Stakeholders expect Veho to undertake ambitious and goal-oriented sustainability work, shows company’s first sustainability survey for stakeholders. The results of the survey are compiled into the Veho’s sustainability report that was published on Apr 25th.
The respondents emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors related to sustainability, with a particular emphasis on climate change. Aspects of social responsibility, such as employee safety, well-being, and commitment, were also highlighted as important focus areas.
“At Veho, we're committed to addressing global demands head-on. The perspectives of stakeholders are integral to our proactive efforts, as we continuously strive to enhance our sustainability practices”, says Veho Group CEO Juha Ruotsalainen.
Veho’s third sustainability report compiles company’s responsibility work in five countries from three perspectives: environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and good governance.
Environmental work holds great important in the responsibility efforts as Veho Group has committed to be carbon neutral in its own operations by 2025, regarding scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources) and scope 2 (indirect emissions from the purchase and use of electricity, steam, heating and cooling). Veho is the first company in the Finnish automotive retail industry to establish a roadmap towards carbon-neutral own operations.
Veho assesses the carbon footprint of its own operations through two categories: vehicle emissions and energy use at facilities. Altogether, the company’s carbon emissions decreased by 33% in 2023 compared to 2022 based on the scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Behind the result is the very positive development in Veho’s facilities: transition to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency continued in all Veho markets, resulting in a 59% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to previous year, this means 1586 tons less carbon dioxide equivalent for all our facilities together in five markets.
The development in Veho’s own vehicle fleet continued to the right direction, too. The carbon footprint decreased for Veho’s own vehicle park, including company cars, demo vehicles and service vehicles, by 10% during 2023.
Demand for electric passenger cars - both fully electric and plug-in hybrids - continued to grow strongly in 2023. The share of ordered Mercedes-Benz electrified passenger cars was 74% for all Veho markets together. Veho’s offering, which includes the widest range of rechargeable cars on the market enabled by Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Truck, plays a key role in reaching company’s emission reduction goals.
The well-being of employees and positive company culture continued as the most important indicators of social responsibility at Veho. This work was rewarded with the Great Place to Work (GPTW) certificate in four Veho countries: Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. The certificate is based on the survey that analyses the focus areas of a good workplace. In 2023, 86 percent of Veho's employees participated in the survey. Veho's overall trust index was 71 percent, which is two percentage points higher than in 2022.
In the field of environmental responsibility, Veho started a three-year partnership with the John Nurminen Foundation to save the Baltic Sea and its heritage for future generations. In line with company’s commitment to sustainability, the partnership underscores Veho’s dedication to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
Read more: Veho Group Sustainability Report 2023