EIB and Hemsö deepen cooperation to modernise climate-friendly schools, healthcare and public-service infrastructure

EIB and Hemsö deepen cooperation to modernise climate-friendly schools, healthcare and public-service infrastructure

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank has granted a €200 million loan to Hemsö Fastigheter to finance nine projects involving new and renovated energy-efficient public buildings across Sweden, Finland, and Germany, including schools, a health centre, an ice rink, and a regional police headquarters. The operation is fully aligned with EU climate objectives, with new buildings outperforming energy standards by over 40% and renovated schools cutting consumption by up to 50%, while also strengthening social infrastructure, security, and regional cohesion.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 3-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €200 million long-term loan to Hemsö Fastigheter, Sweden’s largest owner and developer of public-service properties, to finance the construction and refurbishment of energy-efficient public buildings in Sweden, Finland, and Germany. The financing forms part of the EIB’s broader efforts to support climate action, sustainable urban development, and the modernisation of essential social infrastructure across Europe.

The loan will support nine projects in total, including four newly built schools, a healthcare centre, a municipal ice rink, and a regional police headquarters, alongside the renovation of two existing school facilities. These investments respond to growing demand for modern public infrastructure, driven by ageing building stock and historic underinvestment, while significantly improving energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from public buildings.

All new developments financed under this operation will exceed national minimum energy-efficiency standards, achieving on average more than 40% better performance than regulatory benchmarks. Renovation works on existing schools are expected to cut energy consumption by up to 50%, contributing directly to the transition towards nearly Zero Energy Buildings by 2028, in line with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Pilar Solano, Director and Head of the Corporates Department at the European Investment Bank, said that investing in energy-efficient public buildings is a highly effective way to reduce emissions while strengthening essential services for communities. She highlighted that the operation supports climate objectives, social infrastructure, and public safety, ensuring that citizens benefit from modern schools, healthcare facilities, and secure public institutions.

The financing is fully aligned with the EIB’s Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability goals and also contributes to economic and social cohesion across the three countries. In addition, by financing a regional police headquarters in Sweden, the project supports the Bank’s security and defence priorities.

Nils Styf, Chief Executive Officer of Hemsö, welcomed the expanded cooperation with the EIB, noting that this is the first time the partnership covers three countries simultaneously. He said the loan strengthens Hemsö’s financing structure and enables continued investment in sustainable social infrastructure, consistent with both organisations’ long-term strategic priorities.

This transaction marks the third financing agreement between the EIB and Hemsö, following previous loans in 2018 and 2021 that supported the development of energy-efficient nursing homes and schools. The continued collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving public infrastructure while accelerating the transition to low-carbon buildings across Europe.

Background information  

Background information

The EIB Group 

The European Investment Bank (ElB) Group is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion of new financing for over 870 high-impact projects in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. All projects financed by the EIB Group are aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

Hemsö

Hemsö is Sweden’s leading private owner of public properties. The business is based on sustainably owning, managing and developing public properties for nursing homes, education, health care and the justice system. Hemsö has properties in Sweden, Germany and Finland. The hallmarks of Hemsö’s business are long-term rental agreements and stable tenants. The Third Swedish National Pension Fund is the majority owner. The total value of Hemsö’s property portfolio is SEK 86.9 billion. Hemsö has had a credit rating of A- from Standard & Poor’s since March 2015, AA- from Fitch Ratings since March 2024 and A3 from Moody’s since February 2025. More information can be found at: www.hemso.se

Media contact:
Thomas Eriksson
t.eriksson@ext.eib.org

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank