Sustainable Business by Content Group

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BASF:

CREATING CHEMISTRY for a sustainable future 5

du:

EMPOWERING A SMART SOCIETY

GREEN SHEIKH:

LEADING BY EXAMPLE 4

through digital services 6

ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS MIDDLE EAST:

Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs 7

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Content: Leading by Example ......................................››4 Creating chemistry for a sustainable future.......................................››5 Empowering a Smart society through digital services.................................››6 Roche Diagnostics Middle East: Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs.............›› 7 Paving way to sustainable healthcare................................ ›› 8 Sadita: Ensuring Sustainable Profits.............. ›› 9

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Choithram’s: Amplifying the tenor of life..............››11

CREATING ISTRY CHEMsta inable for a su future

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BY LEA DINGPLE EXAM

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Editor-in-chief : Kalle Salmi CEO, Content Group International: Johan Ehrström Managing Director, Calcus Group: Kalle Salmi Country Manager, UAE: Humair Siddiqi Project Manager: Nina Harjulin Art Director/Layout: Lina Hurmerinta Art Director Assistant: Pieta Piiroinen Journalists: Sabin Muzaffar and Criselda Diala-McBride Photographer: Mansoor Mughal Publisher: Calcus Middle East Boulevard Plaza Tower One Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai P.O. Box 334155, Dubai, UAE www.contentgroupinternational.com

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber:

Agent of Positive Change

ustainable development of a country entails addressing the present socio-economic needs in manner that does not jeopardize the future. This is a message staunchly advocated by visionary proponents of sustainability. In the UAE, an exceptional torchbearer of sustainable development and renewable energy initiatives is Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber – Minister of State of the UAE, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar A visionary leader who spearheaded the establishment of Masdar – one of the most sustainable communities and cleantech cluster on the planet, Dr. Jaber has consistently emphasized the importance of investing significantly in the clean energy sector. In an article for the Huffington Post, he writes: “In Abu Dhabi - in the capital of the United Arab Emirates - one of our flagship ventures is the investment in the future of energy. Devoting billions of dollars for research and development, we see renewable energy and clean technologies like solar, wind and energy-efficient desalination as vehicles for economic growth and diversification. But we also see them as tools to build capacity, develop human capital and find real solutions to the pressing energy and climate challenge.” With visionaries like Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, it is only a matter of time that such initiatives of positive change will translate into a strong and cohesive society. ■

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Young people have the power to imagine a world, well beyond what we can see. They are the powerful leaders of the future, and the guardians of this planet.

His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi.

Leading by Example A

visionary leader with a passion to serve humanity, His Highness Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi is a trailblazing advocate of sustainable living and respecting the environment. Also known to the world as the “Green Sheikh,” he is currently serving as Environmental Advisor to the Ajman Government, and the CEO of Al Ihsan Charity Centre. In addition to being a Goodwill Ambassador of World Green Citizen Foundation, since 2012, he is also Chairman of the International Steering Committee for the Global Initiative towards a sustainable Iraq and honorable President of Zayed Environmental Impact Network (ZEIN) at Zayed University UAE. With a deep sense of responsibility as a human being and a strong belief in giving back to the planet, the Green Sheikh

famously left a very lucrative career in petroleum in order to pursue a mission to vociferously defend the climate. “This earth with its beauty, riches and plenty was given to us to love and protect. Every one of us is responsible for it, and can make a difference - regardless of faith, skin color or gender,” says the enlightened leader.

A GUIDING LIGHT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS An inspirational environmentalist, the Green Sheikh’s philosophy is to tap into the talent and potential of today’s youth. the Green Sheikh truly believes in providing guidance to future generations so that they could be transformed into progressive leaders of tomorrow. According to His Highness the Green

Sheikh: “Young people have the power to imagine a world, well beyond what we can see. They are the powerful leaders of the future, and the guardians of this planet. I am honored and humbled by the young attention to my words, and by their love. My goal is to help them discover their powers, to step into leadership roles.” The Green Sheikh travels all around the world engaging the masses with highly informative discussions and meaningful presentations pertaining to the benefits of holistic living and emphasizing the urgent need of restricting environmental damage. Recipient of numerous awards and accolades, the Green Sheikh has distinguished himself as an illustrious thinker of his time who successfully leads his people by his own example. ■

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Creating chemistry for a sustainable future

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BASF FZE & BASF KANOO GULF LLC, U.A.E., FLORIAN KRUECKL, TALK ABOUT ALIGNING VIABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.

hat according to BASF is sustainability? BASF’s corporate purpose is to create chemistry for a sustainable future. Sustainability is the combination of long-term oriented economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Can environmental sustainability and viable economic growth be aligned? How? Viable economic growth must be based on the principles of sustainability. Any economic activity that disregards environment is shortsighted at best because resource degradation will prove far costlier to us in the long run. Huge commercial enterprises must lead by example on this front by factoring in sustainability at all levels of their operations. BASF, in fact, was one of the first companies in the world to produce an integrated financial and environmental annual report and has been doing so since 2007. Comment on how the accelerated rate of environmental degradation be restrained? To generate a sense of green living around the globe, multiple methods can be exercised. Mass education and discipline are the keys. Awareness and knowledge about sustainability are the first steps. Talking about your corporate vision, how can chemistry lead to sustainability? BASF constantly works to harness the power of chemistry so that it solves some of our most pressing sustainability problems. For example, BASF has added an extraordinary product to its plastic product line: ecovio®, which is being used to manufacture completely biodegradable shopping and waste bags. BASF has also developed ’Life Cycle Analyzer’ which enables us to improve concrete characteristics. The special software offers solutions in major concrete improvement areas like process efficiency,

Florian Krueck.

energy reduction, material optimization, and enhanced quality specifications for manufacturers and users of concrete. BASF has also used chemistry to develop innovative water solutions such as Inge® which can make water pre-treatment processes in desalination plants less energy intensive and cost effective. Reducing specific greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, increasing energy efficiency and contributing to climate protection are some of BASF’s goals. How do

you envision achieving these goals/targets? Our climate protection activities are based on comprehensive emissions controlling. By 2020, we aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions per metric ton of sales product by 40% compared with baseline 2002. Since 1990, we have been able to lower our greenhouse gas emissions from BASF operations (excluding Oil & Gas) by 45% and reduce specific emissions by 73% overall. By 2020, we want to improve the energy efficiency of our production processes by 35% compared with 2002. ■

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Empowering

a Smart society through digital services

hen it comes to sustainability leadership, I do not believe that any country is more passionate about ensuring its success than the UAE. There is a true desire amongst the leadership to encourage sustainable habits that will lead to a brighter tomorrow for the nation, its people, and our planet. This is an absolutely vital mindset to foster and we, as du, fully advocate it; a sustainable future is about creating long-term value that our children’s children and the generations to come can enjoy for many years. Businesses must become responsible in adopting sustainable practices. Despite being a relatively new term in the UAE’s business lexicon, sustainability is not a passing fad. It is an exceptionally viable concept that is essential to the longevity of commercial capability, as well as to the development of the community and the protection of our environment. Together, they represent the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit – a triptych of values that must be satisfied in any sustainable approach. Expo 2020 demonstrates the UAE leadership’s commitment to sustainability. It will bring billions of dirhams worth of investment, opening limitless possibilities for entrepreneurs, local businesses and more. Infrastructure and initiatives such as Smart City and Smart Government are being developed to boost convenience. Innovative solutions will see 50% of Expo 2020 powered by renewable energy. If it is possible on such a massive scale to adopt substantial sustainability initiatives, then it should absolutely be possible for businesses to recognise the viability of sustainability within their own operations. We are proud to uphold the vision of the UAE leadership, by leading the way with our corporate sustainability commitment. We embrace innovation, and have set new standards for the UAE, the region and the industry – such as with our green Shop, the first in the UAE to be LEED Platinum

Expo 2020 demonstrates the UAE leadership’s commitment to sustainability. Certified, or with our Fujairah Call Centre, the nation’s first to be 100% managed and run by Emiratis. We are facilitating the shift towards Dubai’s Smart City future particularly through supporting the Smart Government initiative. We have partnered with several government bodies, assisting them to develop mobile apps that make their services more easily accessible. In a move to make connectivity possible anywhere in the country absolutely free, our WiFi UAE initiative will see free WiFi rolled out nationwide. Our third Sustainability Report is yet another example of how we raise the regional benchmark – we are the first company in the region, and the

Hala Badri, EVP, Brand and Communications, du. world’s first telecommunications company to adopt the new Global Reporting Initiative G4 Comprehensive guidelines. It is our responsibility to continue to uphold our dedication to supporting the vision of the UAE leadership, by being advocates of the sustainability movement. We can only aspire to be as inspirational through our actions as the leaders of the UAE are through theirs. ■

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Roche Diagnostics Middle East: Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs GENERAL MANAGER OF ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS MIDDLE EAST MORITZ HARTMANN SPEAKS ABOUT INNOVATION IN DIAGNOSTICS AND HOW THE ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTIVELY STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF PATIENTS.

ith separate divisions in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, Swiss biotech company Roche has the unique privilege of providing the healthcare sector combined expertise in medicine and diagnosis. Recognizing the region’s rapid healthcare development, Roche Diagnostics Middle East established a Dubaibased Management Center in 2012. Boasting a state-of-the-art warehouse in Jebel Ali, the company’s primary objective is not only to centrally store region-focused healthcare products, but also offer fast and reliable access to cutting-edge diagnostic solutions for a wide array of lifestyle ailments and chronic diseases prevalent across the MENA region. A broad network of collaborative partnerships, with private and public sectors, is Roche’s key strategy to addressed the community’s unmet health needs. “At Roche Diagnostics Middle East, we have a team of vastly experienced specialists, consistently providing a wide-range of services to 20 countries in the region. Our direct presence in the Middle East allows us to serve and assist healthcare professionals, while bringing global standards and know-how to the industry. In addition to this, being the first In Vitro diagnostic company in the region, we have established a robust supply chain hub, facilitating faster responses to regional needs,” explained Hartmann. With the ever changing healthcare landscape, there is a growing demand for diagnostic tools that improve our understanding of disease diversity; treating all patients of a certain disease with one approach disregards those disease differences. For this reason, Roche’s Personalized Healthcare strives to tailor treatment to specific groups of patients, who will best respond to the medicine. Commenting on the company’s advanced tests and individualized therapeutic solutions, the General Manager said: “Our

Moritz Hartmann. advanced expertise in numerous disease areas enables Roche to provide innovative tests that help deliver customized treatments, thereby improving the patient’s outcome and quality of life. With technological advancements, patients receive personalized treatments customized for their needs.”

RAISING THE BAR IN DIAGNOSTICS Roche Diagnostics Middle East has indeed played a pioneering role in assisting the healthcare sector by improving accessibility, delivering innovation and most importantly

strengthening infrastructure. “On a global scale, our company is the largest provider of in vitro diagnostics solutions. We also provide more than 200 diagnostic tests, in areas such as cancer, women’s health and cardiovascular diseases, and are continuously increasing our portfolio with increasingly innovative solutions for conditions which have not been met with before,” commented Hartmann. As an industry leader in the Middle East and globally, Roche Diagnostics strives to achieve sustainability and has consistently contributed to the community by building a better future through patient safety, business integrity and addressing global healthcare challenges. ■

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Paving way to SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE ANGLO ARABIAN HEALTHCARE IS A RAPIDLY GROWING HEALTHCARE PROVIDER AND COMPRISES OF 18 ASSETS INCLUDING TWO HOSPITALS, CLINICS, LABORATORIES AND A NETWORK OF PHARMACIES ACROSS THE UAE.

ver the past decade, the Middle East and North African (MENA) region has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the health sector. In the UAE, Anglo Arabian Healthcare has greatly contributed to the advancement of an effective health system by offering solutions that cater to the needs of each and every member of society. Anglo Arabian Healthcare began its journey over two years ago and currently boasts a very strong portfolio of high caliber management teams. The organization strives to set an extraordinary example of excellence in healthcare management through effective, environmental-friendly processes. “We are building new hospitals, clinics and energy efficiency is very much part of procurement and design. We are looking towards obtaining various quality accreditations such as JCI and are therefore constantly striving to achieve the highest standards of excellence. Energy conservation, disposals, chemicals, all the things that will actually make a difference, are integral to our objectives,” commented Anglo Arabian Healthcare founder and CEO, Mark Adams. In addition, Anglo Arabian has been instrumental in providing access to healthcare on an individual and corporate level through various key initiatives. Collaborating with First Gulf Bank through groundbreaking health screening programs, the organization has effectively supported the bank’s pledge to invest in the wellbeing of its employees. “The collaboration greatly benefitted both the employees and the bank. Individuals not only

Anglo Arabian Healthcare founder and CEO, Mark Adams. had access to quality assured services, they now have a clearer picture of their potential health risks. And from the bank’s perspective, they now have a better understanding of their potential future healthcare costs,” revealed Paul Firth, Director Occupational Health & Corporate Wellness.

LINKING SUSTAINABILITY TO HEALTHCARE The framework of sustainability is all about managing the triple bottom line. “I think we all know prevention and education are better than cure so there are lots of parallels with sustainability. You need to invest now and

modify your behavior in order to actually have a better future,” Mr. Adams opined. Adding, he said: “Even the slightest energy saving measure can save you millions of dollars in the long term. Even in terms of CSR, it is really about giving back to the community and not just chasing profits.” Linking sustainability with the Expo 2020, the CEO concluded: “The Expo 2020 win will usher an influx of people and business in the country. We are hoping to become one of the market leaders in terms of serving the needs of an increasing population by building clinics and hospitals. It was an attractive market even before this victory and it has now amplified optimism.” ■

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SADITA:

Ensuring Sustainable Profits FOZAN AL FOZAN, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF SADITA HOLDING, TALKS ABOUT SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS LONGEVITY THROUGH INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL.

ell us about SADITA Holding? SADITA’s journey began back in 1982 with the food distribution business. We established Kuwait Proteins Company in partnership with the Late Hajj Khalil el Khatib. The company has experienced remarkable growth over the years and is now one of the most well-established FMCG distributors in Kuwait. Sadita was incorporated in 2006 and boasts a diversified portfolio of businesses across the globe. What are SADITA’s major activities? As of 2014, SADITA controls stakes in 22 companies across 10 industries and 15 countries. These industries are food distribution, kitchenware and disposables, IT accessories, cleaning services, medical services, IT services, power system supplies, construction, engineering contracting and lastly food production. Through its corporate head office in Kuwait City, SADITA provides supportive functions to its subsidiaries’ in finance, IT, HR, legal and business development areas.

I expect a double-digit top line growth for the next five years as the group continues to expand its operations and market penetrations. What is your role in the organization? Being the chairman of the board, I oversee the performance of management. Additionally, I participate in conceiving and designing business strategies, examining investments, identifying business growth opportunities and managing group risk profile. What has changed throughout 30 years of operations?

Fozan Al Fozan founder and Chairman. Historically, operational growth and geographical expansion has been supported by acquiring new distribution rights. At present, this practice is complemented with the enforcement of strong corporate governance on both existing and newly established subsidiaries. Upholding our core values of transparency, commitment and forward thinking has been a long time belief since inception. What has been the driving force behind SADITA’s success? It is our confidence in people. People not industries direct our investments and hence the Group’s motto ‘We invest with people’.

A key person who needs to be acknowledged when discussing SADITA’s success is CEO Mr. Zaher el Khatib, who has played an instrumental role in the group’s expansion and is now a partner in most subsidiaries. What is your outlook for the group? SADITA has been able to maintain consistent profitability since its inception, particularly in the past three years. It has reported a double-digit growth in revenues and profitability along a turnover that has exceeded $300m in 2013. I expect a doubledigit top line growth for the next five years as the group continues to expand its operations and market penetrations. ■

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Banking and insurance is the backbone of a sustainable national economy.

ANIB:

ANIB’s Managing Director, S. Rajagopal.

Promoting Economic Activity AL NABOODA INSURANCE BROKERS (ANIB) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2007 WITH A HANDFUL OF EMPLOYEES. THE COMPANY HAS STEADILY GROWN IN THE PAST SIX YEARS AND CURRENTLY POSSESSES A FORMIDABLE PORTFOLIO OF 15000+ INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS AND MORE THAN 400 CORPORATE HOUSES.

he importance of the insurance sector in the national economy of a country cannot be emphasized enough. In emerging markets such as the Middle East, insurance can help achieve growth targets and accelerate economic development, by providing coverage to businesses and more importantly through effective risk management. According to ANIB’s Managing Director, S. Rajagopal: “Banking and insurance is the backbone of a sustainable national economy. A company will most certainly achieve success if it is supported by an insurance entity, offering businesses incentives for risk mitigation.” Adding: “Without the protection from insurance companies, business losses are bound to also affect the economy of a country.” Headquartered in Dubai, the company started operation a year before the downturn. “Every company hopes to start at a positive

time, but fate had other plans for ANIB. Our initial growth was in fact during those tough times primarily because our skills were put to test during the recession,” opined the managing director. Boasting a team of highly skilled individuals, ANIB is not just about selling premiums. “What sets us apart is that we not only understand the nuances of underwriting, but offer in-depth expertise on the brokerage side, thereby putting the client in an advantageous position,” said Mr. Rajagopal. “As a brand too, we stand out and have positioned ourselves as refreshing, reliable and colourful. The ANIB experience is something that is very human. We listen first to the requirements of our clients and transparently share every detail of the insurances we tailor for them” said the MD. The company offers individual as well as corporate solutions, which are tailored to satisfy customer needs.

THE SPILLOVER AFFECT Although the insurance industry was not directly affected by the downturn and actually experienced a spillover effect, it has enabled the sector to be better equipped for any future crises. “There was an oversupply of insurance companies at a time when there was little or no demand. As a consequence, there was a price loss. But as it turns out, presently clients are benefitting due to competition and are getting the cheapest rates,” he remarked. Indeed insurance can play a critical role in achieving an accelerated rate of growth and productivity across the MENA region. A catalyst for positive economic development, Al Nabooda Insurance not only protects businesses and individuals from adverse events, it contributes towards national sustainability by facilitating trade and efficient capital accumulation. ■

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Choithram’s:

Amplifying the tenor of life T. CHOITHRAM AND SONS’ CHAIRMAN, L.T. PAGARANI TALKS ABOUT THE COMPANY’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORKPLACE INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS.

n 1943, a visionary trailblazer, Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, established a small grocery store in Sierra Leone. This was the humble beginning of T.Choithram and Sons which has now grown into a prestigious network of companies across Europe, North America, Africa and the Gulf region. “It is a starlight story of a free-spirited young man who set out to explore the world, settled in Sierra Leone and established a business which has witnessed immense progress in a span of 71 years,” remarked Choithram’s contemplative Chairman, L.T Pagarani. The company rapidly grew and expanded operations initially in Germany, Hong Kong, UK, Spain and other countries in Africa. “It was in the mid-70s, when we came to the UAE and curiously our last outpost was India where we established our business presence in 2008,” he added. T. Choithram and Sons is more than just a large chain of supermarkets. Contrary to common perception, the company is also a major distributor of premium brands “Elsewhere we also have substantial presence in pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, education as well as the health sector,” revealed Mr. Pagarani.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY As far as the CEO is concerned, it is not just about doing business and making profits. Considerably contributing to socio-economic growth of communities, Choithram’s has proactively initiated programs and activities for the benefit of society and environmental sustainability. “In our UK branch, all sales

L.T Pagarani, contemplative Chairman. personnel use electric cars and even though it was quite a challenge in the beginning, we have successfully championed the cause. By doing so, the company has become a role model not only to its competitors, but to its peers in the global community at large,” the CEO opined. The organization also possesses the world’s largest solar powered spice plant in Buckinghamshire UK The secret to Choithram’s immense accomplishments as an innovative company is not merely about sticking to numbers, spreadsheets and efficient ERP solutions. Interpersonal relations in the workplace as well as with customers is what sets the company apart. “I cannot but over-emphasize

the importance of interpersonal relations especially in a corporate environment. Companies can certainly have a smart business plan, but if you cannot win over your colleagues and have full membership of your staff, your business is bound to flounder or will definitely take longer to progress,” observed Mr. Pagarani. Indeed, it has been a journey like none other – beginning from the humble grocery store in a small West African country to becoming a prestigious conglomerate with presence in 20 countries. A name synonymous with success, T. Choithram and Sons is truly a social minded company that has significantly made an impact on the global society. ■

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KONE: Making inroads to sustainability MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD, KONE IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN THE ESCALATOR AND ELEVATOR INDUSTRY AND IS A NAME SYNONYMOUS WITH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. CONTINUOUSLY STRIVING TO UNDERSTAND AND MEET CUSTOMER NEEDS, THE FIRM FOCUSES ON DELIVERY OF HIGH PERFORMANCE-BASED SOLUTIONS.

one Middle East offers wide array of products including escalators and autowalks that are not only customizable, but also set a superior standard for eco-efficiency, safety and spectacular visual design. “Since our headquarters is based in Northern Europe where the cost of energy is very high, we have adopted a number of methods for decreasing its usage. We were the first to launch a breakthrough technology – the Machine Room Less elevator. Until recently, elevators used to have a machine room at the top floor, things are different now. This technology has been adopted by many other similar entities,” said Environmental Director Kone, Hanna Uusitalo who joined the company in 2008 at a time when energy excellence was adopted as one of its strategic imperatives. It was in 2008 that Kone decided to further decrease its energy consumption and has achieved an astonishing 75% reduction, positioning it on the same level as the lighting industry. The company addresses energy efficiency challenge through its smart elevators which is innovatively optimized for traffic through eco-friendly motor technology with regenerative drives to capture the break energy or any unbalanced situation which arises from the elevator movement.

CREATING AN IMPACT Kone has made a deep impact on society by incorporating sustainability in the product line. “We have studied and assessed the environmental lifecycle impact of our products at different platform levels,” opines the environment director. The company successfully organized a compact drive system to achieve new levels in energy

Environmental Director Hanna Uusitalo. efficiency, space saving, reliability, and aesthetics,” remarked Hanna Uusitalo. Adding, “Cutting down your escalator or autowalk energy consumption is also possible using efficient LED lights.” The company has indeed played a critical role in aiming to decrease carbon

footprint. Being smart, green and safe entails delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly – efficiently and cost effectively. Kone is indeed making inroads to sustainable development through its world class fundamental eco-initiatives within the company. ■

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