Miljöhänsynen

Miljöhänsynen, literally environmental consideration, is a guiding principle in Swedish policy and administration that decisions should take environmental impacts into account alongside economic and social factors. The concept is applied across public planning, procurement, and corporate governance, with an emphasis on choosing environmentally sound options whenever feasible.

In practice, miljöhänsynen is supported by legislation and policy instruments in Sweden. The Environmental Code (Miljöbalken), the Planning and Building Act (Plan- och bygglagen), and related regulations require authorities to assess environmental effects and to pursue sustainable development. Tools such as environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environmental assessments (SEA) are commonly used in planning processes. In procurement, public authorities are encouraged to consider life-cycle environmental performance, resource efficiency, and emissions, thereby influencing contractor selection and contract design.

Implementation varies by sector and local governance, and the principle can be challenged by competing interests and budget or deadline constraints. Some critics worry about measurement difficulties or uneven application, while supporters view miljöhänsynen as essential for long-term sustainability, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection. It is closely linked to broader concepts of sustainable development and serves as a norm for how authorities and businesses weigh environmental outcomes in decision-making.