CIRCULARITY AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY 

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel 

We are committed to operating our hotels with the lowest possible environmental footprint. One of the strongest proofs of this commitment is our work with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, one of the toughest and most credible environmental certifications. 

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel sets 44 mandatory criteria that must be met from day one. These criteria ensure that every certified hotel meets a verified, high environmental standard across energy use, water efficiency, waste management, organic food and drinks, prohibition on disposable and single use items, procurement, staff training etc.  

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is a Type 1 ecolabel, meaning it is independent, nonprofit, sciencebased, and includes thirdparty verification with no industry bias. This ensures a high level of credibility and transparency.

More about the Nordic Swan Ecolabel

Circular room design   

We design to last. We prioritize eco-labeled, recycled or recyclable materials when we build and renovate hotels. Our goal is for our interiors to last for a long time – or be used somewhere else, in Scandic or elsewhere. 

Our room concepts are not only stylish and well designed. They contain  furnishings that can be easily disassembled for recycling or reuse. 

Waste management 

We work hard to recycle and reduce waste, of both environmental and financial reasons. Our goal is to recycle most of our waste. 

Food waste

Food waste is a particular challenge in our industry. Every day, we work hard to reduce it. We measure and analyze it, which is important to create awareness and obtain further reductions.  

If possible, we make new dishes from leftovers. Some food items, such as leftover fruit, hard boiled eggs and bacon, never hit our compost bins.  

We also partner with digital food resellers to save large amounts of food that would otherwise have been thrown away.  

Sustainable purchasing

Each year, we pour 60 million cups of coffee and serve 12 million eggs! Naturally, it makes a big difference that we buy organic, fair-trade coffee and cage-free eggs. 

Our procurement team receives training and support to make the right purchases. For guidance, they can refer to Scandic’s general and specific criteria for sustainable purchasing. 

Each purchasing project begins with sustainability screening. All suppliers that pass the screening undertake to follow the principles our Supplier Code of Conduct. 

With our size and strength, we place high demands on suppliers. We regularly carry out risk assessments of our supplier base. Most of our bigger suppliers are in the Nordic region and are associated with low risk. If there is uncertainty regarding a supplier, an in-depth investigation is carried out through self-assessment. If necessary, this may also be followed by an onsite audit All deviations must be addressed, and any measures must be implemented within the agreed time frame for the supplier to remain under contract with Scandic.