One Construction Sector Company Achieves Gold Level in Responsible Business Index
Housing development company Bonava received the gold level of the Responsible Business Index, making it the only construction and housing development sector company to have received this mark.
In the Sustainable Business Union KELL's Responsible Business Index, organizations were evaluated in three categories: climate and environment, society and social environment, and governance. The evaluators recognized that Bonava has thoroughly considered sustainable operating principles and knows how to identify opportunities based on its own field. "The company has thoroughly considered ESG topics and integrated them into its strategy. There is truly purposeful action and systems that support the company's ability to increase its positive impact on society," commented the experts who evaluated Bonava's activities.
Bonava achieved the highest score in the society and social environment category, where Bonava's focus on providing affordable housing for young people was highlighted among other things.
According to Bonava Estonia's CEO Taavi Soormi, receiving the highest recognition for responsible business for the third time is confirmation that Bonava is a trendsetter in sustainable activities in its sector. "As a housing developer, we influence the living environment around us, but we also shape lifestyle and choices made by families who buy homes from us. Since we offer new, affordable apartments to many people, this impact is significant. Therefore, we feel great responsibility in planning our product, from location selection and home solutions and material choices to work methods and principles in implementing them," said Soormi.
Bonava's activities in the sustainability field include both company-wide principles of the entire Bonava Group and initiatives carried out in the local, Estonian business unit. The company has set science-based climate action targets aimed at keeping global warming below the 1.5°C threshold and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations by 50% by 2030 (compared to 2018). A major focus is on building energy efficiency and the sustainability and diversity of the neighborhoods and courtyards being created.
One of the company's strategic areas is the health and occupational safety of employees and subcontractors, both in ensuring safe working conditions at construction sites and in supporting mental health. Suppliers have also been set specific principles established in the UN global agreement, which are a prerequisite for cooperation.
Bonava participated in the Responsible Business Index for the fourth time and achieved the gold level for the third time. In total this year, 26 organizations achieved gold level, 9 achieved silver level, and 3 achieved bronze level. The mark is valid for two years.
