EIB Signs €200M Loan with Hemsö to Boost Energy-Efficient Social Infrastructure

Pilar Solano, Director and Head of the Corporates Department at the European Investment Bank, highlighted the dual climate and social benefits of the investment.

 

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €200 million long-term loan with Hemsö Fastigheter, Sweden’s leading developer and owner of public-use properties, to support the construction and renovation of energy-efficient social infrastructure across Sweden, Finland and Germany.

The financing will support nine development projects, including the construction of four schools, one health centre, one municipal ice rink and one regional police headquarters, as well as the renovation of two existing schools. The investments are aimed at addressing growing demand for modern public infrastructure driven by ageing buildings and long-standing underinvestment, while significantly improving energy performance and reducing emissions from public buildings.

Driving Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction

All new buildings financed under the operation will exceed minimum legal energy-efficiency requirements, achieving on average more than 40 percent better energy performance than the applicable baseline. Renovated school buildings are expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent.

The projects directly support the transition towards Zero Energy Buildings by 2028, in line with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, reinforcing the European Union’s climate and energy objectives.

Aligning Climate Action with Social and Security Needs

Pilar Solano, Director and Head of the Corporates Department at the European Investment Bank, highlighted the dual climate and social benefits of the investment.

“Investing in energy-efficient public buildings is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions while strengthening essential services,” she said. “This operation supports climate action, social infrastructure and Europe’s security needs, while ensuring that communities have access to modern schools, healthcare facilities and safe public services.”

The project contributes fully to the EIB’s Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability objectives, while also supporting economic and social cohesion. In addition, it aligns with the Bank’s security and defence initiative through the financing of a regional police headquarters in Sweden.

Expanding EIB–Hemsö Partnership

Nils Styf, Chief Executive Officer of Hemsö, welcomed the expanded cooperation with the EIB.

“We are pleased to expand our cooperation with the European Investment Bank and, on this occasion, include three European countries,” he said. “The loan diversifies Hemsö’s financing and enables continued investments in sustainable social infrastructure, in line with the focus of both Hemsö and the EIB.”

This marks the third financing operation between the EIB and Hemsö, following earlier agreements signed in 2018 and 2021, which supported investments in energy-efficient nursing homes and schools.

Strengthening Europe’s Sustainable Public Infrastructure

The latest operation underscores the growing role of long-term public finance in modernising Europe’s social infrastructure while accelerating the green transition. By combining climate ambition with investments in education, healthcare and public safety, the EIB–Hemsö partnership highlights how sustainable infrastructure can deliver both environmental impact and social resilience across Europe.