The Great Switch

Can a global company grow at record speed and still aim for zero environmental impact?   In this episode, Dorethe Nielsen, Vice President of Corporate Environmental Sustainability at Novo Nordisk, shares how one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies is working to decouple growth from environmental impact. From securing renewable power across global production sites to rethinking plastics, chemicals and suppliers across the entire value chain, she explains how the company’s Circular for Zero strategy is turning ambition into action.   It’s an honest conversation about scaling responsibly in a fast-growing, highly regulated industry and the leadership, partnerships and long-term thinking required to drive real change while meeting rising global demand.

How do you build data centers that can meet AI-scale demand without letting energy use and climate impact spiral? In this episode, Peter Michelson, CEO at EcoDataCenter, explores solutions like reusing excess heat and timber-built data centers, and the role of permits, policy, and speed in scaling. It’s an honest look at AI’s surging energy needs and why Sweden could lose its edge if momentum doesn’t accelerate. Peter also shares what leaders should do now to embrace change, build strong ecosystems, and future-proof their businesses.

How do you optimize 600 school buildings with AI - and get measurable results? Niklas Dalgrip from SISAB shares how digitalization, upskilling, and a focused data strategy drive energy savings, smarter operations, and improved learning environments.

Can the wind industry really go carbon neutral? Lisa Ekstrand, VP and Head of Sustainability at Vestas, talks about the bold goals, tough realities, and powerful innovations driving their decarbonization journey. From low-emission steel to breakthrough blade recycling, discover how one of the world’s wind pioneers is rethinking sustainability at scale.

What does it take to build energy-positive buildings by 2050? Harald Nikolaisen, CEO of Statsbygg, shares how Norway’s government developer uses digital twins, AI, and smart methods to cut emissions and redefine the future of construction. You can find related content and more information about the episode here.