Our dedicated Nordic Sustainability Team plays an important role in managing NRC Group’s environmental and social impact while driving sustainable progress. They’re building a culture of sharing and learning across borders, supporting our strategy of becoming one team, one company - one NRC Group.
Meet the Team
Leading this effort is Katri Koivula, Head of Sustainability in NRC Group, alongside Dahir Khalid, Head of Sustainability and KMA, NRC Group Sweden, Diana Lopez Paulsen, Director of HSEQ and Sustainability, NRC Group Norway and Sanna Ström, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, NRC Group Finland —each bringing valuable expertise and passion to NRC Group’s sustainability journey. Together, they are shaping how we integrate sustainability into our operations and projects, working toward our ambitious 2028 goals.
To understand how NRC Group is translating its sustainability vision into action, we spoke with the team.
Katri, can you give us a brief overview of NRC Group’s sustainability strategy?
- Last year, we launched our new strategy, Formula One, and are now aligning sustainability efforts accordingly, she says. Our aim is bold: to go beyond reporting and compliance and explore innovative ways of operating—like circular economy models—that reduce our environmental and social impact. At the same time, we’re identifying areas where we have unique expertise and competitive advantage. Growth and profitability are key, but how we get there matters.
Katri Koivula, Head of Sustainability in NRC Group
Our Strategy and Direction
We’re developing a clear, business-integrated strategy with defined targets, KPIs, and responsibilities. Implementation will run through our country organizations and leadership teams to ensure its embedded across the Group.
Diana Lopez Paulsen is leading operational sustainability work and reporting in Norway.
What experience has helped you bring this strategy to life?
- With over 18 years in HSEQ, I’ve learned how essential it is to embed sustainability across the business. Leading strategy, reporting, and competence-building taught me to turn goals into action. My background in change and risk management helps shape a culture that’s both strategic and practical, says Diana.
Learning from Global Collaboration
With a background in sustainability leadership at Atlas Copco and active involvement in the UN Global Compact Network Sweden, Dahir brings valuable insights to NRC Group’s strategic direction
- These experiences have deepened my understanding of how to structure sustainability work around international principles. I’ve learned from how other companies tackle challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals, which helps strengthen our own approach, he says.
The biggest takeaway? Transparency and clear targets. Aligning with the UN principles improves our reporting, human rights focus, and climate strategy—while also inspiring stronger social sustainability in the communities we serve.
Building a Culture Around Sustainability
What’s essential to creating a strong sustainability culture at NRC Group?
Dahir: It comes down to clarity, engagement, and collaboration. Everyone should understand the goals and how they connect to the business. Passion and a shared sense of purpose drive engagement, while cross-functional collaboration makes sustainability part of daily decisions. Highlighting good examples and empowering people to lead change is key.
Diana: It can’t be a siloed effort—it must be embedded into our core processes. Strong collaboration across departments and a clear strategy are essential.
Katri: We’ve built a solid foundation, but this is a transformation - in mindset and action. A strong culture starts with clear communication. To embed sustainability, we need awareness, empowerment, and a shared language. Leadership plays a big role. It’s about defining what sustainability means for us - the NRC way. Our goal is clear: to be the most ambitious infra builder in the Nordics.
Sanna Ström emphasizes that sustainability must be part of every role- not just the sustainability team.
By collaborating across business areas, we find practical solutions that reduce negative impact and create positive change. Society expects more from us each day, and we’re committed to being on a learning journey—one that will give us long-term advantages.