Sponda Plc Press Release 9 October 2013 at 11:00 a.m.
Sponda achieves reduced energy consumption and an increased waste recovery rate at its properties
The energy consumption of the properties included in Sponda’s Energy Efficiency Programme has decreased in line with previously set targets. At the same time, a growing percentage of the waste generated at the properties is being recovered. The company considers its future targets for reducing the ecological footprint of business premises to be realistic.
Energy efficiency target for 2016 already achieved
The target of the Energy Efficiency Programme, which is to decrease the energy consumption of Sponda's properties in Finland by 10 per cent by 2016, has now been achieved. Sponda will continue its efforts in this area, next focusing on its 2020 target of reducing the energy consumption of its properties by 20 per cent. The Energy Efficiency Programme involves monitoring electricity, heating, water and district cooling consumption.
- Our customers have responded positively to the energy conservation measures. We are pleased to see that environmental issues are a shared concern for us and our customers. We will continue to implement our Energy Efficiency Programme as comprehensively as possible, says Tiina Huovinen, Sustainability Manager at Sponda.
Nearly all waste generated at Sponda properties is recovered
Last year, Sponda was successful in increasing the waste recovery rate at its properties in Finland to 82 per cent. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, the figure was nearly 86 per cent. An even more ambitious goal has been set for this year, with a target waste recovery rate of 86 per cent for the country as a whole.
Tiina Huovinen says reaching this goal requires continued efforts and increased awareness.
- It is essential that we make waste sorting as easy as possible for property users. We will provide instructions and guidance to users on waste sorting while also ensuring that waste management rooms are set up as effectively as possible. Our goal is to reach a waste recovery rate of 90 per cent quite soon, Huovinen adds.
Sponda’s head office retains the WWF Green Office label
Sponda’s head office has been part of the WWF Green Office network since 2010. The Green Office label was renewed for a new three-year period in an office inspection conducted by WWF in August 2013.
As a WWF partner, Sponda also encourages its customers to join the Green Office network. Sponda’s customers receive a discount on the Green Office membership and annual fees. Sponda also assists its customers with the Green Office application process and annual reporting.
Helka Julkunen, Head of the Green Office Programme at WWF, commends Sponda for its long-term partnership with WWF.
- Our cooperation has been smooth and productive. In addition to taking environmental issues into consideration in its own operations, Sponda supports the green efforts of its customers. We are particularly fond of the eco-tip comic strips published on Sponda’s Facebook page, which feature fun power plug characters that communicate messages on energy conservation. It is wonderful that Sponda has found such an entertaining way of providing energy-related information, Julkunen says.
Sponda Plc Additional information: Tiina Huovinen, Sustainability Manager, tel. +358 40 779 9542
Sponda Plc is a property investment company that specialises in commercial properties in the largest cities in Finland. Sponda’s business concept is to own, lease and develop office premises, retail premises and shopping centres in environments that promote the business success of its clients. The fair value of Sponda’s investment properties is approximately EUR 3.3 billion and the leasable area is around 1.5 million square metres.
