KLINGER Finland has earned significant recognition for its overall business responsibility by receiving a bronze-level medal from the international EcoVadis network. EcoVadis is a globally recognized assessment organization that evaluates companies’ environmental, social, and ethical practices, as well as the sustainability of their supply chains.
EcoVadis measures company performance in four main areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. KLINGER Finland has demonstrated excellent performance in these areas. This long-term effort has now been rewarded with a bronze medal. This achievement places KLINGER Finland among the top 35% of the over 130,000 companies assessed. It also positions the company as one of the leading players in sustainability within its industry.
EcoVadis assessments are becoming increasingly important, as 91% of companies consider sustainability criteria when making purchasing decisions. The recognition received by KLINGER Finland reflects the company’s current performance. It also strengthens its market position and enhances customer relationships.
“We are proud that EcoVadis has recognized our efforts and awarded us this esteemed medal. It is a testament to our long-term and active commitment to environmental considerations, improving employee well-being and safety, and maintaining ethical practices in all our operations,” says Niina Berner, Quality Engineer at KLINGER Finland.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at KLINGER Finland Oy
KLINGER Finland Oy is committed to responsible business practices. These encompass economic, environmental, and social responsibility and are based on sustainable development principles. As proof of responsible operations, KLINGER Finland operates a management system based on the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management, and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety standards. Additionally, KLINGER Finland participates in the Energy Efficiency Agreements 2017-2025 program.
Promoting sustainable development is a key part of KLINGER Finland’s strategy. The company continuously seeks to improve its sustainability. It also aligns its operations with sustainable development principles both domestically and internationally. KLINGER Finland believes that companies addressing sustainability challenges will succeed. They also bring long-term value and well-being to their stakeholders and society at large. On this basis, KLINGER Finland also requires its stakeholders and suppliers to adhere to sustainability principles and internationally recognized guidelines, such as the UN Global Compact, the ILO’s core labor standards, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Continuous Improvement and Future Plans
KLINGER Finland actively monitors the environmental impact of its operations. The company continually strives to reduce it. The company’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in its operational practices and energy efficiency initiatives. KLINGER Finland continuously improves its environmental systems and encourages its employees to act responsibly toward the environment through communication and training.
The company has also implemented several upgrades to reduce its environmental impact. KLINGER Finland’s long-term work to minimize environmental strain has resulted in most of its waste being utilized either as raw materials or energy. Hazardous waste is sorted separately, and its volume has been decreasing.
KLINGER Finland’s energy consumption is divided into three main categories: electricity, district heating, and fuels. For years, the company has sourced its electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Steps have been taken toward CO2-free district heating, and the vehicle fleet is being updated toward fully electric mobility. Currently, there are 14 charging stations for electric vehicles at the company premises, with plans to add more as needed.
Reorganization of Facilities Boosts Energy Savings
KLINGER Finland is committed to the Motiva Energy Efficiency Agreement and aims to reduce its total energy consumption by at least 7.5% by the end of 2025. The savings target was achieved and exceeded halfway through the agreement period. This was made possible through significant energy efficiency improvements during the reorganization of warehouse spaces in 2022.
The major changes involved replacing old fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures. LED lighting not only consumes significantly less electricity but also improves lighting quality in high-storage areas. The lighting control was automated with motion sensors. When no movement is detected, the light intensity drops to one percent of its normal level.
Energy Efficiency Improvements Throughout the Facilities
During the reorganization of warehouse spaces, insulation of the building was also improved. Additional insulation was added to the walls. The windows were replaced with more energy-efficient models. These improvements reduced drafts and enhanced workplace comfort. Significant energy efficiency investments were also made. The old district heating heat exchanger was replaced, and the building’s automated ventilation and heating controls were updated. Additionally, waste heat from the compressor room is recovered and utilized for heating the building, and electric heaters and blowers were replaced with energy-efficient air heat pumps.
Monitoring Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint
KLINGER Finland also participated in the national “One Degree Lower” campaign. Indoor temperatures were reduced to around 21 degrees Celsius. This resulted in a net reduction of approximately seven percent in district heating consumption.
KLINGER Finland monitors its energy consumption and carbon footprint at SCOPE 1-2 levels quarterly. CO2 emissions and energy consumption have been part of the company’s metrics for years. The carbon footprint also accounts for emissions from goods transport and business travel. In the near future, the goal is to collect data at the SCOPE 3 level.
Founded in 2007, EcoVadis is one of the world’s largest providers of sustainability assessments, evaluating companies from over 200 industries across more than 175 countries. The assessment is based on a questionnaire completed by the company. It also includes extensive documentation analyzed by EcoVadis. The methods are based on international sustainability standards, such as the GRI guidelines (Global Reporting Initiative), the UN Global Compact, and the ISO 26000 standard. The independent assessment is overseen by an international scientific committee.
