What the UK can learn from Scandinavian sustainability - 5 great green practices

Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland – consistently rank among the most sustainable nations. From green energy infrastructure to cultural mindsets aligned with environmental conservation, Scandinavia’s approach to sustainability offers invaluable lessons for the UK. 

Mark Hall, waste expert and co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uk, has done a deep dive into the four countries’ sustainable cultures and shared five great green practices that the UK could adopt.

1. Renewable Energy Leadership

Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of renewable energy. Norway generates nearly 98% of its electricity from hydropower, while Denmark is a global leader in wind energy as turbines supply more than 40% of the country’s electricity. Sweden’s reliance on renewable energy is complemented by nuclear power, achieving one of the lowest per-capita carbon footprints in Europe.

Lesson for the UK: The UK is making strides with wind energy, but integrating other renewable sources, such as hydropower and solar energy, could improve resilience and energy independence. Investment in renewable infrastructure, along with public-private partnerships and incentives, could fast-track the UK’s transition towards a fully renewable grid.

2. Efficient Public Transport Systems

Public transport in Scandinavia is efficient, eco-friendly, and prioritised by local governments. In cities like Copenhagen and Stockholm, cycling infrastructure is world-class, reducing car dependency and emissions. Norway’s electric vehicle (EV) incentives have driven EVs to account for over half of new car sales, making urban transport cleaner and quieter.

Lesson for the UK: While the UK has made commitments to decarbonise transport, it can further promote EV use with more charging infrastructure and tax incentives. Developing extensive bike networks in major UK cities and incentivising public transport use could also reduce urban emissions and encourage healthier lifestyles.

3. Green Building and Architecture

Scandinavia has embraced sustainable building standards, with cities like Stockholm leading in green construction. Buildings are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring smart insulation, green roofs, and passive heating and cooling techniques. Copenhagen uses district heating systems that recycle waste heat, reducing energy demands and carbon output significantly.

Lesson for the UK: The UK should adopt Scandinavian green building standards by promoting policies that incentivise sustainable construction methods, retrofitting older buildings, and supporting energy-efficient renovations. Expanding district heating systems and encouraging green roofing could greatly benefit urban centres across the UK.

4. Waste Management and the Circular Economy

The Scandinavian model of waste management prioritises recycling, waste-to-energy conversion, and circular economic practices. Sweden recycles nearly 99% of household waste, with much of the rest converted into energy.

Denmark’s waste-to-energy plants provide power and heating for thousands of homes. Finland is a pioneer in the circular economy, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources by designing products meant to be reused and recycled.

Lesson for the UK: The UK’s landfill reliance could significantly reduce by investing in waste-to-energy plants and adopting a circular economy model. Encouraging product design that prioritises repair, recycling, and resource conservation would lower waste and create a more sustainable consumer culture.

5. Sustainable Food Production and Consumption

Sustainable food production and consumption are core values in Scandinavia. Norway and Sweden promote organic farming, while Denmark is a world leader in organic food consumption. Urban farming, community-supported agriculture, and low meat consumption are culturally supported, aligning public health with environmental sustainability.

Lesson for the UK: The UK could accelerate its sustainable food efforts by supporting organic farmers, promoting plant-based diets, and encouraging local food production. Initiatives for urban farming in cities could make healthy and sustainable produce more accessible to urban populations, reducing food miles and fostering food security.

Mark comments: “The Scandinavian model demonstrates that building a culture around environmental priorities—where renewables, efficient transport, and circularity are foundational values—delivers long-term benefits. For the UK, aligning policies with these ideals can reduce carbon footprints and enhance resilience. It’s not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about embedding sustainability into the national ethos.”