Specific factors we can influence
Nordic Steel Group has taken responsibility for the environment and sustainability for many years. A clear environmental management, with its own environmental management system and environmental handbook is part of the company's organization and daily operations. Nordic Steel has been a certified Eco-Lighthouse company since 2014. The environmental responsibility of the company is documented for workplace environment, waste management, energy use, sourcing and transport.
When Nordic Steel was named Eco-Lighthouse of the Year 2021, it was because of the company's strong position in the green shift and green competitiveness. It is a position and a mission we take very seriously. The award has inspired us to further challenge sustainability in our own operations and with customers and suppliers. In 2023, we will start the work of registering climate emissions from our own machines.
Our expertise in sustainability is in demand among partners, which shows that our commitment is working. As a result of a long-term and targeted commitment to the green shift, from 2023 we will be the first Norwegian partner of Outokumpu on Circle Green steel. This sets the standard as the world's most sustainable stainless steel commercially available. It has a 92% lower carbon footprint than the industry average. It's sustainability that matters.
In our sustainability strategy you will find out what we at Nordic Steel Group stand together and work for. We take a clear stand that we are part of the green shift. Sustainability, also known as ESG, is about environmental (Environment), social (Social) and governance (Governance) factors. So it is much more than climate and environment. For us, working life and social responsibility are closely linked to environmental responsibility.
As an industrial company, it is important for us to take the lead and do what we can to reduce climate emissions. The UN has created a work plan for the whole world that shows how our common challenges are connected. The work plan consists of 17 sustainability goals that deal with climate, environment, economy and social conditions.
Nordic Steel supports UN's sustainable development goals. We have a number of measures and processes that emphasize the various goals. We divide our sustainable choices into three core factors: people, working life and the environment. The three areas are all linked to UN's sustainable development goals.
We have selected some of the goals that we focus our attention on because this is where we can make an extra difference. By highlighting some goals for our company, we commit ourselves and make it even clearer what we are really going to help achieve.
We are also working on the other SDGs. We recognize many of the goals in our core areas. Gender equality, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and working together to achieve the goals are important goals for us.
Collaboration is essential to achieve sustainability outcomes. In recent years, it has become particularly clear that governments, business and society must work together to find good solutions. Only then can we achieve sustainable development.
Nordic Steel sees our sustainable choices and climate footprint as crucial to our future competitiveness. As a company, we will have a profile that is sustainable and climate-friendly. We take responsibility in the green shift and are proud to be Norway's greenest steel center. As a cornerstone company in the local community, we take responsibility for people, working life and the environment.
It is important for us to do what we can, in all areas where we can contribute.
We are an important part of future solutions.
At Nordic Steel, we are true to the plans we have made. As a company, we will do what we can in all areas where we can contribute and where we can influence sustainability. This creates commitment, development and internal support. People want to contribute, which is very good!
National and international actors come to us with a desire for cooperation. When both public agencies and private companies ask for help, advice or assistance in the field of sustainability, it shows that we are doing a lot of things right.
Of course, Norway's leading steel competence center should be the best at steel. For us, this means that we must also be a leader in what is most forward-looking in our industry. We source the most environmentally friendly steel from the best partners. We contribute to meeting environmental goals for our customers, both through environmental focus in our own operations and in the value chain. One of our major development projects is to register climate emissions in our own production, to deliver CO2 emissions per product, down to a detailed level.
Delivering for the industries of the future
Several years ago, we took a clear position in the green shift, and for several years we have delivered to large, innovative projects in the industries of the future. Many people talk about it, but we are heavily involved in new industries and have a leading position even before it takes off. In 2022, renewable energy was the industry we delivered the most to, with 26.4 percent. This is particularly gratifying because it has been a strategic focus area over time and in line with our plan. At Nordic Steel, we are proud to take part in projects within offshore wind, onshore fish farming and charging projects, to name a few.
The wide range of industries we supply secures jobs. We have knowledge, professional weight, know the players in the industries and know what works. Every day we deliver quality to satisfied customers and are enormously grateful for the good references we receive. We will continue to serve all sectors and industries. This gives us steady growth, good profitability and a safe and attractive workplace.
Green months
With dedicated sustainability resources, we are able to develop and embed our work internally. It is also highly appreciated by new employees that we have taken a clear position on sustainability. This year, I'm looking forward to having a special sustainability theme every month, which we have called "Green Months". It's important to embed sustainability throughout the Group. We will learn more and become even better together, including topics such as green steel, HSE, apprentices and job satisfaction.
In our own operations, we have low greenhouse gas emissions, with only a 0.8% increase from 2021 to 2022. CO2 emissions were 84.6 tons in 2021 and 85.3 tons in 2022. The increase is minimal even though we have doubled our production area, have even more employees and more work. We have the newest and most energy-efficient machines, electric forklifts, use fair transport certified transporters and we recycle over 90% of all waste. Most important of all, however, is our people. They are the ones who work every day for growth, satisfied customers, a more sustainable industry - and for us to have a great time together.
We are fortunate in Nordic Steel to have dedicated, skilled and committed employees. I am also proud that we have so many good apprentices. One of them completed his third apprenticeship in 2022, all three of them with us in recent years. That is impressive! Knowledge and learning, both theoretical and practical, are important to develop us further as Norway's leading competence center in steel.
Norway's most modern welding hall
Nordic Steel is chosen again and again. Our execution ability and delivery precision are appreciated. It is therefore incredibly proud that in the fall of 2022 we were able to give back to both customers and employees with another brand new production building: Norway's coolest and most modern welding hall. The hall is built for the future, with the best equipment, for the best people. Here we can grow and meet the increasing need that customers have for quality production.
In 2023, the desired growth has already yielded results. Stamas Productions AS became part of Nordic Steel in January, this is a solid and good group that complements us especially with expertise in industrial piping, pipe systems and piping.
I am looking forward to growth and development in Nordic Steel Group. I look forward to every single day (not just Mondays) and love working with people who want a little more. I love that customers and partners challenge and involve us and that we take part in new and forward-looking projects together.
At the same time, it is both important and exciting to contribute to a more sustainable industry, nothing else is an option. Our position as Norway's leading center of expertise in steel obliges and challenges us. Just the way we like it.
This is us
Nordic Steel is Norway's leading competence center within steel. We are a complete supplier of mechanical production within advanced plate processing, certified welding and assembly. We supply customers in all industries, such as renewable energy, HVAC, aqua and maritime, construction, transport and infrastructure, oil and gas, defense and aerospace, piping and various other industries.
Since 2013, Nordic Steel has positioned itself as one of Norway's most serious steel centers. In 2019, the company moved into a modern, new head office at Bryne in Rogaland. Both the steel center Nordic Steel and the steel contractor and installation company Nordic Steel Construction are located here. In 2022, Nordic Steel expanded with a new production facility, which has become Norway's most modern welding hall. The company has its own sales offices in Ålesund and Oslo. At the beginning of 2023, we have a total of approximately 110 employees.
Nordic Steel Invest AS owns Nordic Steel and Nordic Steel Construction. Behind the investment company is Nordic Steel Group AS, which is owned by Verket Investering AS and XO Invest AS.
Anchoring
The sustainability strategy is rooted in Nordic Steel Group's management and in all parts of the group.
Eco-Lighthouse certified
Nordic Steel is a certified Eco-Lighthouse company. We are also ISO 9001 certified. We use figures and environmental data from the Eco-Lighthouse's annual climate and environmental report as a management tool.
Eco-Lighthouse certification helps to support a number of sustainability goals, particularly in areas related to business inputs, activities, products and services (source: Eco-Lighthouse)
"Enterprises that choose to implement and actively use the Eco-Lighthouse's environmental management system make a significant contribution to sustainable development. The final effect will depend on the enterprise's ability and willingness to use the system and implement improvements." (Eco-Lighthouse's Gap Analysis 2019)
Through the Eco-Lighthouse's digital system for environmental management, we as a company have access to statistics and climate accounts to measure the effect of our environmental work. This gives us the opportunity to implement measures that work.
Sustainable Choices
The steel industry is changing and in the coming years we will see major changes and new opportunities as we transition to a greener industry.
Steel production requires a lot of heat to melt steel and is therefore traditionally energy-intensive with high CO2 emissions. Fortunately, steel industry players and governments around the world are working on measures to reduce emissions.
Nordic Steel is in close cooperation with the most forward-looking players in the industry. We support the production of green steel and closely follow the development of fossil-free steel production that is already underway.
Our forward-thinking attitude and willingness to make a difference is noticed. Our customers get the greenest steel when they do business with Nordic Steel. This is made possible in part through a partnership with Finnish steel producer Outokumpu, which produces the world's most sustainable stainless steel available. Circle Green steel has 92% lower greenhouse gas emissions than the global industry average.
However, green steel is more than steel produced with low greenhouse gas emissions. We can offer steel with up to 90% recycled material to our customers.
The lifespan of steel is almost infinite. Steel is the world's most recyclable material, it can be recycled again and again and is an important part of a circular economy. Recycling steel is a task we take seriously, all steel waste is sorted and sent for recycling. We use Stena Recycling AS, which is one of the most forward-thinking partners in the circular economy. They make sure that all the waste goes back to the steelworks to be reused.
We will do what we can in areas where we can contribute. In our own operations, transportation and choice of suppliers and partners, we make sustainable choices. We are happy to offer fabrication with recycled steel and can help ensure environmental requirements for the customer by choosing steel that is recycled and produced in a more environmentally friendly way. Thorough documentation, environmental declarations (EPD) and climate accounts are available from us.
The steel industry worldwide is experiencing exciting development. We know that this gives us great opportunities. Nordic Steel is a safe and serious partner in the green shift.
Climate risk
Reporting its own climate emissions and taking action in its own operations and value chain are important parts of Nordic Steel's tasks. However, climate risk is about how climate policy and climate change affect us. Nordic Steel is affected by climate risk, like most other companies around the world.
The war in Ukraine has an impact on the climate. High gas prices and lack of access to gas make it more attractive to develop renewable energy, but also to develop and use more fossil fuels.
Many countries are looking to boost domestic production, increasing production and consumption of oil, gas and coal.
Climate change and weather conditions will not directly affect Nordic Steel's buildings and production facilities, but indirectly we may be affected by climate change that affects our suppliers. For example, droughts and floods can affect both the raw materials we rely on and the transportation of goods.
New industries and technological developments are important for the future. There will be new opportunities to supply the industries of the future. Nordic Steel currently supplies industries such as renewable energy, oil and gas, transportation and infrastructure, HVAC, piping, construction, aquaculture, defense and aerospace and various other industries. We customize products and adapt production to our customers' needs. It is a great advantage that we have an organization built around flexibility, willingness to change and innovation.
Nordic Steel Group aims to attract and develop talent in many different fields. Our organization is better when we have a diversity of background, gender, age, competence and ethnicity.
Health, safety and the environment are at the forefront of the Group and we take active responsibility for the health of our employees. We have therefore chosen the UN's goal of good health and quality of life as one of our specific objectives.
"Good health is a fundamental prerequisite for people to reach their full potential and to contribute to the development of society."
Health, Safety and Environment
Everyone should have a safe workplace and everyone should come home safely at the end of the workday. There is a high focus on HSE through training, follow-up, routines and safety rounds, to mention some. Good employment conditions and solid insurance schemes also contribute to securing employees on a daily basis.
Work Environment
A good working environment is essential to the employees' physical and mental health. We believe that employees who thrive at work do a better job. A good social environment is something we work towards every day. Low absence due to sickness and low turnover contribute to this.
We mention among others:
• Follow-up of sick leave
• Collaboration with the occupational health service
- Occupational health survey
• Ergonomic audits and risk assessment
- Noise measurement
• Safety inspections
• Employee 1:1
• First aid training
• Department meetings
• Social activities
Training
Self-training and physical activity is facilitated with a state-of-the-art fitness room on the building. All employees and their families have access.
We are a sponsor of InterPadel Bryne and have free training sessions at the center every week.
Personalized exercise programs and guidance for individuals, along with different types of treatments for those who need them, are available to everyone at a local fitness and physiotherapy centre.
City bike
It should be easy to travel to and from Nordic Steel in an environmentally friendly way. We have electric city bikes right outside the front door. The city bikes can easily be used with the public transport ticket and are available to everyone.
Electric car chargers As a responsible employer and contributor to the local community, we have for several years had electric car chargers available for customers, employees and anyone else who needs charging outside our building. In 2022, the parking lots outside the new welding hall were also equipped with chargers. In total, we have 22 electric car chargers.
Healthy Lunch Offer
We offer a healthy and varied lunch buffet in the canteen every day. Gathering around the food table is valuable for cohesion and the environment in the workplace. Through certified canteen operations, food waste is reduced and environmentally friendly choices are made with goods and purchases.
The Local Community
A sustainable local environment and community is important to us. We sponsor local sports and cultural life with significant amounts annually, to help ensure good growing conditions for children and young people. We want to help make our region an attractive place to live and work.
Action plan - we will:
- Carry out social initiatives such as monthly Friday meetings, barbecues, company outings and Christmas parties
- "Green months" - a sustainability theme on the agenda every month
- Mark us locally by supporting sports, culture and business. We support Bryne FK, Nærbø IL, Varhaug IL, Jæren Golfklubb, Kulturbanken, Ønsketransporten and Litla Jærnåttå, to name a few
Nordic Steel Group ensures a stable and safe working life for everyone who works with us, and we indirectly contribute to 40 jobs at subcontractors (figures taken from DNB's Ripple Effects in 2022). The UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are about promoting lasting, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work for all, is also one of the goals we have chosen to focus on.
It is a matter of course for us to comply with applicable laws and regulations in Norway. We take quality, health, environment and safety seriously. We take responsibility for a serious and decent working life, with both skilled workers, wages, apprentices and working conditions.
Apprentices
We provide jobs and opportunities to apprentices and people who, for various reasons, have fallen out of the labor market. In 2023, we are looking for six more apprentices.
Customers and Industries
Through a diversified customer portfolio and supplying many different industries, Nordic Steel is not as exposed to market fluctuations as others may be. In 2022, the distribution of Nordic Steel's sales to different industries was: Renewable energy 26.4 percent, oil and gas 25.9 percent, transportation and infrastructure 18.3 percent, construction 17.2 percent, aquaculture 6.5 percent and miscellaneous industries 5.7 percent.
Forward-looking
Nordic Steel has the will, expertise and resources to invest in the future. As a cornerstone company in Jæren, we invest in buildings, machinery and equipment for increased productivity, more people in work and a safe working life. In this way, we grow together with our customers and create value for all stakeholders.
Gender Equality and Human Rights
An important part of people's fundamental rights is education, employment and an adequate standard of living.
At Nordic Steel Group, it goes without saying that gender equality is also part of our rights. Equality at all levels is an important part of the company and everyone should have equal opportunities.
The business is in the mechanical industry, which has traditionally employed mostly men. There are few women among Nordic Steel's employees, but the number has tripled in the last year.
Respect for all types of people and the universal rights that all people have is something that is very important to us. In the last year, the war in Ukraine in particular has come close to us. We have employees from Poland who, through their family in the country, have experienced the flow of refugees up close. In very tough times, human rights are challenged. It has therefore been important for us to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. We have provided financial support to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Transparency law
The Transparency Act aims to ensure that businesses respect fundamental human rights and decent working conditions and that the public has access to information about this. The Act entered into force on July 1, 2022.
Nordic Steel complies with human rights and ensures decent work in all parts of the company. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that this also applies to our entire supply chain.
Action plan - we will:
- Helping people who have fallen out of the labour market to find a job with us
- Continue to make our mark on, and bid for, renewable energy projects. In 2022, the share of renewable projects was 26.4 percent. We are working to maintain an even distribution of orders in the industries we supply
- Monitor our food chain and ask for evidence of environmental and decent working conditions
Nordic Steel Group will contribute toward counteracting climate change and its consequences. The goal of stopping climate change is therefore a key goal for us.
It is important for us to do our best in all areas we can influence. We have our own environmental management system in the company, with its own environmental handbook, which all employees are introduced to when they join us.
Through the Eco-Lighthouse's climate accounts, we have annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Our footprint has been decreasing in recent years. In 2016, our CO2 emissions were 95.5 tons. Five years later, in 2021, CO2 emissions were 84.6 tons. Production space, turnover, number of employees and the volume of orders have all increased very significantly since 2016. CO2 emissions for 2022 show a 0.8 percent increase from 2021, to 85.3 tons. The emissions are still low, especially because the production area has doubled in the last year alone.
The largest emissions come from energy use. We are therefore implementing measures to reduce energy consumption. Our buildings and machines are new, modern and energy-efficient, and the new welding hall has waterborne heating with a heat pump. We are actively seeking to reduce our footprint by streamlining production and making demands on suppliers and partners.
Waste Management
We sort and recycle everything possible from production through approved schemes. All steel waste is recycled and becomes part of the circular economy.
Chemicals
We use minimal hazardous chemicals and actively seek sustainable substitutes.
Transportation
We have agreements with companies that are fair transport certified. This means that the vehicle fleet, service, employment contracts and wages for drivers must be in order. We take our duty of care seriously. Purchasing In framework agreements, companies that are to deliver to us must document environmental responsibility and/or certification.
Green Steel
We can offer green steel, i.e. steel that is produced in a better way, including a high content of recycled steel. We are also working closely with players who are in the process of producing green steel, which is virtually emission-free. Over the next few years, we will see major changes in emission-free production.
Steel recycling
Reusing steel has major climate benefits. Steel is a type of building material that is suitable for reuse. We have experience of reusing steel, including in the construction of a new teaching building for Kristiania University College in central Oslo.
Action plan - we will:
- Offer more environmentally friendly manufactured steel - Reduce the use of hazardous chemicals to fewer than eight
- Actively working to reduce CO2 emissions every year. In 2023, we will start working on CO2 accounting for all the products we make
• Recycle more waste every year
- Influencing, informing and monitoring our food chain to make sustainable choices
Below are statistics for the last three years with data for selected factors in Nordic Steel. These are important input factors that can be linked to the measurement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Co2 emissions
2020: 57.2 tons
2021: 84.6 tons
2022: 85.3 tons
Nordic Steel had 3800 square meters of production facilities at Orstad in 2019, in 2020 we got 6000 square meters of production facilities at Bryne. Emissions still decreased even though we increased the size of the premises and the number of employees (emissions were 89.6 tons in 2019).
With the new building in 2022, the number of square meters for production has increased to 13,000. The number of employees and turnover is also larger than before. Nevertheless, there is another element that we also take with us. We report on more aspects than before. We have mapped our supply chain and report on purchases from environmentally certified suppliers. Other factors we report on include waste and transportation.
In 2022, CO2 emissions have only increased by 0.8% from 2021, to 85.3 tons.
Our biggest emission factor is energy, so it is important for us to take action on energy. Even though we have many more square meters of production and administration buildings than before, the emissions show that the buildings are more energy efficient. All lights have motion sensors and are switched off when a room is not in use. This ensures that no unnecessary electricity is left on. We have new, efficient machines that use minimal energy. For example, in 2022, we replaced one of our lasers with a brand new one. Many of our forklifts are also electric.
Waste recycling
2020: 90.8 percent
2021: 93.0 percent
2022: 92.2 percent
Nordic Steel has good waste routines with environmental stations for sorting waste throughout the building. The environmental accounts continuously measure the amount of waste sent for recycling. We have labeled waste stations in several languages to ensure correct sorting. In the administration, a waste sorting station was set up in 2022. Several measures have been taken to reduce the proportion of paper waste, including in accounting, payroll and administration.
All steel waste is put to good use as recycled steel. In 2022, 335 931 kg of steel was sent for recycling and 100% was recycled into new, more environmentally friendly steel. Recycling waste is a priority. We are proud that more than 92% of absolutely all waste was recycled in 2022.
Absence due to Illness
2020: 4.4 percent
2021: 2.8 percent
2022: 3.0 percent
The working environment in Nordic Steel is good and we work actively to maintain this good environment with several measures to promote well-being, both in sports and social gatherings. We have joint padel training once a week, monthly Friday meetings after work, and our own team in the company bowling series, to name a few. In 2022, we went on a company trip with both employees and entourage. It should be positive to work at Nordic Steel and it is important to have good days together at the workplace.
Sickness absence is low and the goal is for total self-certified and long-term absence not to exceed 3.5 percent. Even after several years characterized by the corona pandemic, absence is very low. In 2022, we have slightly more self-certified absence than in 2021. This is quite natural after society reopened in February, and the figure is still well within our target of 3.5 percent.
Absence injuries
2020: 0
2021: 0
2022: 0
The statistics on lost time injuries show zero lost time injuries going back to 2013. Health, safety and environment is a continuous effort, with emphasis on good training, detailed action plans and risk analysis.
Regular safety rounds are carried out, we focus on the use of proper protective equipment and HSE is a topic at all meetings. HSE will also be a topic at several of our "Green Months" in 2023. The goal is zero injuries every single day, it should be safe to work with us. Any HSE deviations must be registered and dealt with every day if they occur.
Apprentices
2020: 2
2021: 5
2022: 6
The number of apprentices reflects new apprentices starting that year. Most apprentices are in Nordic Steel for two years, therefore there are more apprentices each year than those starting that year.
Nordic Steel takes on more apprentices every year, in the sheet metal worker, production engineering and welding trades. Apprentices are the future.
