Uponor signs the ENCORD sustainable development charter

05/08/2011

The European Network of Construction Companies for Research and Development (ENCORD) is Europe’s forum for industry-led research, development and innovation in the construction sector. Members are leading construction companies and suppliers from all over Europe.

Over recent years, ENCORD has recognised the need to build infrastructure and living environments which will provide for a sustainable future. ENCORD’s Sustainable Development Charter is the culmination of the work by its members to pull together the key principles under which member companies commit to develop their businesses and operations for the future.

As a member of ENCORD, Uponor contributed to the preparation of the charter in close alignment with its own sustainability development. In particular, the Charter recognises the key role that Research, Development and Innovation has in the construction sector, and how this will support quality and greater added value in the built environment. The Charter incorporates such fundamental principles as lifecycle development, social responsibility in local communities, ethical working standards, caring for our employees and engaging our stakeholders.

The ENCORD Sustainable Development Charter was ratified by Executives of the member companies at a meeting held 21 June 2011 in the Netherlands.

Jyri Luomakoski, President and CEO of Uponor signed the Sustainable Development Charter. “This is a milestone in Uponor’s sustainability journey. It is a clear statement of our commitment to work in close partnership with the construction industry, applying shared principles to underpin our future development of a sustainable society. The solutions Uponor is developing and introducing for the built environment, and our focus to operate with minimum environmental impact, are vital to this commitment,” Luomakoski said.

Also attending the event, Uponor’s Ilari Aho, VP Indoor Climate and member of the ENCORD Council, remarked: “Sustainability is a key driver in our industry and will grow in importance in the future. Our involvement in ENCORD and its sustainability work gives us an opportunity to gain and share insight and knowledge within the construction industry. It is an excellent learning experience and a possibility to align our activities with those of our customers.”

Participating in ENCORD’s working group on sustainability, David Harget Uponor VP Sustainability, Standardisation & Legislation commented: “The work will now move forward through ENCORD and its member company activities to demonstrate that we can really make a difference. It fits perfectly with Uponor’s emphasis on developing and providing innovative solutions for the built environments.”

Founded in 1989, ENCORD (www.encord.org) is an innovation network of leading European companies active in the construction sector. It has 20 members with head offices in 9 European countries and operations worldwide. All members are major European contractors or suppliers of construction materials and are strongly devoted to research, development and innovation (R, D & I) for increased competitiveness and growth.
Please find attached the ENCORD-Sustainable-Development-Charter.