Modernization offers opportunities for environmental and social gains

• Sustainability initiative
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11 Dec 2024

Sustainability goal: environmental & social 

Bruks Siwertell Group’s sustainability goals for 2030 include: an environmental target of a 50% percent reduction in CO2 emissions, and to bring the amount of waste generated in its global business units to zero; a Group-wide social sustainability target of 30% women in managerial roles; and raising personnel satisfaction levels from an employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 25 to 30.

In line with meeting and even improving on these aims, a number of sustainability initiatives, across three categories, environmental, social and governance, are being carried out globally. An ambitious eighteen-month-long rebuilding and modernization project at Bruks Siwertell Group company, Bruks AB, based in Arbrå, Sweden, is set to reap both social and environmental benefits.

Solution and results

In mid-2023, Bruks Siwertell Group’s management board made the decision to go ahead with plans that would modernize and rebuild offices and other areas at its Arbrå site. “We can all notice the performance gains when our equipment is modernized and serviced. Our buildings are no different,” says Pär Eriksson, Managing Director, Bruks AB.

It had been a significant number of years since the site had last been renovated. This provided an opportunity to both enhance the quality of the spaces for all personnel and at the same time, identified areas where environmental and efficiency improvements could be made. 

“This project has especially seen us focus on social goals to increase personnel satisfaction and improve diversity and inclusion,” says Eriksson. “We already exceed the Group’s target of 30% female managers by 2030, achieving a gender-equal management team in 2024, but this does not make us complacent. 

“Our hope is that new, modern facilities will ensure that our existing personnel work in an inviting, healthy and happy environment and that it will attract future talents,” he continues. “We take diversity and inclusion very seriously. This is not just about numbers. When we recruit, we are actively looking to bring in people with different backgrounds and personalities. This way we develop a diverse and dynamic leadership team.

“We also hope to appeal to people looking to come back to the area, if for example, they left to study or work away in larger cities. These are all important elements in our recruitment strategy, and part of our commitment to social sustainability, helping our local and regional communities  grow and thrive in a positive way with talent moving in, instead of out,” adds Eriksson.

In addition to the social gains, the rebuild supports the Group’s environmental strategies, aiming to reduce energy consumption through better insulation, a new ventilation system, and new, higher specification windows. Waste handling, sorting and recycling systems in the offices and canteen have been significantly improved.

“All our personnel, and a steering committee, have been involved with the project, which really enhances engagement and ownership of the improvements; our planned inauguration at the end of the year is set to be a celebration,” concludes Eriksson. 

The evaluation of the improvements and measurable results will be monitored over the months to come.

Monitoring and assessing sustainability milestones and achievements

Bruks Siwertell Group’s sustainability goals are assessed from an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) perspective, with each initiative falling into one or more of these categories. This is to clarify how different initiatives impact our overall sustainability work, and how their results can be used to maximum effect. It also contributes to our commitment to transparency. All aspects of our sustainability work are designed to be educational, so that we increase our knowledge and adjust our ambitions accordingly.