ARTICLES
ARTICLES
We extensively document our efforts through our sustainability report, which is integrated into our Annual
Report and also work with third party verifiers, like the WWF as an active Climate Savers partner. And with
critical issues like Climate Change gaining attention, there is an increasing concern for future generations,
the legacy that we will leave behind to our children and their children.
We like to say “Innovation is faster than politics” and
we believe that inspired and responsible companies
can respond to global challenges like Climate Change
more quickly and effectively than through local government-driven mandates and regulations alone.”
But how does a company of that size balance financial
goals with environmental and sustainability goals? Mr
Jeppesen explains that SKF’s ability to profitably manage and grow business is the foundation by which SKF
can meet their social responsibility. “We look for ways
that we can creatively manage both. For example, we
Poul Jeppesen at Tesla Factory
have found that reducing our environmental impact
in a smart way can often reduce our energy consumption, resource consumption, and actually save money in the long run. So profitability and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive, sometimes it takes a somewhat larger expenditure to build an LEED certified facility, but it pays back in
reduced operating costs, and a healthier workplace environment”
In contrast to what one might think, top-level management does not primarily plan the organization’s CSR
activities. Instead, SKF Management actively encourages employees to find ways to make a positive and
lasting impact on society and the communities in which we operate. While there are some centrally sponsored activities like the Gothia Cup – the world’s largest youth soccer tournament, and global ambitions and
tracking for the environmental targets including BeyondZero, most other programs are largely employee
driven and managed, often by volunteer committees with a particular passion or interest in one of the SKF
Care areas.
Predicting the future of CSR and how it will shape how business will operate is not an easy task. Rising
priorities about how a business may operate and sustain growth while at the same time reducing the environmental footprint continue to shift in relation to shifts in economic and environmental conditions. According to Poul Jeppesen, Climate Change will be increasingly important as it represents a critical long-term
challenge to humanity and the natural environment. “This will fundamentally shift how many companies
work today, and those who are less concerned will be forced to follow tougher standards in order to maintain their current business. It will require that we work together towards greater integration of a company’s
environmental and social policies throughout its value chain, from its suppliers and sub-contractors to its
distributor channels. Through greater transparency or increasing regulations, companies will have to adapt
to survive.” n
TEXT: NIMA GHAMARI
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