Nordward: Understanding value chains to increase biodiversity

Sweco’s latest Urban Insight report highlights the importance of biodiversity and provides practical recommendations to help businesses tackle the issue. Understanding your company’s activities and value chains is an important step in achieving more sustainable biodiversity management. A good example is the Nordward project, a Scandinavian company focused on buying and selling fresh fish, seafood, and Asian food products.

Nordward’s approach: SDGs as a compass

Nordward has been running a sustainability programme for several years based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on biodiversity under the themes ‘Life below Water’ and ‘Life on Land’. To manage and minimise the impact of their activities on biodiversity, Nordward has established several initiatives:

• Knowledge is power: KPIs related to fishing methods, such as the share of low-impact fisheries and regenerative seafood, are continuously monitored. This provides a clear picture of the impact on biodiversity and makes improvements possible over the years.
• Responsible purchasing: Suppliers must demonstrate that they meet strict quality and ecological requirements. Certificates confirming sustainable practices play a decisive role.
• Working together to promote recovery: Campaigns limit the catch of vulnerable species and allow populations to recover. Partnerships with organisations such as NaturSkansom and HRS help reduce invasive species and improve the ecological balance.

Preparing for CSRD

To be ready for CSRD reporting that takes effect in 2026, Sweco conducted a dual materiality analysis (DMA). The analysis helps Nordward identify its operational and financial risks and opportunities more effectively using a step-by-step and collaborative approach:

• Introductory sessions and a long list of potential topics and criteria.
• Definitions and scores for impact materiality on sustainability themes such as scale, scope, and probability.
• Treatment of financial materiality and scoring criteria such as cash flow, investments, and reputation.
• External stakeholder interviews and syntheses to obtain feedback and validate results.

Discover the five steps to enhance biodiversity as a company in the Urban Insight report.