Skanska & the Supply Chain Sustainability School's Expansion

The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) is not your average school.

It brings together clients, contractors and suppliers and trains them to better understand the complexities of supply chain management.

And, as its name suggests, it teaches its students how to manage supply chains sustainably.

The School has made some pretty significant achievements since its inception in 2012, including training over 137,000 individuals and collaborating with upwards of 30,000 companies in the UK, Ireland and Australia.

Now, Skanska USA, a key figure in global construction and development, is bringing this pioneering sustainability school in the US.

It's a move which highlights Skanska's dedication to environmentalism and supplier diversity, whilst also providing stateside professionals with the opportunity to learn from industry experts in a wholly new way.

Driving sustainability in construction

So, what exactly might a student of the SCSS expect to be taught?

Well, challenges such as energy and carbon management, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, sustainability reporting and supplier diversity are all on the curriculum.

And what about the leadership of the School?

The strategic direction at the SCSS is moulded by its board, which is made up of selected representatives from its founding partners, who oversee everything from philosophy to finance.

Operational transparency and ethical conduct are an important part of this project too.

Each and every partner must adhere to a strictly enforced Code of Ethics, as stipulated in the school's constitution. In this ecosystem, dedicated leadership groups meticulously guide the school’s initiatives and its content.

For Skanska, a founding partner of the project, the connection with the SCSS is an important step towards addressing the enduring issues sustainability in the construction sector.

"Partnering with the Supply Chain Sustainability School was a natural fit as Skanska aims to make the construction industry more sustainable," says Myrrh Caplan, Senior Vice President of Sustainability for Skanska USA Building.

"This new resource will provide individuals and businesses with essential resources and educational materials to support their understanding of sustainability strategies that can help scale their business while meeting regulations.

"We are committed to advancing sustainability alongside other school partners, establishing new industry standards and strengthening the skills of our workforce."

Resources for industry professionals

For Skanska and the SCSS, expanding to the US market represents a huge possibility.

With this kind of programme, individuals and company members have the opportunity to access hundreds of accredited online training sessions and other crucial e-learning tools freely, which is the kind of resource that could help revolutionise US industry.

These resources bolster both personal and corporate capability to better align with the progressive sustainability requisites.

What's more, participating companies are encouraged to partner with the School, thereby assuming an active role in sculpting the initiative's future in the US market by working alongside fellow industry leaders to develop relevant content and learning paths.

Skanska's commitment to supply chain sustainability

With a legacy spanning over 135 years and a presence across the Nordics, Europe, and the US, Skanska is counted among the largest global players in construction and development, with a robust regional presence in New York City and 28 other offices across the nation.

In 2023, Skanska’s construction ventures in the US alone generated revenues worth US$7.1bn, with investments in commercial and multi-family development projects reaching US$4.6bn.

Globally, Skanska utilises the expertise of its 27,000 employees, including 6,500 based in the US, to deliver innovative solutions that prioritise sustainability and ensure long-standing benefits for communities.

By forming this alliance with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Skanska reinforces its commitment to spearheading sustainability within the construction sector.

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