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How does Göteborg & Co contribute?
Through broad collaboration, Göteborg & Co drives the development of Gothenburg as a sustainable destination so that everyone who lives and works here benefits from a strong tourism industry. The goal is for more people to discover and choose Gothenburg.
Nearly 40 years ago, the city, the business community and the tourism industry began collaborating to make Gothenburg a more welcoming and climate-smart destination. Join Katarina Thorstensson, Sustainability Strategist at Göteborg & Co, on this development journey.
Sustainability framework
Göteborg & Co’s sustainability framework is a tool for maintaining focus on, and achieving, the overall goal of becoming a leading sustainable destination by 2030. The framework is based on external analysis, identified risks and opportunities, and is guided by the company’s mandate and scope of influence. It covers both internal operations and the external perspective of destination development. The UN Sustainable Development Goals, along with relevant targets, are reflected in the framework’s key focus areas. The framework serves as both a long-term guide and a practical tool for short-term work. It complements and supports the destination development programme and business plan, and is used in the development of operational plans.
- The sustainability statement outlines the direction and scope of the company’s overall sustainability work and ambition. Download the sustainability statement here (PDF). här (PDF).
- The sustainability framework is intended to drive development and guide the company’s operations. It also serves as guidance and support for stakeholders across the destination. Download the sustainability framework here (PDF) (in Swedish only).
- The sustainability report is an annual summary of our sustainability work, bringing together insights and lessons to share. Read our annual and sustainability reports here.
Internal environmental work
Göteborg & Co has for many years carried out systematic and long-term internal environmental work. The most important focus areas have been identified and form the basis of the company’s environmental objectives. The company’s greatest and most significant impact across environmental, social and economic sustainability lies in its role as a collaborative platform and in its extensive engagement with the tourism industry, academia, civil society, the local community, and other companies and administrations within the City of Gothenburg.
Göteborg & co has a local environmental directive; an operationally specific complement to the City of Gothenburg’s policy for the environmental dimension of sustainable development.
Environmental objectives for Göteborg & Co
Göteborg & Co has identified the most significant environmental aspects of its operations. The objectives are set based on these areas and the company’s scope of influence. We aim to reduce our negative environmental impact and increase our positive impact on the tourism industry, visitors and the local community. The objectives are also aligned with the City of Gothenburg’s plans and programmes. Targets, activities and indicators are monitored annually.
- Göteborg & Co reduces its greenhouse gas emissions from travel and transport in line with the City of Gothenburg’s Environmental and Climate Programme 2021–2030.
- Göteborg & Co increases the share of environmentally and climate-smart purchases and procurements each year.
- Göteborg & Co strengthens environmental and climate knowledge among all employees on an annual basis.
- All parts of Göteborg & Co take additional measures each year to drive progress towards a more environmentally and climate-smart destination.
- Göteborg & Co monitors, reviews and, where possible, reduces its environmental and climate impact from energy consumption, waste generation and chemical management each year.
- Göteborg & Co continuously improves environmental governance, follow-up and control.
Environmental certification according to Svensk Miljöbas
The company’s internal environmental work is systematic and long-term, and is reviewed by an external party. The environmental management system includes compliance with legal requirements, analysis of the organisation’s impact, the setting of objectives and activities, and annual follow-up of environmental targets. The system is environmentally certified in accordance with the Svensk Miljöbas standard (valid until 18 May 2026). See the valid certification here (PDF – in Swedish).
Examples of Göteborg & Co’s initiatives
Developing the destination in a sustainable direction is best done together. Göteborg & Co aims to encourage, support and challenge the destination’s stakeholders and partners. We seek to contribute to each other’s development as well as that of others. Driving, coordinating and participating in various networks and projects is an important part of this work.
Cut emissions from the tourism sector
Göteborg & Co has signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This means the company is committed to contributing to a halving of global emissions from the tourism sector by 2030 and reaching net zero as soon as possible before 2050. The company also supports the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which has the same emissions reduction targets but focuses on events.
Fossil-free travel
Göteborg & Co is part of ElectriCity, a collaborative project that brings together industry, academia and society to develop and test solutions for the next generation of sustainable public transport.
Göteborg & Co also contributes to Gothenburg Green City Zone, representing the perspective of the tourism industry.
Transition of the tourism industry
Göteborg & Co is a member of the Sustainable Tourism Network. The network aims to inspire, educate and support leaders in accelerating the transition of the tourism industry towards greater sustainability. The network promotes a holistic approach in which the tourism industry becomes part of the solution in a sustainable society.
Göteborg & Co’s sustainability-certified events
We aim to be a force for positive impact and change, a role model and a frontrunner, leading the way in what we do and in the areas within our control. Therefore, we ensure that all our own events are sustainability-certified:
Göteborgskalaset (Gothenburg’s City Festival)
Göteborgskalaset aims to contribute to and inspire positive development both in our city and on the planet we live on. The festival actively works with sustainability across all three dimensions: environmental, social and economic. Each year, the event is certified as a “Sustainable Event” by Greentime. Read more about Göteborgskalaset’s sustainability work here.
The International Science Festival
The International Science Festival aims to encourage sustainable thinking and sustainable action. The goal is to create accessible, creative and inclusive meeting places for academia, the business community and society. Read more about the International Science Festival’s sustainability work here.
Gothenburg’s 400th years anniversary
At its core, Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary was about building a city where dreams are realised, where those of us who live and work here feel a sense of belonging and connection, while also attracting more visitors. This is how we chose to celebrate our city together and make our mark on the world. Read more about Gothenburg’s 400th years anniversary’s sustainability work here.
