Stockholm, November 6, 2025 – Sustainability has become a cornerstone for companies seeking to attract long-term investor interest and deliver resilient growth. According to a global study by the University of Oxford, 80–89% of the world’s population supports stronger climate action—underscoring why sustainability remains a critical driver of valuation and long-term performance.
Since 2019, DNB Carnegie has recognized companies that excel in integrating sustainability into their business models through the DNB Carnegie Sustainability Award. The award aims to highlight businesses that create shareholder value, while inspiring others to adopt strategies that combine purpose with profitability.
This year’s winners—Atlas Copco, Marimekko and Norconsult—stand out by embedding sustainability into their core operations, demonstrating that responsible business practices can drive innovation, resilience, and financial success.
“Sustainability is no longer a differentiator—it’s a baseline. The companies that have fully integrated it into their core strategy are now leading the way, translating purpose into measurable growth and stronger investor confidence,” says Lena Österberg, Global Co-Head of Research and Sustainability Strategy at DNB Carnegie.
The winners 2025
Large cap: Atlas Copco Group
Atlas Copco Group’s activities concentrate on helping customers increase their productivity, energy efficiency, safety, and ergonomics. Its technologies are central to enabling a low-carbon society, especially in sectors such as vacuum systems for semiconductors and industrial compressors. These innovations help customers reduce energy consumption and emissions. One example of Atlas Copco Group’s ground-breaking technology is the variable speed drive oil-injected vacuum pump GHS VSD, which yields up to 50% energy savings compared to traditional fixed speed vacuum technologies. Atlas Copco Group exemplifies sustainability leadership through its deep integration of ESG across strategy, operations, and innovation. The company’s technologies enable a low-carbon society, and its commitment to circularity, biodiversity, and ethical governance sets it apart in the industrial sector.
Small cap: Marimekko
Marimekko is a Finnish textile and clothing design house renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and manufactures high-quality interior decoration items ranging from furnishing fabrics to tableware as well as clothing, bags and other accessories. Sustainability is integral to Marimekko’s design philosophy, which focuses on creating timeless, functional and durable products that customers retain rather than discard. Central to Marimekko’s approach is designing products that stand the test of time, thereby extending their lifecycle. The company prioritises high-quality, durable materials, with cotton being a staple, while also exploring new, versatile and sustainable materials. Marimekko also incorporates recycled materials, such as recycled cotton and wool, into its products to further enhance sustainability. This framework positions Marimekko as a leader in low-impact fashion.
Best newcomer: Norconsult
Norconsult delivers qualified technical consulting services throughout the client’s project chain, from feasibility studies, analyses and strategic planning to engineering, design and project management. The company has a holistic approach to its sustainability advisory, including it in every step in the process, making ESG a differentiator in public tenders and private development mandates. Norconsult benefits directly from regulatory and market-driven demand for sustainable infrastructure, positioning ESG as a revenue driver across the buildings, transport and energy segments. With revenue also tied to the green transition, it is embedded in early-stage project design where environmental footprint decisions are made – supporting pricing power and project influence. Norconsult’s integrated digital tools and energy optimisation expertise provide a competitive edge in EU Taxonomy-aligned procurement.
About the award:
DNB Carnegie Sustainability Award was established in 2019. The winners in three categories are chosen from among the ~500 listed companies covered by DNB Carnegie Research, representing approximately 95% of the stock market value in the Nordics, and the purpose is to highlight good examples of sustainable companies and to inspire others.
Previous winners:
| Large Cap | Mid Cap | Small Cap | |
| 2024 | UPM | Borregaard | engcon |
| 2023 | Novo Nordisk | AF Gruppen | Kempower |
| 2022 | SCA | Vaisala | OX2 |
| 2021 | Ørsted | Camurus | Pexip |
| 2020 | Neste | Scatec Solar | K2A |
| 2019 | Nibe | Thule | NCA |