Annual and Sustainability Report 2020

A challenging year

People were hit hard by the pandemic, both personally and financially. However, the year also showed that society can adapt when it’s really needed. Many people worked from home, enjoyed staycations, and spent time outdoors in ways they never had before. Air travel decreased, consumption fell, and increasing numbers of people moved out of the cities. Parallels can be drawn to the transition needed to cope with the acute climate crisis and other sustainability challenges.

Despite a tough and challenging year in many ways, we were still able to sum it up with many new assignments, competition wins, international successes and a positive result.

Together for a Sustainable Future

In order for society to achieve global and national sustainability goals, it is crucial to strengthen collaboration within and between industries and across nations. That is the essence of the global goal 17. In our Annual and Sustainability Report for 2020, we therefore have an extra focus on projects where collaboration, clear goals and courage have been crucial to take steps in a more sustainable direction.

We are convinced that with sustainability as a driving force, together we can create long-term values for the project, society and the planet.

Our 2020 in short

Valuable Urban Spaces

Cities should strive for being equal, safe, and inclusive. Their design is crucial for human health and quality of life. Meanwhile, the pressure on ecosystems is strained and the impact of climate change is already evident in many places. Conse­quently, the design of urban public environments is of crucial importance for how sustainable a city can actually be, environ­mentally, socially, and economically.

Read more about our work with sustainable architecture

Towards a Circular, Climate-Neutral Future

The effects of climate change are already evident, and global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced rapidly to ensure a living planet and sustainable life for future generations. Meanwhile, biodiversity is under threat and the exploitation of the planet’s resources is far beyond what it can sustain. A radical transition is needed now! Our roadmap for a climate-positive future shows the direction in which White will contribute to this transition by 2030.

To our Roadmap

Equal Environments for Diverse People

An equal society is based on the principle of equal rights and opportunities for all regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or age. Cities and buildings are for all people, but then they also need to be designed for many different needs. It is a democratic right.

By involving the users in the planning and design process, we gain better knowledge and it strengthens the feeling of participation and ownership for those who will use the environments.

Read more about our work with co-creation and social sustainability

Research and Innovation that Drives Development

One of White’s business goals is to push boundaries. New knowledge, research and innovations are the basis for including and influencing society. In 2020, a new R&D program was launched. We also established our new White Innovation Lab, which will bring development projects and ideas into new business offerings. The focus for our R&D is Informed Design, which will contribute to the development of healthy, inclusive environments as well as circular and climate-positive architecture.

Read the programme