Awarded sustainability efforts
Proof of commitment to and investments in sustainable solutions
Awarded sustainability efforts of GF Building Flow Solutions
Operating in an industry that has a significant impact on counteracting climate change, as well as on the delivery of hygienic drinking water, GF Building Flow Solutions strives continuously to pioneer in sustainable water solutions for buildings. The products and solutions manufactured are based on sound environmental management practices, embracing renewable energy sources across the global operations to reduce their environmental footprint. Both pillars of GF Building Flow Solutions’ environmental strategy–providing sustainable products and decreasing the company’s environmental impact–have recently been awarded: TIME and Statista have named GF Building Flow Solutions, previously Uponor, as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2024, ranking 343rd out of the top 500 companies. In addition, GF Building Flow Solutions is shortlisted for the World Sustainability Awards 2024 in the category Eco Design Award for the world’s first bio-based PEX pipes1 (PEX Pipe Blue).1 with ISCC certification, based on the mass balance approach.
We are very proud of these two recognitions, says Ilari Aho, VP Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs at GF Building Flow Solutions. These acknowledgements are a proof of our commitment to and investments in developing more sustainable alternatives to improve the CO2 balance of buildings while at the same time taking an active approach in limiting our operational impacts and assuring efficient use of resources.
Promoting sustainable practices
For the first time, TIME and data firm Statista have named 500 companies from over 30 countries doing the best for the earth. The measuring started from a pool of over 5’000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies, considering factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence. The methodology included the assessment of the companies based on external sustainability ratings and commitments from reputable organizations. The companies were evaluated by the availability and quality of sustainability reports and involved researching various environmental and social Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from companies' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. By featuring these leading entities, TIMES and Statista aim to highlight corporate responsibility and promote sustainable practices.GF Building Flow Solutions, previously Uponor, has been part of the international industrial corporation Georg Fischer (GF) since November 2023. Being ranked as one of the 500 World’s Most Sustainable Companies in 2024 still with the old name Uponor, the division of GF was evidenced with transparent sustainability commitments, showing it is possible even in manufacturing. An overview of the sustainable achievements can be found in the Sustainability review 2023.
Renewable raw material supply and carbon-neutral manufacturing
The world´s first bio-based PEX pipes, presented by GF Building Flow Solutions under its previous name Uponor in 2022 on the market, feature a reduced carbon footprint of up to 90% compared to fossil-based PEX pipes, offering customers the opportunity to lead the way to green building and contribute to a sustainable construction industry. The estimate is based on Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) calculations in accordance with the EN15804+A1, CML / ISO 21930 standards. The EPD assesses the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. The data is also verified by an independent third party.
Being shortlisted for the World Sustainability Awards 2024 for the "Biocircular PEX pipes for plumbing and heating" in the category Eco Design Award is a celebration of GF Building Flow Solutions as a “visionary company that has displayed unwavering courage and resilience by placing sustainability at the very core of its strategic endeavors, leading to outstanding achievements”, according to “The World Sustainability Awards 2024 Shortlist” announcement from Sustainability Leaders, dated 20 June 2024. The award celebrates outstanding organizations, leaders and their teams who are driving change and helping to build a better future. It is presented by Sustainability Leaders, a global community-intelligence network for CSOs and ESG executives designed to accelerate sustainability initiatives.
As the award’s description says, businesses have a powerful impact on improving sustainability in many ways. One of them is to design products and services to benefit both, people, and the planet. With our biocircular PEX pipes (Uponor PEX Pipe Blue), we created a product with exceptional technical properties ensuring comfort, health, and efficiency while at the same time it enables customers in the residential and commercial space to be more sustainable and productive, says Ilari Aho.
Uponor's first factory to reach carbon neutrality is in Nastola, Finland
Uponor has achieved carbon neutrality in its Nastola factory in Finland. This is a major milestone in the company's journey to reduce its environmental impact and become a net-zero carbon company by 2040. The Nastola factory produces plastic pipes and fittings for plumbing, heating and cooling systems. The factory has implemented various measures to reduce its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, such as switching to renewable electricity, installing solar panels, optimizing production processes and increasing recycling. The factory has also offset its remaining emissions by supporting certified climate projects in developing countries.