Measure, reduce and balance your CO2 footprint

They might be Elmia Subcontractor fair's youngest company, United Eco Solutions, based in Jönköping. But experience and commitment have all the more weight:

– Our big "why" is what we are passionate about; to make a real difference to people and the planet. We want to be a climate partner that helps companies measure their climate impact and reduce their emissions in their own value chain. Measurements that we can help companies make, regardless of industry, based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, says Emanuel Schmit, sustainability strategist.

Balance the climate footprint - replant rainforest

It is also important to look outside of one's own value chain. United Eco Solutions' founder, David Eriksson, was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has extensive experience in both agricultural development and humanitarian aid.

– Regardless of what we do here in Sweden, it will not go so well if the rainforest in the DR Congo disappears. Therefore, we offer the opportunity to balance our climate footprint by purchasing trees that help replant rainforests and at the same time create sustainable livelihoods for the local population. Our activities will soon be certified by Gold Standard, says David.

He firmly believes that the most effective way to fight climate change and reduce poverty is to encourage companies from industrialized countries to collaborate in innovative ways with the poor population.

Skip "fluff" and speak clearly

If you as a manufacturing industry have done your homework, if you measure your carbon dioxide emissions, actively reduce your climate impact and also balance it, then it is equally important to also communicate sustainability work in the right way.

– Everything is about credibility and clarity. You must be relevant and transparent, share all data and talk about both what is going well and what you are not doing so well. Dare to say that you are not there yet, advises Ellen Eriksson, sustainability strategist and communications manager.

To avoid greenwashing, it is important to speak clearly. Do not "wrap in fluff" and hover on the target. An example of a mistake many companies make is saying "we have sustainability in our DNA" but then not explaining what they mean by that.

– Tell the truth, dare to talk even about what you need to improve. Daring to be authentic builds trust, says Ellen Eriksson.

Navigating change together

United Eco Solutions was one of the exhibitors at the Elmia Subcontractors Sustainability Arena. They also took part in Sustainability Talks on three occasions during the fair. And the theme for this year's Elmia Subcontractor – Navigating change together – fits well with United Eco Solutions' way of working.

– We want to cooperate. Everyone who exhibits here at the Sustainability Arena is a colleague, we build ecosystems for change together, says Emanuel Schmit. 
The collaboration is also important internally for United Eco Solutions where, among other things, PreWoe contributes with system support for ISO certifications and sustainability reporting.

Caption: "Sustainability is a competitive advantage. It is an important insight that we want to spread.” From left Ellen Eriksson, David Eriksson and Emanuel Schmit.