New Funding for Constr:act Next Strengthens Collaboration Between MMTC/JIBS and Energikontor Norra Småland

MMTC members Carla Gonçalves Machado Opens in new window. and Sambit Lenka Opens in new window. are part of Constr Next, a newly funded initiative that will help the construction and real estate sector in Jönköping County reduce climate impact, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable ways of working.

Constr:act Next is led by Energikontor Norra Småland and builds on the successful CONSTR:ACT initiative, which brought together businesses, municipalities, academia, and regional stakeholders to address sustainability challenges in the built environment sector.

The new project has received approximately SEK 7.3 million in funding and aims to strengthen the sector's capacity to work with circularity, resource efficiency, and climate-smart solutions. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, the project will support organizations in adapting to new sustainability requirements while strengthening long-term competitiveness.

As the project's research and education partner, Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) will contribute research and knowledge development. Within the project, MMTC researchers Carla Gonçalves Machado and Sambit Lenka will focus on circular business models, sustainable supply chains, and practical approaches to implementing circular solutions. Their work will help translate research findings into tools and guidance that support businesses and public organizations in their sustainability transitions.

According to Linda Gladh, Project Manager at Energikontor Norra Småland, there is a growing need for practical support and collaboration across the sector:

"We see a growing need for knowledge, collaboration and concrete tools to help the construction and property sector transform. At the same time, there is great commitment in the industry and a desire to find solutions that both reduce climate impact and strengthen competitiveness."

The project is expected to generate new collaborations, strengthen knowledge exchange, and contribute to concrete changes in strategies, processes, and investments that support a more sustainable built environment.

Constr:act Next is primarily financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Region Jönköpings län, with additional support from municipalities and industry partners.