Environmental business can thrive in
all sectors
les mpkejä Exaerk Esim
ss nnasta etoimi al busine nment enviroistöliik ofYmpär
”There is no business to be done on a dead planet.” David Brower, Patagonia
”We must make the act of saving the world a viable business model.” Esko Aho
”Co-operation is strength.” Piia Nurmi, Group Leader, Sustainable development and Corporate Responsibility, Turku University of Applied Sciences
1
Environmental business is viable business This brochure aims to give you an understanding of what environmental business can be and what it already is. Furthermore, we set out to provide examples of the sort of benefits companies can gain by taking environmental considerations into account across all their operations. Above all, this brochure is designed to be as practical and useful as possible. We want to provide an accessible yet inspiring reading 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 industries 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 business performance while making efficient use of natural resources and reducing the burden on the environment. Here, environmental 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 business is both economically and ecologically viable.
This brochure was compiled as part of the eGreenNet project in cooperation with companies that have been innovators in the environmental business sector and who wish to promote environmental know-how by acting as an example and case study for others. The aim of the brochure is to offer an introductory glimpse into the world of environmental business and environmental know-how and to help remove any barriers that may currently prevent you from considering the environmental competencies within your own company as well as the opportunities available to you in the environmental business industry. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate get in touch. Piia Nurmi Project Manager +358 40 355 0931 piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi Jenni Suominen Project Co-ordinator +358 40 355 0936 jenni.suominen@turkuamk.fi
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
2
SMEs can act with environmental conscience by:
Taking account of the environmental impact of goods and services across their entire life cycle
Consistently taking environmental considerations into account in their activities
Carrying out environmental assessments on their suppliers and stakeholders
Encouraging staff, partners and clients to adopt environmentally friendly working practices
Designing environmentally friendly products and production processes
3
Reducing and making more efficient use of materials, energy and water
Generating innovations
Reducing waste by recycling and re-using
Choosing environmentally friendly products and services
What is environmental know-how? Environmental know-how within the business 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 environmental responsibility policies, businesses must possess environmental know-how that allows them to protect ecological diversity, make efficient use of natural
resources and develop production methods and processes that are as eco-friendly 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 reputation 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. Ultimately, carefully drafted and actioned environmental activities will benefit businesses and the environment alike. Environmental know-how must be a fully integrated part of the business plan, product or service.
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
4
What is environmental business The wider definition of environmental business comprises all investments and products relating to the climate, waste management, clean energy, energy efficiency and energy saving. Environmental business can be practised across all industries. The key elements • The prevention, mitigation, removal and repair of negative environmental effects • Supporting activities, including training, research, consulting, funding, benchmarking, monitoring and certification • The business can be based on systems, machinery, equipment, products and services
• Environmental business can be conducted 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 pollution, prevent waste and emissions and reduce risks associated with environmental accidents. Environmental business is practisced by enterprises that make use of environmental know-how in their own activities or enable others to do so.
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
5
Examples of environmental business activities include
Saving and carefully selecting energy sources and raw materials Reducing waste and emissions Advisory and consultancy services Benchmarking, forward planning and monitoring
Sustainable products and services
Recycling and re-use Containment and clean-up of contaminants, de-contamination
6
First steps: draw up a development plan! The eGreenNet business plan development is designed to help companies identify their potential within the environmental business sector and to develop their activities. The business plan development fee is EUR 150. For an idea of how the business plan is put together, see below: 6. 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.
5.
Draw up a plan of the competitive advantages of the company
4. 3. 2. 1.
Develop a clear picture of the circumstances of the company in full consultation with the company
The development plan will be sparred with a relevant expert organisation Hold a one-day intensive consultation event attended by two or three experts
Even the smallest step can be a huge leap forward.
So don’t set out to achieve everything at once. Let’s take it one step at a time!
7
Contact information: Piia Nurmi Project Manager +358 40 355 0931 piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi
“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.” Aki Honkanen, Biota Tech Ltd
“Green choices deliver financial savings.” Kimmo Lähtinen, K-Supermarket, Lieto
“A commitment to environmental sustainability is a key characteristic shared by all successful businesses.” Harri Kerminen, Kemira Ltd
8
Environmental business in pictures (pictures: eGreenNet) 9
”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.” Janne Kalhama, Flowpark
”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.” Olli Suominen, Leipomo Verainen
”We don’t make money out of the environment, we make money for the environment, to support sustainable development.” Jussi Mälkiä, MeriAura
10
Regional strengths: resource Responding to global challenges New recycling ventures and resource efficiency improvements have come about in response 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 materials rejected by others Recycling sector businesses generate new commercial opportunities from surplus materials rejected by others, taking an environmentally conscious and no-nonsense approach 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 materials, the commercial exploitation of waste and side streams as well as closed substance cycles. Resource efficiency offers a competitive advantage that can generate cost savings, procurement efficiencies and completely new business ventures.
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd. Environmental business activity: energy and resource efficiency Sector: Soft drinks and brewery products, wholesale Location: Laitila Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd. is the fourth largest brewery in Finland. The company’s entire product range is manufactured in premises that have been extended on eight separate occasions, using traditional methods and state-of-the-art technology. The company’s product portfolio comprises the Kukko and Kievari lagers, Oiva cider and sparkling wine, Into 11
Founded: 1995 Turnover: approx. EUR 22 million (2012) Staff: approx. 48 www.laitilan.fi “long drink” and traditional fizzy drinks. Laitila has invested heavily in sustainable technologies in order to position itself well for the challenges ahead. All electricity 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.
e efficiency and recycling Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas, resource efficiency and traditional drinks industry side streams: Thermal energy
Waste water
- The majority of the heat required at the plant is derived from a 100% woodfuelled district heating facility - Surplus heat is captured and recycled further, mainly for use within the plant
- 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
Filter waste - Used to improve soil
- 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
Malt and yeast waste
CO2
- 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.
- 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.
12
Environmental business Veraisen Leipomo Ltd.
Green Carpet Turku Ltd.
Communicating about green issues pays off
Competitive advantage through green credentials
Hunajayhtymä
Flowpark Ltd.
Promoting Finnish honey production
Materials matter
Nereus Ltd.
Sybimar Ltd.
Energy efficiency through solar and thermal
Reducing waste and increasing materials efficiency
combi system
through closed substance systems
Finess Energy Ltd.
PG Quality Ltd.
Cost efficiency through energy efficiency
Environmental and quality management systems enhancing organisational transparency
PS Processing Ltd.
Ceramic artist Eero Kaarnisto
Recycling conserves natural resources and
Environmental awareness is needed across the
reduces waste
entire business sector
Herrankukkaro Ltd.
Strandbo Group
A green meeting venue and holiday destination
Sustainable travel
NaNi Design
Lindtrothin Puutarha
Environmentally friendly materials, supply chain
Reducing energy use, minimising water consuption
transparency, Finnish brand identity
and re-use waterEnergy and water efficiency
Finnfoam Ltd.
Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd.
Energy efficiency by ecological insulation
Doing the right thing? Share it!
Verso Globe Ltd. Don’t forget to communicate your successes and best practices
13
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. Environmental business: Locally produced and organic products Sector: Bakery Location: Mynämäki 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 wherever possible. All energy is generated from renewable resources (wind/hydro).
Founded: 1952 Turnover: EUR 5.1 million Staff: approx. 40 www.leipomoverainen.fi 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 sustainable practices to an external audience, including consumers and retailers.
Green Carpet Turku Ltd. Environmental business: Water and energy-efficient rug and carpet cleaning Sector: Carpet cleaning service Green Carpet is responsible for developing 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 mobile laundry service in mind, are environmentally friendly and all waste water is delivered directly to a water treatment facility. As the cleaning process is powered by the van engine, the entire cleaning and
Location: Western Finland Founded: 2012 Staff: 3–5 www.greencarpet.fi 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 future, the company plans to stand out from the competition through its nature-friendly values. To ensure that this message is communicated effectively, the company intends to sharpen up its marketing strategy in the near future, with a firm focus on green issues.
14
Hunajayhtymä Ltd. Environmental business: Promoting Finnish honey production Sector: Foodstuffs / honey Location: Loimaa Hunajayhtymä packages Finnish honey and offers the widest range of beekeeping 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. Hunajayhtymä buys the honey it packages from contracted producers and sells it on to wholesalers. The origins of the honey must be traceable, even though a single jar might contain honey from a number of different producers.
Founded: 1995 Turnover: EUR 3.3 million (2012) Staff: 8 www.hunaja.fi Hunajayhtymä has calculated the carbon footprint of floral honey and adopted the CO2e symbol, a measure of the greenhouse 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 pollination undertaken by bees in Finland alone is calculated at EUR 60 million, which far exceeds the value of the annual honey crop.
Flowpark Ltd. Environmental business: Ecological adventure park Sector: Amusement park, leisure Location: Turku and Lappeenranta
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 particularly 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 15
Founded: 2009 (launched in 2010) Turnover: approx. EUR 500,000 Staff: : 2–3 permanent staff, approx. 20 seasonal staff www.flowpark.fi material usage levels and the results have been used to identify ways of implementing more sustainable solutions. The MIPS outcome can often seem a fairly minor matter in terms of an entire business operation, but the findings may often lead you to identify genuine savings and efficiencies. Flowpark is pleased with the results and the company has already used the MIPS calculation in its own external communications.
Nereus Ltd. Environmental business: Combining solar and geothermal energy for water-based underfloor heating solutions. Sector: Construction Location: Head office in Uusikaupunki. Sales offices in Turku Nereus specialises in the planning, installation and marketing of water-based underfloor heating systems. It has been awarded the Association for Finnish Work’s Key Flag symbol. The company’s key innovations are to combine solar and geothermal energy sources and an iPhone app that allows users to control their heating system. The Nereus system is also perfect for use
and Oulu complemented by a nationwide retail network Founded: 1989 Turnover: EUR 3–5 million Staff: 14 www.nereus.fi
as part of a variety of frostfree solutions. These heating systems are becoming increasingly common and are often used to facilitate the winter maintenance of pavements, loading docks and roads. Nereus is active in the Finnish as well as the Estonian and Russian markets, which the company will target for growth in the future.
Sybimar Ltd. Environmental business: Biodiesel and closed substance systems Sector: Biodiesel and closed substance systems Location: Uusikaupunki Sybimar Ltd. leads the way in sustainable energy production. The company turns food manufacturing side streams into biodiesel. Originally, the company’s vision was to offer opportunities for exploiting food manufacturing side streams but as the concept expanded, Sybimar went on to develop an innovative biodiesel process. The resulting biofuel is suitable for both heating and vehicular use. In addition, Sybimar builds installations for the food manufactu-
Founded: 2005 Turnover: EUR 600,000 Staff: 11 www.sybimar.fi
ring industry and bioenergy generation. Sybimar’s closed substance system concept incorporates fish farms, greenhouses, biogas installations, generators, wind farms and biodiesel plants. The closed substance system can be implemented anywhere in the world for local energy and food production purposes. It also promotes self-sufficiency among local communities and creates jobs.
16
Finess Energy Ltd. Environmental business: Energy efficiency, renewables Sector: Energy expertise Location: Turku Founded: 2011
Finess Energy Ltd. is an energy efficiency and energy solutions expert offering services to heavy industry and local authority and other public bodies. The company’s product range includes heat pumps, cooling units and energy production. Heat pumps can reduce delivered energy demand by up to 80%. The energy that is saved is replaced with carbon neutral renewable energy. Finess’s cooling units
Products and services: Energy solutions: industrial heat pumps, cooling units, energy generation www.finess.fi
use natural and environmentally friendly 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 technologies offer a range of possibilities for inhouse power generation, including the conversion of waste heat into electricity.
PG Quality Ltd. Environmental business: Quality and environmental system design construction, development and maintenance Sector: Management and system consultancy Founded in 2006, PG Quality designs, develops and maintains a range of quality, environmental and management systems. The company also provides expert support for clients undergoing certification. In addition, PG Quality carries out audits, concept testing and offers project management services. PG Quality’s clients operate
17
Location: Masku / nationwide Founded: 2006 Turnover: < EUR 200,000 Staff: 2 (1 full-time + several parttime) www.pg-quality.fi in a wide variety of industries, including metal and timber processing, pharmaceuticals 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.
PS Processing Ltd. Environmental business: Styrofoam recycling Sector: Sorted waste recycling
PS Processing’s core function is the wideranging collection, handling and processing of styrofoam carried out in a sustainable and cost-efficient manner. The company offers Styrofoam, EPS and PS waste recovery services tailored to client
Location: Laitila Founded: 2011 www.ps-processing.fi
needs on the basis of waste volume, format and level of pre-sorting. In addition, PS Processing Ltd. plans to launch a service for recycling empty canisters as well as hay and fodder bales. Real-time CDR monitoring and reporting is also available.
Eero Kaarnisto, ceramic artist Environmental business: Biodegradable clay urns for humans and pets Sector: Ceramics manufacturing and sales with a specialist interest Ceramic artist Eero Kaarnisto’s key product 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 without the need for kiln firing. In 2009, the company’s urn design received recognition in the 2009 YMPÄRISTÖTEKO Awards. The honourable mention reflects the high quality of the product and it is hoped that it will serve to increase environmental awareness in the funeral sector.
in burial urns Location: Turku Founded: 1988 (urns since 1996) Staff: 1 (+ 3 seasonal staff) www.eerokaarnisto.fi 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 Sweden. Making headway in a new market can be challenging and careful planning and implementation are vital. Eero Kaarnisto 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. 18
Herrankukkaro Ltd. Environmental business: Environmentally friendly meeting venue and holiday destination Sector: Event and recreational services Located in Naantali on Finland’s southern coast, and enjoying a stunning location sheltered by 41,000 islands, Herrankukkaro is a unique, distinctive and fascinating destination built on the site of an old fishing village that offers meeting, training and recreational services for groups. Over the years, Herrankukkaro has become known for its quirkiness, including birdhouse accommodation, the largest “smoke sauna” in the world as well as the eco-friendly seaside Kaislikko Spa. In 2010, Herrankukkaro was voted Finland’s Best Tourist Destination. According to the company, natu19
Location: Rymättylä/Naantali Founded: 1984 Turnover: approx. EUR 1.3 million Staff: 15 www.herrankukkaro.fi 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 leave!
Lindrothin puutarha Environmental business: Increasing energy efficiency, minimising water usage and promoting water re-use Sector: Vegetable growing Location: Turku
Lindrothin Puutarha Deliverde is a familyrun farm that grows high-quality lettuce, 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 fully ripened and has reached the right size. Thanks to a highly efficient distribution function, the produce is quickly made
NaNi Design Environmental business: Sustainable materials, production chain transparency, Finnish identity Sector: Textiles/small dog apparel 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, regardless of breed. We aim to manufacture all products locally, allowing us to have control over the entire process. Our higher manufacturing costs are reflected in our retail prices but, in return, our customers
Founded: 1996 Turnover: EUR 1.1 million (2012) Staff: 4 + 20 seasonal workers www.deliverde.fi
available to consumers. As a company, Lindrothin Puutarha is highly aware of environmental considerations. The installation 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 management company to devise a bespoke recycling and waste management system. The company’s greenhouses are also fitted with a highly efficient irrigation system.
Location: Turku Founded: 2012 Staff: 1 + a trainee www.nani.fi
can be assured that what they are purchasing is a high-quality product where each stage of production is fully traceable. NaNi has been awarded the Association for Finnish Work’s Key Flag symbol in recognition of its Finnish credentials. The company would like to do what it can to ensure that Finnish consumers can choose Finnish products from highly-skilled Finnish producers now and into the future and to raise the profile of Finnish goods. 20
Strandbo Group Environmental business: Sustainable travel Sector: Food and travel Location: Parainen, Nauvo, Airisto Founded: 1998 The Strandbo Group is a travel specialist offering year-round island holidays. The company is committed to the principles of sustainable travel. The company owns three hotels and a number of rental cottages and villas with restaurants, activities and other tourist services offered alongiside the accommodation. The company’s four restaurants all aim to create their dishes from foraged or lo-
Turnover: EUR 4.5 million Staff: 25 www.strandbo.fi
cally sourced ingredients and is aware of the vast opportunities for visitors and locals alike offered by its island setting. In addition to recreation and tourism services, the company also offers a range of corporate meeting venues with full-service 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.
Finnfoam Ltd. Environmental business: Energy and material efficiency Sector: Insulation Location: Salo Finnfoam Ltd. is a Finnish thermal insulation 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 developed 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 facilities, making its own manufacturing process more environmentally friendly. At 20
Founded: 1982 Turnover: EUR 51.3 million (2010) Staff: 56 www.finnfoam.fi 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 waste 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.
Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd. Environmental business: CSR consultancy, training and communications Sector: Marketing communications Location: Turku, Helsinki, Tampere
Perjantai is a communiations agency with services spanning marketing communications, training and sales support services. Perjantai specialises in respon-
Founded: 2004 Turnover: EUR 2 million Staff: 30 www.perjantai.fi
sible business performance: “If you’re doing the right thing, make sure others know about it.”
Verso Globe Ltd. Environmental business: CSR communications Sector: Communications and information management
It is Verso’s belief that the prevailing discourse on responsible business practices 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 accessible. 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 expertise and state-of-the-art communications tools as part of a single interface. Verso offers clients both a highly practical approach and platform, which businesses can use to communicate their responsible business practices to consumers, partners
Location: Turku, Helsinki, Munich, Vienna Founded: 2010 Staff: 8 http://verso.info and other interested parties. With the help of Verso, any business can communicate 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, straightforward language. A typical Verso Globe interface user is a company that already has or wishes to establish itself as a leader in its field and wants to communicate the best practices it employs using stateof-the-art methods, allowing it to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders and continue to evolve its organisation and operations. 21
Piia Nurmi Project Manager +358 40 335 0931 piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi Jenni Suominen Project Co-ordinator +358 40 355 0936 jenni.suominen@turkuamk.fi
3/2014 The Nordic Ecolabel paper / Mainostoimisto Guru
www.egreennet.fi