Environmental policy

Akvaplan-niva is a research and consulting organization dedicated to protecting the integrity of the environment and working to establish methods and strategies for sustainable use of resources.

We work both externally with our customers and collaborators, and internally through our procedures and strategies, to continually improve environmental considerations in how we work and what we produce.

Akvaplan-niva's services and products shall as far as possible contribute to positive environmental effect and sustainable social development for industry and society.

Akvaplan-niva shall work systematically and continuously to reduce its own environmental footprint and shall influence collaboration partners, customers, and suppliers to do the same.

All significant environmental aspects associated with our strategic goals are taken into consideration and incorporated into annual action plans. We set targets to manage the company's environmental impact in accordance with national and international recommendations and directives for improving sustainability and environmental integrity in operations. Akvaplan-niva shall always operate within the framework of the environmental legislation in force.

All employees are obliged to follow this environmental policy, and to contribute positively to the achievement of the stated environmental goals. We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment, and have, therefore, set the following environmental targets:

Waste

We will reduce waste production by encouraging a paperless workplace, and sort waste for appropriate post-consumer processing and recycling in our offices, laboratories, warehouses, and research station. There are specific guidelines and procedures in place for the treatment of special waste from our operations.

Transport and travel

We will receive deliveries in such a way that it produces the lowest possible emissions and make our own transport assignments as emission friendly as possible. We will assess the necessity of trips, and when they have to be carried out, we will choose among the most emission-friendly options. We encourage our employees to use public transport, cycle or walk to work. When purchasing new cars, fuel consumption will be scrutinized and we shall consider environmentally friendly alternatives (vehicle sharing, electric vehicles). This also applies to tire selection in effort to reduce asphalt degradation and rubber-particle generation.

Purchasing

As far as possible, we will carry out purchases in such a way that it produces the least possible waste, considers the life cycle of products as part of the purchase, and encourages reuse/recycling where applicable.

Project management

We will manage projects, so they have the least possible impact on the environment. This applies, for example, to the use of digital meeting places instead of physical travel, planning transport and field work to reduce emissions, and minimizing the purchase, shipping, and consumption of materials.

Energy consumption

To the extent possible, we shall reduce the energy and water consumption of our infrastructure and activities.

Communication

Our communication will mainly take place digitally, and we will use video conferencing for meeting activities where possible and appropriate.

Updated: 16 November 2023