Metsäliitto Group to increase energy performance in buildings

 

Metsäliitto Grou press release 9 February 2010

Metsäliitto Group to increase energy performance in buildings

Metsäliitto Group strives to reduce the climate impact of all its activities. Improving energy efficiency is a key issue in its Climate programme. In accordance with this Metsäliitto Group has signed the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Manifesto on energy efficiency in buildings. The Manifesto and its implementation outline several actions for companies to enhance energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Members of the WBCSD firmly believe that actions towards improving energy performance in buildings and creating a demand for energy-efficient buildings can result in significant reductions in worldwide energy usage and corresponding carbon emissions.

"Increasing energy performance in buildings is part of Metsäliitto Group's wider systematic energy efficiency programme. Signing the manifesto gives also a possibility to inform how the Finnforest eco-efficient wood-based products can help in reducing the climate impact of buildings. Our products for building and interior decoration are energy efficient throughout their entire life-cycle," says Kari Jordan, President and CEO of Metsäliitto Group.

The Manifesto provides Metsäliitto Group a good framework for ongoing development work regarding energy efficiency in buildings. A project with the aim to develop a database for efficient management of company's real estate property was started in 2009. Metsäliitto Groups' energy efficiency program strives for energy and CO2 reductions in all its production units. These activities are now extended to cover Group's commercial buildings. "In addition to the energy and CO2 reductions we also have the opportunity to cut operating costs," states Jukka Tuloisela, SVP Administration Services, Metsäliitto Group.

Metsäliitto Group, including all its business areas, has been a WBCSD member since 2003. The WBCSD is a unique, CEO-led, global association of some 200 companies dealing with business and sustainable development. The council provides a platform for companies to explore sustainable development, share knowledge, experiences and best practice, and to advocate business positions on these issues. This is achieved in a variety of forums by working with governments and non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations.

For further information, please contact:
Mikko Ohela, Senior Vice President, International Corporate Affairs, tel. +358 1046 94331