Since the IPO in 2016, the acquisition strategy has been strongly focused on sustainable building solutions, including wood based prefabricated elements (Taasinge Elementer, RVT, Ugilt, LV Elements, Seikat), green infrastructure (Vegtech, Urban Green) and solar panels (Playgreen).
The actual sustainability work takes primarily place on a national level by the subsidiaries that are closest to the market with a proactive offer for regional preferences. Policies such as code of conduct and whistleblower policy have been developed at Group level.
The Group signed the UN Global Compact in 2012. A specific code of conduct for suppliers has been established based on the UN Global Compact.
SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS
Group-wide sustainability targets were decided in 2021. To make the starting point more complete, the data collection process for the sustainability goals from 2021 has become significantly more systematic for all operations. The comparability with previous years may therefore differ. Another factor that complicates comparability between the years is the incorporation of acquired companies.
Fully carbon dioxide neutral
Nordic Waterproofing must be completely carbon dioxide neutral within scope 1 & 2 in 2030 and completely carbon dioxide neutral within scope 1-3 in 2050.
All waste recycled in 2030
Nordic Waterproofing will recycle all self-generated waste to keep 100 percent of the products’ CO2 in the life cycle. No waste will go to landfill in 2030. The waste will be converted into a resource by finding recycling methods to keep CO2 in the product (eg road paving and filling, sound absorber). The outcome of the targets is reported in the Business concept, goals and strategies.
THE VALUE CHAIN IS CENTRAL TO THE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
To contribute to a higher degree of sustainability, in both new construction as well as renovation, focus is placed on the Group’s value chain, sourcing, production, application and maintenance. The work is focused on reducing the footprint of CO2 and material consumption at all levels.
The importance of documented life cycle analyzes is increasing for the customers. The number of products will continuously increase with documentation of EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) or environmental certification systems such as DGNB or BREEAM. The target is that 85 percent of our offer will be covered by environmental declarations and/ or EPD.
MATERIALITY ANALYSIS CARRIED OUT IN DENMARK
Denmark is the first country to have conducted a stakeholder dialogue and a materiality analysis. Other countries are in the process. The next step is to make an aggregated materiality analysis for the Group. This will form the basis for even more goal-oriented sustainability work. Other main markets intend to do the same work.
THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The Group signed the UN Global Compact in 2012.
The UN’s goals in Agenda 2030 are clear and constitute a useful framework for meeting the global challenges and have a major impact on the society. At the same time, the goals are a driving force for innovations and business opportunities in sustainability.
Private and public organizations play an important role. The business community is expected to contribute with responsible business, transparent reporting of its own goals and achieved results, but above all and to develop and offer products and services that contribute to a sustainable development.
Nordic Waterproofing supports and contributes to several of the UN’s sustainability goals. The Group has chosen to give special priority to five of these goals. The business is judged to have the greatest opportunity to contribute to the following relevant sub-goals:
4 Quality education
5 Gender equality
5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership
9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure
11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
11.5 Mitigate the negative effects of natural disasters
11.6 Reducing the environmental impact of cities
11.7 Create safe and inclusive green areas for all
12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
12.2 Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.4 Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle
12.5 Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
13 Combat climate change and its impacts
13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
The Group’s code of conduct is based on the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and are expected to be followed by the subsidiaries. The policy covers human rights, labor law, the environment and anti-corruption. A specific code of conduct for suppliers has been established, which is also based on the UN Global Compact.
