Mini panel – environmental work by Coor’s customers

…is a Controller at Skanska AB.

Why is it important to work long term on environmental issues?
Because there’s only one Planet Earth. But as a Controller, I also see the financial benefits. A lot of people aren’t aware that most environmental measures also cut costs. So we get a double pay-off for our efforts. For example, we’ve banned bottled water, which has saved us a lot. Our transition to green power also proved to be a cost-saver. Ultimately, locally produced food will be cheaper for the whole of society. We offer job opportunities in our local environment, transport costs reduce and we get a better incentive to concentrate on our own infrastructure.

How do you work systematically and strategically on environmental issues?
We question every detail where we see an environmental impact, because this is part of our focus on becoming an example to the Swedish business community. How our employees feel, how we’re perceived by others, achieving our ethical goals and so on are important to us. To achieve this, we can leave no stone unturned.

What environmental standards to you currently set for your suppliers?
We’ve got an extensive environmental policy. If anyone wants to be a supplier, they have to agree to satisfy the stipulations of this lengthy document. It deals with everything from transportation to packaging, and the supplier itself must have an unequivocal environmental policy.

…is a Project Manager for the implementation of environmental management systems for DNV in Norway.

Why is it important to work long term on environmental issues?
The DNV Foundation works on safeguarding lives, property and the environment, which has been our foundation for 145 years. In a world of increasing human impact on the environment, monitoring the environmental impact of private individuals and corporations is increasingly important. It’s good that in recent years, the environment has become important to industry and commerce, and not merely something left to private individuals. We want to contribute to greater environmental consideration and will be constantly developing and improving in this segment.

How do you work systematically and strategically on environmental issues?
There are three main areas where we can contribute to a better environment.

• Through our services, we can help customers to alleviate their environmental impact. This is where we can offer the greatest benefit, and it’s a growth segment for DNV.
• By offering information and financial support, we can ensure that our 8,500 employees and their families worldwide reduce their environmental impact every day, even outside working-hours
• By finding beneficial and environmental solutions day to day at the office and beyond, we can ensure that the impact of our office work, travel and other activities is minimised. This is where Coor helps us, through channels including cutting energy consumption in buildings and finding positive waste management solutions.

What environmental standards to you currently set for your suppliers?
In the environmental sphere, DNV currently focuses mainly on energy, waste, travel and monitoring subcontractors. We demand that our suppliers have an internal control system that also covers the external environment. But we do not demand ISO certification, because it’s not necessarily suitable for smaller suppliers. All contractors that work for DNV should get an introduction in relevant environmental standards like waste routines, reporting and accountability. We prefer environmentally labelled products, where available. This applies especially to detergents. We will also buy green power when we sign up for new contracts.