At Ruukki, sustainability is at the core of our operations. Across our plants, a collective effort is apparent, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and championing greener practices. We have already achieved a 56 % reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by the end of 2022 compared to the 2019 level.

Embracing green energy and efficiency

Our manufacturing plants in Poland, Sweden, Estonia and Finland have made significant strides in shifting to renewable energy sources, dramatically reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. The adoption of green electricity contracts, the transition from fossil fuels to biogas and other biobased energies for building heating, and the use of bio-diesel in forklifts, reflect our dedication to this cause. Solar PV installations and ambitions to further expand their capacity showcase our dedication to harnessing solar power. Energy efficiency remains a pivotal focus, for example many of our plants has switched to LED lighting, resulting in marked reductions in energy consumption. Innovative machinery choices, like the adoption of electric and hybrid forklifts, have further underscored our commitment.

Waste reduction and recycling

One of the standout features across our plants is the emphasis on waste and production scrap reduction and the circular economy. This can be seen in the notable reductions in mineral wool waste in sandwich panel production, the innovative utilization of leftover materials, and the shift to more effective packaging solutions. Nothing underscores our commitment to the environment more than our waste management practices; virtually everything is recycled, from steel scrap to packaging materials. Moreover, strategies to optimize material usage and minimize scrap prove our dedication to resource efficiency.

Well-being and employee engagement

We believe that sustainability isn't solely about environmental impact but extends to the well-being of our employees. The positive atmosphere and high levels of employee engagement are evident. Our internal employee surveys and People Power Index numbers tell about high employee involvement and satisfaction, illustrating that our commitment to sustainability is echoed by our workforce. Our plants are also heavily invested in promoting health, mental well-being, and physical activity among employees.

Innovations and future focus

We pride ourselves on the innovations and state-of-the-art technologies evident in our plants, from automated production lines to energy efficient machinery that emphasizes sustainability. But we aren’t resting on our laurels. As we move forward, areas like energy usage optimization, exploring sustainable alternatives to current materials and logistics, and furthering our focus on biodiversity are among our top priorities.

Our manufacturing plants are not just manufacturing sites; they're flagbearers of our commitment to a sustainable future. Each step taken, whether big or small, reflects our ambition to pioneer a green industrial revolution. A good example of this is the world first construction products made of fossil free steel. As we continue this journey, we're not only setting standards for ourselves but enabling our customers meeting their sustainability targets and inspiring the entire construction industry towards a more sustainable tomorrow.

Jyrki Kesti
Sustainability and Technology Manager
Ruukki Construction
jyrki.kesti@ruukki.com
LinkedIn