In 2018, the construction sector in Sweden accounted for an emission of 17.7 million ton carbon dioxide equivalents, which corresponds to 21 percent of Sweden's total greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions have a negative effect on the climate due to global warming of the planet. Due to the negative climate impact from the construction sector, a climate law was introduced in 2018, which aimed for the government to present a climate report in the budget bill with the Climate Act. A roadmap was also established and created for the construction and civil engineering sector, which includes various goals for achieving a climate-neutral industry by 2045.This study aimed to investigate how the construction industry works to reach the climate law and the Paris Agreement and to become climate neutral in 2045. The purpose of the study was also to examine how the construction industry works today and what is required in the future to reduce the use of fossil materials and transport, and what obstacles exist. The data collection was obtained through five structured interviews from four construction companies, each of which manufactures construction machinery. The answers were then analyzed and compared, and finally compiled into three different areas, materials, transport, and design.According to the interviews, the companies work in different ways regarding materials and transport. They focus on both production and method changes to reduce climate impact during the process. At the same time, the constructions are optimized and changed by reducing the fossil materials because they have a high climate impact. The companies work continuously to use more fossil free fuels for the transportation to the construction site as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO100) and demand that they be used within the company, but also by suppliers and subcontractors.It is noticeable that the companies have different working methods regarding materials, transport, and design to achieve the climate goals and the Paris Agreement. At the same time, some of the work to reduce the climate footprint from the construction industry is very similar between the companies. A common factor for companies is that they mention that the customer's choice of construction is of great importance for how low or high the climate footprint of a building will ultimately be. The companies also set requirements internally in the company where they consider themselves able to influence the climate footprint by using materials with Life Cycle Analyzes (LCA), set requirements for suppliers and build under their own auspices so as not to be affected by the customer's choice of materials in buildings. The study covers companies' working methods with regards to the climate footprint and describes the obstacles that exist to achieving them.

Introduction – This study examines the environmental certification NollCO2, which manages and sets requirements for a building's carbon dioxide emissions during its life cycle. Emissions of carbon dioxide are one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. This affect opportunities to achieve national and global climate goal. By building according to the requirement of net zero carbon dioxide emissions, the climate impact from the construction sector can be reduced and greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden decrease. Method – The survey is a two-case study of the pilot projects Hyllie Terrass in Malmö and the Lidl store outside Visby, two of the first climate-neutral buildings with NollCO2 certification. The study has a qualitative approach, and the empirical data is collected with the help of semi-structured interviews and an in-depth literature search. Results / Analysis – The results of the study showed that the NollCO2 certification is about reducing carbon dioxide emissions with a focus on the climate issue. Each new NollCO2 project contributes to a reduced amount of carbon dioxide emissions. The certification differs from the other certifications by setting a CO2 budget in line with the climate goal. An obstacle that exists when implementing the NollCO2 certification is that the production cost increases. Meeting the CO2 budget set by Sweden Green Building Council is also a challenge. The certification is completely new in its kind, which created doubts about feasibility and untested methods. There is also a risk when the design work is to be handed over to the construction contract that decisive choices may be affected. Some property owners find that the certification process is lengthy and advanced, due to structural and technical barriers. There can also be problems with profitability for property owners where higher certification ratings outweigh the actual climate impact. There is also criticism that the certification is called zero, as carbon dioxide emissions in practice do not end up at net zero. Sweden is far ahead in the development towards carbon-neutral construction because of the environment and nature being deeply rooted in the culture and history that the country has. The Nordic region has a goal to be the world's most sustainable integrated region by 2030, which will accelerate development. Commitment to building more carbon dioxide-efficient indicates a widespread international interest in the industry for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Discussion – Based on the study, it is stated that the certification NollCO2 sets requirements for construction projects to build with less climate impact. The certification is the only existing tool to demonstrate a reduced climate impact. It is not possible to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions today, but the measures of the certification are efforts to achieve the environmental goals. By using and developing the NollCO2 certification, the conditions will be improved. To gain more commitment, more demands are needed from authorities and organizations. There are requirements when it comes to energy, but climate requirements are also needed. If Sweden continues to take the lead, the country will set a good example that can spread knowledge and tools for climate grazing in other countries. Keywords: NollCO2 certification, climate-neutral construction, environmental certification, carbon dioxide emissions, SGBC