environmental business can thrive in all sectors

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Environmental business can thrive in all sectors Esimerkkejä Ympäristöliiketoiminnasta Examples of environmental business

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Page 1: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Environmental business can thrive in

all sectors

Esimerkkejä Ympäristöliiketoiminnasta

Examplesof environmental business

Page 2: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

”We must make the act of saving the world a viable business model.”

”Co-operation is strength.”

”There is no business to be done on a dead planet.”

Esko Aho

Piia Nurmi, Group Leader, Sustainable development and Corporate Responsibility,

Turku University of Applied Sciences

David Brower, Patagonia

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Page 3: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Environmental business is viable business

This brochure aims to give you an under-standing of what environmental business can be and what it already is. Furthermo-re, we set out to provide examples of the sort of benefits companies can gain by taking environmental considerations into account across all their operations. Abo-ve all, this brochure is designed to be as practical and useful as possible. We want to provide an accessible yet inspiring rea-ding experience, for entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in particular.

Environmental business is expected to become one of the fastest growing in-dustries in the world. The environmental business sector will be offering a range of huge opportunities based on both new insights and conscious decision-making that will allow you to improve your busi-ness performance while making efficient use of natural resources and reducing the burden on the environment. Here, envi-ronmental know-how is not seen merely as a prevailing trend but as a series of practical actions that may prove highly significant in the future. The choices we make and the solutions we adopt can have a direct impact on both the health of our environment and the development of our businesses, whilst offering positive outcomes for both. Environmental busi-ness is both economically and ecologically viable.

This brochure was compiled as part of the eGreenNet project in cooperation with companies that have been innova-tors in the environmental business sector and who wish to promote environmen-tal know-how by acting as an example and case study for others. The aim of the brochure is to offer an introductory glimp-se into the world of environmental busi-ness and environmental know-how and to help remove any barriers that may cur-rently prevent you from considering the environmental competencies within your own company as well as the opportunities available to you in the environmental bu-siness industry.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate get in touch.

Piia NurmiProject Manager

+358 40 355 [email protected]

Jenni SuominenProject Co-ordinator

+358 40 355 [email protected]

Authors: Essi Hillgren, Ria Jussilainen, Jenni Suominen, Piia Nurmi, Nina Aarras, Jaani Kuusela, Tiina Jaatinen

References: www.ymparistoosaaminen.fi; Taipalinen & Toivio 2004, 15; Sarkkinen 2006; Suominen 2010; eGreenNet-project

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Page 4: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Encouraging staff, partners and clients to adopt

environmentally friendly working practices

Reducing and making more efficient use of

materials, energy and water

Taking account of the environmental impact of goods and services across their entire life

cycle

Carrying out environmental assessments on their suppliers

and stakeholders

Designing environmentally friendly products and production

processesChoosing

environmentally friendly products and services

Consistently taking environmental

considerations into account in their

activities

Reducing waste by recycling and re-using

Generating innovations

SMEs can act with environmental

conscience by:

What is environmental know-how?

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Page 5: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

SMEs can act with environmental

conscience by: Environmental know-how within the bu-siness sector includes activities that:

• conserve natural resources for future generations• protect environmental diversity• encourage consumers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices through example setting and provide accurate and up-to-date information on the issue.

Environmental know-how should not just be seen as a current trend but as a series of actions that can continue to have an impact far into the future.

In order to fully implement environmen-tal responsibility policies, businesses must possess environmental know-how that allows them to protect ecological diversity, make efficient use of natural

resources and develop production met-hods and processes that are as eco-fri-endly as possible and help to slow down climate change.

At its best, environmental know-how is more than just a series of minor actions implemented by businesses to create an environmentally responsible reputa-tion for themselves and their activities. The choices we make and solutions we adopt can have a direct impact on both the health of our environment and the development of our businesses, whilst offering positive outcomes for both. Ul-timately, carefully drafted and actioned environmental activities will benefit bu-sinesses and the environment alike.

Environmental know-how must be a ful-ly integrated part of the business plan, product or service.

What is environmental know-how?

Environmental business

Company implements environmentally relevant know-how across all of its

activities

Company supports and facilitates other businesses’

efforts to achieve environmental know-how

References: Taipalinen & Toivio 2004, 15.; Sarkkinen 2006; Suominen 2010.; eGreenNet-project

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Page 6: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

The wider definition of environmental business comprises all investments and products relating to the climate, waste management, clean energy, energy effi-ciency and energy saving. Environmental business can be practised across all in-dustries.

The key elements

• The prevention, mitigation, removal and repair of negative environmental ef-fects• Supporting activities, including training, research, consulting, funding, benchmar-king, monitoring and certification• The business can be based on systems, machinery, equipment, products and ser-vices

• Environmental business can be con-ducted across all industries• Awareness of both business objectives and sustainability considerations• The business must be economically viable

Environmental business aims to reduce the use of natural resources, limit pollu-tion, prevent waste and emissions and reduce risks associated with environmen-tal accidents.

Environmental business is practisced by enterprises that make use of environ-mental know-how in their own activities or enable others to do so.

What is environmental business

Ecodemand is a form of market demand

generated by the need to prevent

or slow down environmental pollution

or the depletion of natural resources.

Environmental business capitalises on commercial opportunities

arising through ecodemand.

References: Hernesniemi & Sundquist 2007.; eGreenNet-project

Examples of environmental business

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Page 7: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Examples of environmental business

Saving and carefully selecting

energy sources and raw materials

Reducing waste and emissions

Advisory and consultancy

services

Benchmarking, forward planning and

monitoring

Recycling and re-use

Containment and clean-up of contaminants,

de-contamination

Sustainable products and services

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activities include

Page 8: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

The eGreenNet business plan development is designed to help companies identify their potential within the environmental business sector and to develop their activi-ties. The business plan development fee is EUR 150. For an idea of how the business plan is put together, see below:

Contact information:Piia Nurmi

Project Manager +358 40 355 0931

[email protected] So don’t set out to achieve everything at once.

First steps: draw up a development plan!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The development plan will be reviewed together

with the company“Matching” – where relevant, the company will get help for

establishing links with suitable partners and other

contacts to allow the company to implement

the business plan.

Develop a clear picture of the circumstances of the company in full

consultation with the company

Draw up a plan of the competitive

advantages of the company

Hold a one-day intensive consultation event

attended by two or three experts

The development plan will be sparred with a relevant

expert organisation

6.

Even the smallest step can be a huge leap forward.

Let’s take it one step at a time!

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Page 9: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

First steps: draw up a development plan!

“Green choices deliver financial savings.”

“A commitment to environmental sustainability is a key characteristic

“All environmental business starts with one good idea – yours, but don’t forget to listen to other people’s opinions too. You might find you’re not an expert in every

single field.”

Kimmo Lähtinen, K-Supermarket, Lieto

Harri Kerminen, Kemira Ltd

Aki Honkanen, Biota Tech Ltd

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shared by all successful businesses.”

Page 10: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Environmental business in pictures (pictures: eGreenNet)

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Page 11: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

”The project has given answers to many questions, helped

us make connections with other businesses and inspired us to give

broader consideration to how we can communicate environmental

issues going forward.”

”For us, taking part in the material efficiency assessment was a no-brainer, as sustainability has been a key Flowpark

value from the very beginning and we aim to take the environment into consideration

in all our activities.”

”We don’t make money out of the environment, we make money for the

environment, to support sustainable development.”

Olli Suominen, Leipomo Verainen

Janne Kalhama, Flowpark

Jussi Mälkiä, MeriAura

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Page 12: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Responding to global challenges

New recycling ventures and resource efficiency improvements have come about in res-ponse to ever-increasing global demand driven by rising commodity and energy prices and tighter regulatory oversight.

Recycling sector businesses generate new commercial opportunities from surplus ma-terials rejected by others

Recycling sector businesses generate new commercial opportunities from surplus ma-terials rejected by others, taking an environmentally conscious and no-nonsense ap-proach to capitalise on the waste and side streams generated by other companies. Recycling businesses offer an entirely new range of products, services and know-how and specialise in turning surplus materials from a burden into an asset, processing them into new raw materials and energy.

Resource efficiency – a competitive advantage

Resource efficiency is a term used to describe the most efficient possible use of materi-als, the commercial exploitation of waste and side streams as well as closed substance cycles. Resource efficiency offers a competitive advantage that can generate cost sa-vings, procurement efficiencies and completely new business ventures.

Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd.

Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd. is the fourth largest brewery in Finland. The company’s entire product range is manu-factured in premises that have been ex-tended on eight separate occasions, using traditional methods and state-of-the-art technology. The company’s product port-folio comprises the Kukko and Kievari la-gers, Oiva cider and sparkling wine, Into

“long drink” and traditional fizzy drinks. Laitila has invested heavily in sustainab-le technologies in order to position itself well for the challenges ahead. All electri-city consumed by the production facility has been generated through wind power since 2001. The company makes use of the latest brewing technology, generating energy savings of 70% in comparison with traditional technologies.

Environmental business activity: energy and resource efficiencySector: Soft drinks and brewery products, wholesaleLocation: Laitila

Founded: 1995Turnover: approx. EUR 22 million (2012)Staff: approx. 48www.laitilan.fi

Regional strengths: resource efficiency and recycling

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Page 13: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Regional strengths: resource efficiency and recycling Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas, resource efficiency and

traditional drinks industry side streams:

Thermal energy

- The majority of the heat required at the plant is derived from a 100% wood-fuelled district heating facility- Surplus heat is captured and recycled further, mainly for use within the plant

Waste water

- Some 2.8 litres of waste water is generated per 1 litre of finished product- Heat is recycled back into use.

Wood, cardboard, glass, aluminium and plastic is sorted and recycled

- Wood waste is supplied to another business for heating purposes- Glass bottles are mainly recycled, a small proportion is retained and used to create recycled drinking glasses- Waste aluminium is used to create new cans- Plastic waste is collected and passed on for re-use

Filter waste

- Used to improve soil

Malt and yeast waste

- 100% is used as livestock feed at a local farm- In addition, the fermented mash that is used to brew the Kukko lager is supplied to the Laitilan Leipä bakery, where it is used to make their malted loaf.

CO2

- During the plant growth phase, CO2 binds to the fruit and is released during fermentation- In future, all CO2 will be collected and used as part of the company’s own manufacturing processes or sold on.

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Page 14: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Environmental business

Veraisen Leipomo Ltd. Communicating about green issues pays off

PS Processing Ltd.Recycling conserves natural resources and

reduces waste

Ceramic artist Eero KaarnistoEnvironmental awareness is needed across the

entire business sector

Finess Energy Ltd. Cost efficiency through energy efficiency

Verso Globe Ltd. Don’t forget to communicate your successes

and best practices

PG Quality Ltd.Environmental and quality management systems

enhancing organisational transparency

Nereus Ltd.Energy efficiency through solar and thermal

combi system

Green Carpet Turku Ltd. Competitive advantage through green credentials

Sybimar Ltd. Reducing waste and increasing materials efficiency

through closed substance systems

Lindtrothin PuutarhaReducing energy use, minimising water consuption

and re-use waterEnergy and water efficiency

Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd. Doing the right thing? Share it!

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Finnfoam Ltd. Energy efficiency by ecological insulation

HunajayhtymäPromoting Finnish honey production

Flowpark Ltd.Materials matter

Strandbo Group Sustainable travel

NaNi DesignEnvironmentally friendly materials, supply chain

transparency, Finnish brand identity

Herrankukkaro Ltd.A green meeting venue and holiday destination

Page 15: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

In the following section, we will be showcasing a selection Finnish companies that have implemented environmental know-how across their operations and are supporting other businesses to achieve the same. Some of the featured businesses are involved in the eGreenNet -project.

Veraisen Leipomo Ltd.

Green Carpet Turku Ltd.

Leipomo Verainen is committed to pursuing sustainability across its entire operation. The company’s staff come from the local area and every effort is also made to use local produce where-ver possible. All energy is generated from renewable resources (wind/hyd-ro).

All products are made using only Finnish wheat and rye flour. Leipomo Verainen’s organic range is one of the bakery’s key product groups. At Verainen, they are now keen to communicate their sustai-nable practices to an external audience, including consumers and retailers.

Green Carpet is responsible for develo-ping Finland’s first mobile laundry service, the carpet cleaner on wheels. The mobile unit cleans and dries rugs and carpets on site. The finished product is back on the floor often within the hour. The cleaning agents, developed especially with a mo-bile laundry service in mind, are environ-mentally friendly and all waste water is delivered directly to a water treatment fa-cility. As the cleaning process is powered by the van engine, the entire cleaning and

drying process is highly energy-efficient. Indeed, efficiency is the cornerstone of all of Green Carpet’s operations, in terms of time, money and the environment. In fu-ture, the company plans to stand out from the competition through its nature-friend-ly values. To ensure that this message is communicated effectively, the company intends to sharpen up its marketing stra-tegy in the near future, with a firm focus on green issues.

Environmental business: Locally produced and organic productsSector: BakeryLocation: Mynämäki

Founded: 1952Turnover: EUR 5.1 millionStaff: approx. 40www.leipomoverainen.fi

Environmental business: Water and energy-efficient rug and carpet cleaningSector: Carpet cleaning service

Location: Western FinlandFounded: 2012Staff: 3–5www.greencarpet.fi

Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd. Doing the right thing? Share it!

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Page 16: Environmental business can thrive in all sectors

Flowpark Ltd.

Flowpark is an ecological adventure park, where visitors of all ages can test their skills on a series of trails graded according to difficulty. The trails have been built on living trees using construction methods designed with tree welfare in mind. As the company operates in a natural setting, choosing the right materials is particular-ly important. Flowpark has carried out a MIPS calculation to identify the company’s level of material consumption. The MIPS calculation was used to identify current

material usage levels and the results have been used to identify ways of implemen-ting more sustainable solutions. The MIPS outcome can often seem a fairly minor matter in terms of an entire business ope-ration, but the findings may often lead you to identify genuine savings and efficien-cies. Flowpark is pleased with the results and the company has already used the MIPS calculation in its own external com-munications.

Hunajayhtymä packages Finnish honey and offers the widest range of beekee-ping supplies in Finland. The company’s aim is to ensure the continued supply of high-quality Finnish honey by promoting honey sales and continuing to offer a wide range of beekeeping supplies. Hunajayhty-mä buys the honey it packages from cont-racted producers and sells it on to whole-salers. The origins of the honey must be traceable, even though a single jar might contain honey from a number of different producers.

Hunajayhtymä has calculated the carbon footprint of floral honey and adopted the CO2e symbol, a measure of the green-house emissions generated during the product’s journey from field to shop shelf. Bees play a significant role in promoting ecological diversity as pollination drives plant reproduction and improves crop yields and quality. The net value of pollina-tion undertaken by bees in Finland alone is calculated at EUR 60 million, which far ex-ceeds the value of the annual honey crop.

Environmental business: Ecological adventure parkSector: Amusement park, leisureLocation: Turku and Lappeenranta

Founded: 2009 (launched in 2010)Turnover: approx. EUR 500,000Staff: : 2–3 permanent staff, approx. 20 seasonal staffwww.flowpark.fi

Environmental business: Promoting Finnish honey productionSector: Foodstuffs / honeyLocation: Loimaa

Founded: 1995Turnover: EUR 3.3 million (2012)Staff: 8www.hunaja.fi

Hunajayhtymä Ltd.

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Sybimar Ltd.

Sybimar Ltd. leads the way in sustai-nable energy production. The company turns food manufacturing side streams into biodiesel. Originally, the company’s vision was to offer opportunities for ex-ploiting food manufacturing side stre-ams but as the concept expanded, Sy-bimar went on to develop an innovative biodiesel process. The resulting biofuel is suitable for both heating and vehi-cular use. In addition, Sybimar builds installations for the food manufactu-

ring industry and bioenergy generati-on. Sybimar’s closed substance system concept incorporates fish farms, green-houses, biogas installations, generators, wind farms and biodiesel plants. The closed substance system can be imple-mented anywhere in the world for local energy and food production purposes. It also promotes self-sufficiency among local communities and creates jobs.

Environmental business: Biodiesel and closed substance systemsSector: Biodiesel and closed substance systemsLocation: Uusikaupunki

Founded: 2005Turnover: EUR 600,000 Staff: 11www.sybimar.fi

Nereus Ltd.

Nereus specialises in the planning, installa-tion and marketing of water-based under-floor heating systems. It has been awar-ded the Association for Finnish Work’s Key Flag symbol. The company’s key innova-tions are to combine solar and geothermal energy sources and an iPhone app that al-lows users to control their heating system. The Nereus system is also perfect for use

as part of a variety of frostfree solutions. These heating systems are becoming inc-reasingly common and are often used to facilitate the winter maintenance of pave-ments, loading docks and roads. Nereus is active in the Finnish as well as the Estoni-an and Russian markets, which the com-pany will target for growth in the future.

Environmental business: Combining solar and geothermal energy for water-based underfloor heating solutions.Sector: ConstructionLocation: Head office in Uusikaupunki. Sales offices in Turku

and Oulu complemented by a nationwide retail networkFounded: 1989Turnover: EUR 3–5 millionStaff: 14www.nereus.fi

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Founded in 2006, PG Quality designs, de-velops and maintains a range of quality, environmental and management systems. The company also provides expert support for clients undergoing certification. In ad-dition, PG Quality carries out audits, con-cept testing and offers project manage-ment services. PG Quality’s clients operate

in a wide variety of industries, including metal and timber processing, pharma-ceuticals and diagnostics, research and development as well as client services. The company operates nationwide. PG Quality complies with the following standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 13485 and ISO 17025.

Environmental business: Quality and environmental system design construction, development and maintenanceSector: Management and system consultancy

Location: Masku / nationwideFounded: 2006Turnover: < EUR 200,000Staff: 2 (1 full-time + several part-time)www.pg-quality.fi

PG Quality Ltd.

Finess Energy Ltd.

Finess Energy Ltd. is an energy efficiency and energy solutions expert offering ser-vices to heavy industry and local authority and other public bodies. The company’s product range includes heat pumps, coo-ling units and energy production. Heat pumps can reduce delivered energy de-mand by up to 80%. The energy that is saved is replaced with carbon neutral re-newable energy. Finess’s cooling units

use natural and environmentally friend-ly refrigerants, such as NH3 and CO2. Refrigeration system efficiency can be substantially improved by heat recovery integration. Heat recovery systems can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Modern techno-logies offer a range of possibilities for in-house power generation, including the conversion of waste heat into electricity.

Environmental business: Energy efficiency, renewables Sector: Energy expertiseLocation: Turku Founded: 2011

Products and services: Energy solutions: industrial heat pumps, cooling units, energy generationwww.finess.fi

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PS Processing Ltd.

PS Processing’s core function is the wide-ranging collection, handling and proces-sing of styrofoam carried out in a sus-tainable and cost-efficient manner. The company offers Styrofoam, EPS and PS waste recovery services tailored to client

needs on the basis of waste volume, for-mat and level of pre-sorting. In addition, PS Processing Ltd. plans to launch a servi-ce for recycling empty canisters as well as hay and fodder bales. Real-time CDR mo-nitoring and reporting is also available.

Environmental business: Styrofoam recyclingSector: Sorted waste recycling

Location: Laitila Founded: 2011www.ps-processing.fi

Eero Kaarnisto, ceramic artist

Ceramic artist Eero Kaarnisto’s key pro-duct is a biodegradable clay urn. The urn’s excellent biodegradability is the result of long-standing product development activity and complies with the strictest environmental regulations. The urns are hand-made using Finnish clay, which is left to dry at room temperature wit-hout the need for kiln firing. In 2009, the company’s urn design received recogniti-on in the 2009 YMPÄRISTÖTEKO Awards. The honourable mention reflects the high quality of the product and it is ho-ped that it will serve to increase environ-mental awareness in the funeral sector.

The TIERRA urns have undergone testing by VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland, and have been awarded the VTT Certificate. Eero Kaarnisto is now looking to expand into international markets and has set his sights on Germany and Swe-den. Making headway in a new market can be challenging and careful planning and implementation are vital. Eero Kaar-nisto is involved in the Globaaliohjelma programme, in which a consultant has been appointed to carry out research on the Swedish market. Public sector funding has been made available to cover the cost of the market research.

Environmental business: Biodegradable clay urns for humans and pets Sector: Ceramics manufacturing and sales with a specialist interest

in burial urnsLocation: Turku Founded: 1988 (urns since 1996)Staff: 1 (+ 3 seasonal staff) www.eerokaarnisto.fi

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Herrankukkaro Ltd.

Located in Naantali on Finland’s southern coast, and enjoying a stunning location sheltered by 41,000 islands, Herrankukka-ro is a unique, distinctive and fascinating destination built on the site of an old fis-hing village that offers meeting, training and recreational services for groups. Over the years, Herrankukkaro has become kno-wn for its quirkiness, including birdhouse accommodation, the largest “smoke sau-na” in the world as well as the eco-friendly seaside Kaislikko Spa. In 2010, Herrankuk-karo was voted Finland’s Best Tourist Des-tination. According to the company, natu-

re is their “best friend”. Only renewable energy, from wind and wood, is used on the island. In addition, plastic is avoided wherever possible and water is treated on site. The majority of the construction work on the island has been carried out using reclaimed wood. More than 80% of all food served on the island is wild or locally sourced. The company also takes pride in its close working relationship with the Pidä Saaristo Siistinä conservation body.

Herrankukkaro – you’ll never want to lea-ve!

Environmental business: Environmentally friendly meeting venue and holiday destinationSector: Event and recreational services

Location: Rymättylä/Naantali Founded: 1984Turnover: approx. EUR 1.3 millionStaff: 15www.herrankukkaro.fi

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NaNi Design

NaNi is a Finnish business specialising in small dog apparel. The company’s core aim is to serve the needs of small dogs and its products are designed to be comfortable without compromising on style. The products are suitable for all dogs weighing 6 kg and under, re-gardless of breed. We aim to manufac-ture all products locally, allowing us to have control over the entire process. Our higher manufacturing costs are ref-lected in our retail prices but, in return, our customers

can be assured that what they are pur-chasing is a high-quality product where each stage of production is fully tra-ceable. NaNi has been awarded the Association for Finnish Work’s Key Flag symbol in recognition of its Finnish cre-dentials. The company would like to do what it can to ensure that Finnish con-sumers can choose Finnish products from highly-skilled Finnish producers now and into the future and to raise the profile of Finnish goods.

Environmental business: Sustainable materials, production chain transparency, Finnish identitySector: Textiles/small dog apparel

Location: TurkuFounded: 2012Staff: 1 + a traineewww.nani.fi

Lindrothin puutarha

Lindrothin Puutarha Deliverde is a fami-lyrun farm that grows high-quality lettu-ce, vegetables and herbs. At Lindrothin Puutarha the focus is firmly on delivering high-quality, clean and fresh produce. Lindrothin Puutarha’s lettuces are grown using traditional methods and harvesting only takes place once the produce is ful-ly ripened and has reached the right size. Thanks to a highly efficient distribution function, the produce is quickly made

available to consumers. As a company, Lindrothin Puutarha is highly aware of environmental considerations. The instal-lation of a heat generation facility has delivered improved energy efficiency and reduced fuel costs by approximately 60% in the first year. In addition, the company has joined forces with a local waste ma-nagement company to devise a bespoke recycling and waste management system. The company’s greenhouses are also fitted with a highly efficient irrigation system.

Environmental business: Increasing energy efficiency, minimising water usage and promoting water re-use Sector: Vegetable growingLocation: Turku

Founded: 1996Turnover: EUR 1.1 million (2012)Staff: 4 + 20 seasonal workers

www.deliverde.fi

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Finnfoam Ltd.

Finnfoam Ltd. is a Finnish thermal insu-lation manufacturer. Finnfoam thermal insulation boards are suitable for use in building insulation as well as road, railway and airport foundations. Thanks to new production technology de-veloped in-house, Finnfoam has been the first XPS manufacturer in the world to be able to discontinue the use of HCFCs. In addition, Finnfoam makes use of carbon dioxide generated at other industrial faci-lities, making its own manufacturing pro-cess more environmentally friendly. At

the company’s premises, great care has been taken to ensure maximum energy efficiency. A new cooling system devised in-house allows Finnfoam to capture was-te heat effectively and use it to heat the building. This has significantly reduced the company’s oil use. Lighting design can also be used to achieve energy savings. During the day, the amount of natural light is maximised through roof windows and electric lighting is controlled through twilight switches to optimise light levels at all times.

Environmental business: Energy and material efficiencySector: InsulationLocation: Salo

Founded: 1982Turnover: EUR 51.3 million (2010)Staff: 56www.finnfoam.fi

The Strandbo Group is a travel specialist offering year-round island holidays. The company is committed to the princip-les of sustainable travel. The company owns three hotels and a number of ren-tal cottages and villas with restaurants, activities and other tourist services of-fered alongiside the accommodation. The company’s four restaurants all aim to create their dishes from foraged or lo-

cally sourced ingredients and is aware of the vast opportunities for visitors and lo-cals alike offered by its island setting. In addition to recreation and tourism servi-ces, the company also offers a range of corporate meeting venues with full-ser-vice packages also available. Thanks to Strandbo’s exciting range of activities on offer, visitors can make the most of the stunning location all year round.

Environmental business: Sustainable travelSector: Food and travelLocation: Parainen, Nauvo, AiristoFounded: 1998

Turnover: EUR 4.5 millionStaff: 25www.strandbo.fi

Strandbo Group

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Verso Globe Ltd.

It is Verso’s belief that the prevailing dis-course on responsible business practi-ces can be challenged and that the good work carried out by many companies is an excellent resource that has not been fully tapped thus far. Verso Globe wants to encourage businesses to make their communications more open and acces-sible. Verso helps businesses to make the most of the good work they do and the best practices they implement by offering first rate corporate responsibility experti-se and state-of-the-art communications tools as part of a single interface. Verso offers clients both a highly practical ap-proach and platform, which businesses can use to communicate their responsible business practices to consumers, partners

and other interested parties. With the help of Verso, any business can commu-nicate their CSR achievements to ordinary people. One way of doing this is the Verso profiles. They are a highly accessible way of communicating responsibility issues and a way of conveying good business practices and successes in clear, straight-forward language. A typical Verso Globe interface user is a company that already has or wishes to establish itself as a lea-der in its field and wants to communicate the best practices it employs using state-of-the-art methods, allowing it to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders and con-tinue to evolve its organisation and ope-rations.

Environmental business: CSR communicationsSector: Communications and information management

Location: Turku, Helsinki, Munich, Vienna Founded: 2010Staff: 8http://verso.info

Perjantai is a communiations agency with services spanning marketing com-munications, training and sales support services. Perjantai specialises in respon-

sible business performance: “If you’re doing the right thing, make sure others know about it.”

Environmental business: CSR consultancy, training and communicationsSector: Marketing communicationsLocation: Turku, Helsinki, Tampere

Founded: 2004Turnover: EUR 2 millionStaff: 30www.perjantai.fi

Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd.

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Piia NurmiProject Manager+358 40 335 [email protected]

Jenni SuominenProject Co-ordinator+358 40 355 [email protected]

www.egreennet.fi

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