In the 12th edition of the Eurobuild Awards, Skanska office company won in the category of "The ESG Real Estate Leader of The Year" for the region of Central and Eastern Europe. The company was recognized by the jury for responsible and sustainable actions in all aspects of running its business.
The Eurobuild award for activities in the ESG area recognizes Skanska’s hard work in the area of sustainable business. This recognition for being an environmentally and socially responsible company sets an example for the entire real estate industry.
- Sustainable development is one of the pillars of our business strategy. We are pleased that this has been recognized by the jury of the Eurobuild Awards, says Katarzyna Zawodna-Bijoch, President and CEO of Skanska commercial development business unit in CEE. - In terms of "E" - care of the environment - we are raising the bar in our striving for zero emissions in line with the Paris Agreement commitments. Nowadays, it is also very important to properly address the 'S' and 'G' areas: social and governance factors. We care about the safety and health of employees and occupants of our offices, we create spaces that support the needs of local communities living in the neighborhoods of our projects, and we support social causes. At the same time, we apply the highest standards of ethics in our relationships with employees, suppliers, clients and other stakeholder groups. As a company, we take a holistic approach to ESG, and I am proud that we have been awarded for this.
Company awareness
Skanska has many years of experience in taking measurable actions for sustainable development. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects are an integral part of planning and implementing projects throughout their entire life cycle. Construction is responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its own scopes and in the value chain by 2045, while by 2030 it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% as part of its own emissions.
There is no doubt that ESG factors are beginning to constitute a significant value for investors, not only in the most popular environmental aspect. The use of appropriate solutions correlated with ESG indicators gives Skanska a space to create changes that are also directly felt by real estate users and the entire business environment. Skanska's safe workspaces, which support a healthy lifestyle, ethical standards within the company and their enforcement at the premises of subcontractors and suppliers, climate-friendly solutions at every stage of project development and supporting the development of local communities are a comprehensive and conscious approach to running a business. The Eurobuild award proves this.
Good practices for the community and the environment
In the face of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine related to the Russian invasion, in cooperation with the Warsaw City Hall, the #Property4Ukraine initiative was launched in the capital involving several entities, including Skanska. Four Warsaw office buildings have turned into residence centers for refugees from Ukraine. The developer has adapted its building to the needs of war migrants at its own expense. The expenses related to the operation of the facilities were shared with other companies that decided to join the initiative. Organizational and substantive support was provided by United Nations Global Compact Network Poland.
In 2021, Skanska commercial development business unit in CEE was awarded twice as Developer of the Year in Poland and in the CEE region. The Eurobuild Awards are awarded to companies operating on the commercial real estate market in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. The competition is one of the most important events in the industry in Poland. This year's awards ceremony was held on 27 September at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Warsaw.