Construction World October 2015

Products

Global Reporting Initiative G4 Standard introduced

Sika has bundled and consolidated its sustainability activities: The guiding principle ‘More value, less impact’ sums up the new strategy. The company now measures itself against six defined targets and is one of the first companies in Switzerland to report its performance in accordance with the latest guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI G4). The recently published sustainability brochure outlining the ‘More value, less impact’ campaign provides a comprehensive overview of Sika´s sustainability commitment in the next five years. Sustainability is a driver of innovation and hence of the business success enjoyed by Sika. The new medium-term sustainability strategy bundles activities and systematically gears them to the following six strategic target indicators: economic performance, sustainable solutions, local communities/society, energy, water/waste and occupational safety. In accordance with the guiding principle of ‘More value, less impact,’ with its products, systems and solutions Sika strives to create value for all its stakeholders that by far outweighs the impacts associated with production, distribution and use. Specifically, in the next five years the company will measure itself against the following targets: • Economic performance: Operating profit (EBIT) above 10% of net sales • Sustainable solutions: All new product developments assessed, all local key projects implemented • Local communities/society: 5% more projects per year • Energy: 3% less energy consumption per ton and year • Water/Waste: 3% less water consumption and waste per ton and year • Occupational safety: 5% less accidents per year For buildings as well as for industrial applications, Sika aims to continually enhance durability and improve both energy and material efficiency. The company has been guided by a sustainability mindset from the very outset: The breakthrough was achieved around a century ago with the product Sika-1, which

durably sealed the tunnels on the Gotthard rail route against seepage water – an essential requirement for the subsequent electrification of the line. No company can achieve the goal of sustainable development on its own. That is why Sika actively seeks the involvement of its stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, authorities, governments and associations. In developing its sustainability strategy, Sika consulted stakeholders on what they considered to be the most important sustainability issues. Selection of the strategic sustainability targets is thus based on both accompanied by a new management and reporting system meeting the G4 Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI G4). This makes Sika one of the first companies in Switzerland to report on its sustainability performance in accordance with this new standard. Compared with earlier versions, GRI G4 aligns sustainability reporting more closely to topics of significance to companies, and factors in the impact of business activities on the entire value chain. The recently published sustainability brochure on the ‘More value, less impact’ campaign summarizes the key points and provides illustrative projects and initiatives from all over the world highlighting the six strategic focus areas of Sika. Sika complies with the non-financial reporting standards developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI G4) an internal and an external perspective. The revised sustainability strategy was

Launched in Europe before Christmas, Aspecta 5 Flooring was launched in South Africa in July. The function, at the Da Vinci Hotel in Sandton, was held under the auspices of the Pretoria Institute of Architects. Hugh Fraser was the keynote speaker. Aspecta is a dry back LVT range where the difference is in the detail. This 3,2 mm thick vinyl boasts a superior 0,7 mm Ceramic Bead coated wear layer and super matt Urethane finish. The real excitement comes from the Diversi- fied Assortment, the unmatched sustainability credentials, world-class marketing support and unrivalled guarantees. Aspecta offers 33 Stone and Masonry tile patterns that fit seamlessly between counter contemporary and digital design. There are 52 wood grains in a wider range of embossing and textures and larger plank and print width for unparalleled realism. And then there Aspect 5 official SA Launch

is the real ground breaking collection of 24 abstracts. This bold alternative to wood and stone offers unlimited combinations and opportunities with sizes and finishes that will bring any project to life. Aspecta is manufactured from 100% virgin vinyl (which is 100% recyclable) and non-phthalate plasticisers. This together with the manufacturer’s social, economic and environmental responsibility programmes has seen the product gain accreditation by the US Green Building Council and Floor Score accreditation for indoor air quality. It is also the only flooring in the world to be granted the ANSI/NSF 332 (sustainability assessment standard for resilient flooring) Platinum certificate for sustainability. This new dimension in flooring is the perfectly suited to the education, healthcare, hospitality, retail and corporate segments and carries a 25 year full commercial warranty.

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sustainable construction world