Nordic Innovation in Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

Join us for an exclusive evening exploring Nordic Innovation in Sustainability & Energy Efficiency, hosted by the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota in partnership with IKEA.

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Nordic leaders will share real-world solutions in sustainability and energy efficiency, followed by networking with industry professionals. This engaging evening will bring together business leaders, industry experts, and professionals from across sectors to explore how Nordic companies are translating ambitious sustainability goals into practical, real-world impact.

The Nordic approach to sustainability combines pragmatic design, technological innovation, and long-term responsibility. Through this lens, the event will highlight how organizations are advancing energy efficiency, accelerating the clean energy transition, and driving measurable change across industries.

A featured panel discussion will include:

Dr. Margaret Cherne-Hendrick, Fresh Energy – Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Energy, with expertise in climate science and energy policy. She leads efforts advancing equitable clean energy solutions and has worked with organizations including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Conservation Law Foundation.

Sanjay Kumar, IKEA – A seasoned retail executive with over two decades of leadership experience, focused on sustainability, community engagement, and the future of work, with a background at IKEA, Target, and Walmart.

Kjell H. Stroem, Danfoss Drives – Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, leading global efforts in energy-efficient technologies and advocating for scalable emissions reduction through energy efficiency.

James Bohn, FVB Energy – Principal and Minneapolis Office Director, specializing in district energy systems, decarbonization strategies, and low-carbon energy solutions for cities and institutions.

Topics will range from circular business models and renewable energy integration to district energy systems and policy-driven innovation.

The discussion will also emphasize the importance of collaboration between the private sector, policymakers, and communities in achieving scalable and lasting impact. Panelists will share concrete examples of how sustainability strategies can be effectively implemented across different sectors.

The event will be moderated by Veronika Torarp, Partner at PwC and SACC-MN Board Member, bringing deep expertise in sustainability and strategic leadership.

Following the panel, attendees will participate in a networking session designed to foster meaningful connections and continued dialogue among professionals committed to advancing sustainable solutions.

This event highlights the strength of Nordic-American collaboration and reinforces the role of innovation, leadership, and partnership in shaping a more sustainable future.