For the fourth year in a row, Dalarna Science Park has had its sustainability efforts verified in accordance with ISO 26000 without any findings. But the most important thing is not the verification itself, but what this work has done for us as an organization.
When we began working with ISO 26000, we were already doing a lot in the area of sustainability—both internally and for the companies and organizations we work with. The challenge was more about bringing structure to our work and improving our ability to follow up on it.
“We have extensive expertise in sustainability and have always been very active in this area. For us, it’s been more about establishing procedures and structure—being clearer about what we need to do, how we measure it, and how we follow up,” says Anna Torsgården, sustainability developer at Dalarna Science Park.
From a Sustainability Issue to a Management Issue
Over the past four years, ISO 26000 has become a more integral part of our operational management. This has been particularly valuable as Dalarna Science Park has grown during this time. At the end of 2024, we had 34 employees. During the verification year from April 2025 to April 2026, that number had increased to 45.
When more people are working together, clear procedures, work methods, assigned responsibilities, and follow-up are needed. In this regard, our work with ISO 26000 has helped us develop our structure in step with the organization.
“Sustainability efforts are now strategically managed by the executive team, because sustainability cannot be the responsibility of just one person. The executive team needs to be involved, drive these issues forward, and take ownership of the development. Today, ultimate responsibility lies with the CEO, and more people within the organization are involved in this work,” says Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park.
“The great thing is that our sustainability efforts don’t depend solely on me. There are many of us who contribute and take responsibility in our various roles every day. This broad commitment allows us to continue to grow and drive our work forward,” Anna Torsgården continues.
It should be possible to follow up on what we do
An important part of our work is being able to see whether we are actually moving in the right direction. Over the course of the year, the proportion of projects related to the circular economy has increased from 24 to 31 percent. At the same time, the share of the project budget allocated to these projects has increased from 41 to 49 percent.
This is evident, for example, in the Circular Industry Accelerator, Woolution, and the Swedish Wool Initiative.
“We do a lot, and sustainability is part of almost everything we do. For us, the question has really been how to keep track of it all. It’s been a great tool,” says Anna.
The work continues
This year’s re-verification was conducted by VERIFY Agency of Sweden AB and highlights both progress and areas for further development. Among other things, we need to continue working on the stakeholder analysis and on measurable goals and key performance indicators.
-“After four years, sustainability efforts have become a more integral part of how we manage and develop Dalarna Science Park. This is important for our own operations, but also when we support companies in their sustainable transition; ISO 26000 helps us make what we’re already doing more structured, clear, and easier to track. And next year, we’ll be able to see what has improved,” concludes Angelica Ekholm.
About VERIFY Agency
The verification of ISO 26000 has been done by VERIFY Agency. VERIFY Agency is the first company in the world to offer verification of ISO 26000 and the self-declaration linked to the standard.
VERIFY Agency is accredited by SWEDAC, which belongs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reports to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs.
Read the self-declaration and the VERIFY Agency's statement.
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