AOF Vestlandet-Agder has reached an important milestone in our sustainability work, as we have today been officially certified as an Eco-Lighthouse. This marks an important step in our work for a greener and more environmentally friendly future. The certification was solemnly handed over by Mayor Nils Konrad Bua during a ceremony at our head office in Haugesund. Annette Sæther, Head of Industry, was also present.
Mayor Bua, who has been a driving force for sustainable initiatives in Haugesund municipality, praised us for our work. “This is an important step for both AOF Vestlandet-Agder and the local community. The Eco-Lighthouse certification shows a strong commitment to sustainability and sets a good example for other organisations. When we take such initiatives together, we can build a greener and more sustainable future,” he said during the award ceremony.
Photo: Jennifer Pham / AOF Vestlandet-Agder
A visible proof of our environmental responsibility
The Eco-Lighthouse certification is a recognised environmental standard in Norway, which confirms that we have implemented measures to reduce our environmental footprint. This includes everything from energy savings and waste management to more sustainable purchasing and transport solutions.
CEO Ragnhild Bjerkvik expressed pride in the certification. “We have worked systematically over time to integrate sustainability into all parts of our business. This certification is a visible proof of our commitment to the environment and an important step towards a greener future. For us, this is just the beginning. We will continue to challenge ourselves to find new and better ways to operate sustainably,” says Bjerkvik. “We certify ourselves according to the Group model, so the next goal now is to certify our branch offices in Bergen, Stavanger and Kristiansand by the end of the year. This will ensure a holistic approach to sustainability throughout the organisation. We are also very pleased that our subsidiary, Sapio, has just been Eco-Lighthouse certified.”
A joint effort for a greener future
Business Manager Annette Sæther from Haugesund Municipality emphasised the importance of cooperation between the business community and the public sector in order to achieve the national climate goals.
“The certification of AOF Vestlandet-Agder as an Eco-Lighthouse is proof that together we can take big steps towards sustainability. When businesses and public sector organisations work together, we create a stronger and more future-oriented region,” said Sæther.
We plan to use the certification as a springboard for further environmental and sustainability work. We also encourage other organisations to follow our example. “This is just the start,” says Bjerkvik. “We will continue to work on new environmental measures and constantly improve. We have a shared responsibility to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The ceremony ended with applause from the attending employees and guests, who all look forward to continuing the work towards a sustainable region.
Photo: Jennifer Pham / AOF Vestlandet-Agder
Eco-Lighthouse certification also includes working environment
The Eco-Lighthouse certification also sets requirements for the working environment. We have therefore drawn up an overview of employees’ rights and obligations, which includes guidelines for environmental work, procedures for whistleblowing, and measures for gender equality and diversity. We conduct regular safety inspections, and any findings are followed up by management. Employees receive first aid training and we hold regular fire drills. We also work closely with the Norwegian Occupational Health Service to safeguard employees’ health and safety.
The facts: Eco-Lighthouse
Eco-Lighthouse is Norway’s most widely used certification scheme for businesses that want to document their environmental and sustainability efforts. The certification requires businesses to fulfil requirements in several environmental areas such as energy, waste, transport, purchasing and working environment. The Eco-Lighthouse certificate must be renewed every three years, and businesses commit to working continuously on improvements.
Click here to read more about Eco-Lighthouse