Sustainability

At HITSA, we want to run the company in a way in which we take responsibility for social and environmental sustainability, as well as financial sustainability.

That is why, in 2020, HITSA developed a strategy for corporate sustainability.

Transparency in and documentation on how our products affect the environment is one of the basic principles of this strategy. The word “sustainability” is used often in advertisements and on websites without any real information about what this actually means. At HITSA, we want to provide as much information as we can. It will take time to acquire documentation on the materials, CO2 footprint and so on, and the more we do, the more we will learn about it. Therefore, we do not claim to be sustainable yet. We would prefer to see ourselves as working towards sustainability.

HITSA is a member of the local sustainability Green Network. In April 2021, Green Network approved our climate and environmental report for 2019-2020.

HITSA’s six focus areas regarding sustainability

Here are the six focus areas regarding sustainability that HITSA has decided to work with on a regular basis in the coming years:

• CO2 reduction
• Sustainability certification
• A circular economy
• Materials and suppliers
• Social sustainability
• Sustainability at sites registered to HITSA

You can read more about the individual focus areas below.

1. CO2 reduction

1. CO2 reduction

1. CO2 reduction

We have opted to focus on CO2 reduction, as we want to do our share in helping to tackle the global climate challenges. We support the CO2 reduction targets set in the Paris Agreement and being implemented in countries throughout the world. Our customers are also concerned about reducing their CO2 emissions. We want to offer products that demonstrate transparency regarding CO2 emissions and to contribute to a total reduction in society as a whole.

This means, among other things, that:

• We calculate our CO2 emissions
• We consider opportunities for switching to sustainable or CO2-neutral energy sources at our own registered property in Kolding and, as far as possible, also at our other registered properties in Sweden and Latvia
• We examine whether we can transport our goods and ourselves in a more environmentally and climate-friendly way, such as by using biofuels or electric vehicles
• We examine whether our products can bear a CO2 declaration so our clients will be able to see which product affects the climate/environment least.

Results:

All indoor lighting has been replaced with LEDs in 2020

We switched to energy from wind power in 2021

We have calculated our CO2e emissions using Klimakompasset (the Climate Compass) from the Danish Business Authority. The calculation serves as guidance and is used as a basis for reductions.

2. Sustainability certification

2. Sustainability certification

2. Sustainability certification

There are a number of sustainability labels and certifications. They communicate complex relationships quickly and easily to our customers. What’s more, labels and certifications provide proof that when we talk about sustainability, we take it seriously. That is why we have chosen to focus on sustainability certification.

This means, among other things, that:

• HITSA will become ISO 14001-certified in environmental management in 2021
• We will regularly work on obtaining the Nordic Ecolabel (Nordic Swan), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) mark and DGNB (Sustainable Building Certification) and the Byggvarubedömningen (Building Material Assessment) mark for our products. We already use only FCS®-certified mahogany.

Results:

• FSC® certification audited and renewed in 2021
• Renewal of partnership with Green Network in 2021

3. A circular economy

3. A circular economy

3. A circular economy

A circular economy is all about keeping resources in the value chain as long as possible – or to put it simply, throwing away as little as possible. That includes both recycling, reuse and extending the lifetime of products by, for example, repairing them. At HITSA we have chosen to work with a circular economy because it makes sense to avoid waste, not only in economic terms but also in terms of the environment. It also contributes to a more circular way of thinking regarding CO2 emissions and a sustainable use of the planet’s resources.

This means, among other things, that:

• We develop our design process, focusing on optimal resource utilisation and easy disassembling when our products have to be disposed of one day (made for disassembly)
• We sort our waste at HITSA and ensure that as much of it as possible is reused
• We gain insight into the lifecycle of our products through ISO 14001 – and from this, we can decide whether we should be doing something differently
• We promote our offer to repair products that are showing signs of wear and tear

Results:

• In 2021, we have reviewed and optimised our sorting of waste from production in Kolding – we now sort into 12 fractions: metal, plastic, wood, wood chips, electronic waste, paper, cardboard, plaster, concrete, glass, hazardous waste (e.g. used oil) and general waste. Metal and wood chips are sold for recycling and other purposes.

4. Materials and suppliers

4. Materials and suppliers

4. Materials and suppliers

In order to work with sustainability, we must first of all have a thorough understanding of our materials and suppliers. Therefore, HITSA will organise a mapping of materials and suppliers in relation to a number of factors. The mapping process will begin in 2021.

Results:

• Mapping is included in our work relating to ISO 14001 certification and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel

5. Social sustainability

5. Social sustainability

5. Social sustainability

As a company, HITSA creates not only financial value, but also social value. Read more about social inclusion at HITSA here.

In addition to social inclusion, we also work with social sustainability at HITSA internally.

This means, among other things, that:

• We draw up function descriptions, guidelines and other HR material to give our employees the best possible chance of getting along well with their colleagues and managers, and succeeding at the tasks they are given in the position they hold.

Results:

• Two employees trained to serve as mentors in 2021
• We have entered into a CSR cooperation agreement with Kolding Municipality job centre in 2021

6. Sustainability at sites registered to HITSA

6. Sustainability at sites registered to HITSA

6. Sustainability at sites registered to HITSA

We need to practise what we preach. That’s why we work at strengthening social and environmental sustainability at our own three sites on a regular basis.

This means, among other things, that:

• We make outdoor furniture and bicycle parking available to employees at our sites
• We do not use any pesticides at our sites, and we maintain our outdoor areas according to principles that benefit biodiversity and allow room for nature
• We sort both our ‘household’ waste and the waste that comes from production
• All employees are encouraged to put forward their suggestions on social and environmental sustainability

Results:

• Outdoor areas at our head office in Kolding are kept free from pesticides and planted with native species
• Our carpentry workshop has been recycling drained wood oil since 2020
• We have provided bicycle parking using racks that were production surplus in 2021
• Flower meadow (insect-friendly) sown in June 2021

Follow our work on sustainability on social media

We continuously strive to achieve the goals and implement the changes described above.

If you are interested in learning more about our work with social and environmental sustainability, then follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. We post regular updates here on our work with sustainability.