Experts at energy company Ilmatar say that there are many subcontractors that meet the sustainability requirements for wind and solar energy projects. Open discussion and working together promote sustainability in large construction projects.
Ilmatar is an energy company established in Finland and an independent power producer focusing on renewable energy. It builds and operates wind farms, solar farms and a combination of wind and solar, or hybrid, farms. Ilmatar emphasises sustainability.
– We want to be ahead of regulation, says Ilmattare’s Legal and HR Director Anna-Maria Palmroos.
That is why Ilmatar requires many of its subcontractors to act and demonstrate their own responsibility. Ilmattar’s projects involve a huge number of subcontractors, such as turbine suppliers or solar panel manufacturers. The actual construction is also subcontracted.
Sustainability requirements can pose challenges for subcontractors. However, Palmroos says that responsible actors can be found. The key is to have an open discussion.
Ilmatar emphasises in its communications that it acts responsibly. However, it must accept that you can only be absolutely sure of your own actions.
– The biggest challenges and risks lie in the supply chain. For example, on the solar side, parts come from China. No one can be completely sure of the responsibility of their suppliers. If something is overlooked despite careful investigation, it is always a risk,” says Palmroos.
Responsibility is everyone’s business
Cecilia Hertzberg, ESG Manager at Ilmatar, highlights good communication with suppliers as one of the solutions to sustainability challenges.
– The key is to build good relations with suppliers and allow time for dialogue in an open and confidential atmosphere. This allows for open communication and the identification of potential challenges.
Together, we promote sustainability issues. Palmroos and Hertzberg urge everyone to keep their eyes open, as sustainability is a company-wide issue.
– Project managers have a broad perspective on the company’s activities and can influence many things in their own position. I encourage them to think about how each can bring any letter of ESG into their own function,” says Hertzberg.
Read more about sustainability in business and find out more about Ilmattare in the recently published Projektimaailma magazine.
Text by Aino Soutsalmi
Photos by Ilmatar
