The Nordic Swan Ecolabel & the climate
Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is one of many tools that contribute to reducing climate impact. We do this, among other things, by setting high demands on energy consumption and by stimulating increased use of renewable raw materials.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption, contributing to the transition from fossil to renewable raw materials, energy efficiency and the use of materials that have a lower climate impact. Furthermore, the labelling contributes to preserving nature – and a robust and species-rich nature withstands changes better. Requirements that ensure good quality and long life span of products can lead to reduced consumption, which is also a crucial climate action.
Climate change in a holistic perspective
Climate is not just about direct emissions from energy production and use. Preserving biodiversity and using resources in an efficient and sustainable way is also important. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel considers climate change from a holistic perspective throughout the product's life cycle, and our requirements contribute to a lower environmental impact in general.
Circular economy and the climate are intertwined, which is why measures to strengthen the circular economy also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Almost half of these emissions come from the manufacture of products that we use in our everyday lives.
To date, efforts to tackle the [climate] crisis have focused on a transition to renewable energy, complemented by energy efficiency. (…) these measures can only address 55 % of emissions. The remaining 45 % comes from producing cars, clothes, food and other products we use every day. These cannot be overlooked.
Lower climate impact without burden shift
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel works with a holistic approach to environment, climate and health. This means that a reduced environmental impact in one area must not lead to an increased impact on another area or in another part of the life cycle, what is known as burden shift. This means, for example, that the Nordic Swan Ecolabel sets requirements that have an effect on a product's climate impact – without compromising biodiversity, health or responsible use of the planet's limited resources.
Nordic Swan Ecolabelled products contribute in several ways to reduced climate impact. The most important areas are:
- Energy: Reduced energy consumption, energy efficiency, transition from fossil to renewable energy and thus reduced greenhouse gas emissions. For example, we set requirements for good insulation in Nordic Swan Ecolabelled houses, and for Nordic Swan Ecolabelled e-commerce transports, there are requirements for at least 60% renewable energy in the total amount of fuel.
- Materials: Transition to more sustainable materials that have a lower carbon footprint. For example, strict requirements for reduced energy consumption in the production of Nordic Swan Ecolabelled building materials, requirements that at least 70% of the metals in Nordic Swan Ecolabelled furniture must be recyclable.
- Quality: Increased lifespan of products due to requirements for quality and design. For example, we set requirements for warranty periods and spare parts for Nordic Swan Ecolabelled furniture.
- Waste: Recycling and reduction of waste. For example, it should be possible to easily separate Nordic Swan Ecolabelled furniture into different materials that can then be reused.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Completing the picture. How the circular economy tackles climate change