. Making construction one of the most polluting and most challenging sectors to tackle. To accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there needs to be a universal shift in the way we design and construct buildings and infrastructure projects. The need for more roads, bridges, and buildings will continue to increase. Thus, sustainable solutions and designs need to be implemented worldwide. FRI’s (the Danish Association of Consulting Engineers) mission is to help engineer a better and more sustainable world for all to enjoy by offering consulting, planning, and project management services.

FRI is a trade association of around 300 Danish consultancy and engineering firms with more than 100 years of experience. Providing consulting services, planning, and project management primarily on a technical-scientific basis. In addition, member firms provide services in economic as well as non-technical fields. FRI member firms employe 13,000 people in Denmark and 28,000 worldwide. The total turnover of FRI members is €2.6 worldwide.

FRI members work closely with international financial institutions (IFIs) towards the SDGs, addressing global issues in a local context. FRI aims to make a significant contribution both directly and indirectly to the achievement of all 17 SDGs.

FRI adheres to a strict ethical consulting code, works to influence government policies, prepares industry analysis and reports, and provides tools and guides for its members.

Grundfos is a pump manufacturer, based in Denmark, with an annual production of more than 16 million pump units.

Through 83 companies they are directly accessible in 56 countries, and through their network of partners, distributors and subdealers, they are present in even more. The company employs around 19,280 people today. Poul Due Jensen founded the company in 1945 from his basement in Bjerringbro, Denmark. The first pump made was a water pump. Through the decades, we have sharpened our skills, and to this day, we take pride in moving water to where it should be. Using as little energy as possible when doing it.

“The UN has set 17 very ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 15 of these 17 goals relate directly or indirectly to water. I am placing particular significance on goal 6, that relates to access to clean water and sanitation for everyone. We and our technology can make a real difference to the world in this area. We are – in my clear opinion – a SDG 6 company.

Our knowledge and water technology can move the world in a positive direction. By purifying surface water for drinking. By making water available in refugee communities. And by moving water energy efficiently, so that we take care of the globe while doing so. We are making a difference because we can.”

Mads Nipper, Group President & CEO

Rosendahls is a Danish graphic and electronic communication company founded in Esbjerg in 2001. Limiting their environmental impacts is a central aspect of their business. In order to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable operations, they hold a number of certifications. First, their environmental management systems are assured under the ISO 14001 certification and the European Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). These voluntary schemes commit the company to continuously improving their environmental performance, particularly through lessening their consumption of energy, water and chemicals.

In addition, they offer their customers the option to have their products printed on either Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Nordic Swan label certified paper. FSC certification ensures that forests are not harvested at a rate that is beyond their replenishment rate, in order to avoid net deforestation. The Nordic Swan label is the Nordic environmental certification, and indicates that a product has the lowest possible environmental footprint while delivering similar quality and function as equivalent products.

Finally, Rosendahls is a certified CO2 neutral company under the Climaware scheme. They achieve carbon neutrality by measuring their greenhouse gas emissions, and purchasing offsets through schemes predominantly in developing countries.

Rosendahls actively measures and monitors the environmental impacts of their operations. Recognising that machinery is a significant source of emissions, they are exploring more efficient technology to help reduce their footprint.

Connectivity is a fundamental service for human development – access to a mobile phone or internet connection can bring access to key services like education and health information, to mobile banking and weather updates. While mobile phone access is almost ubiquitous, there are still 1.09 billion people lacking access to a mobile broadband connection. Telenor Group aims to empower societies across the world not only by providing access to telecommunications, but leveraging the benefits of mobile connectivity to reduce global inequality and accelerate sustainable development.

Telenor Group is a leading telecommunications company across Scandinavia and Asia with 174 million customers and annual sales of around USD 13 billion (2018). The company holds #1 or #2 positions in most of their markets. Connectivity has been Telenor’s domain for more than 160 years, and their purpose is to connect their customers to what matters most. Telenor Group is strongly committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, with a central focus on SDG 10 ‘Reduced Inequalities’, due to their strong conviction of the power of connectivity to bring people closer together. Across all business units, they are committed to multiple initiatives including teaching children and young people to be more resilient online, using mobile technology to increase birth registration, connecting unbanked populations to financial services, and fortifying occupational health and safety and human rights across their extensive value chains.