Vicaima Group reaffirms its ESG commitment

November 27, 2023

The Group shares its strategy, practices and objectives within the scope of the ESG criteria, and its alignment with the 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda

Driven by the motto “Together We Build the Future”, Vicaima Group has just presented the sustainability strategy that will guide the Group’s performance until 2026. With a transversal approach and integrated ESG criteria, the Group is reinforcing its responsibility and ambition to continually reduce the impact of its activity, as well as contributing to a more sustainable construction industry in favour of a better planet.

Focusing on transparency and the involvement of all stakeholders in this important mission, the Vicaima Group shares its strategy, implemented practices and goals within the scope of the ESG (Environment, Social and Corporate Governance) criteria, as well as its alignment with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), aimed at developing sustainable, transparent and socially responsible business.

In the words of Arlindo da Costa Leite, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vicaima Group, “we’re making a long-term commitment which reflects our desire to integrate and ensure the alignment of the Vicaima Group’s strategy with the sustainable development agenda. We see this moment as an important and transformative milestone for our business, and it’s not merely meant to be a simple description of initiatives, goals, objectives or wishes.”

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the adoption of circular economy principles, along with the optimisation of materials and resources, minimising waste and residues, are now seen by the Vicaima Group as key innovation catalysts, based on a production model with a strategy to create value with responsibility.

Significant reduction in emissions led to increased efficiency

In 2022, the Vicaima Group achieved a 15 % reduction in the tCO₂e/sales emissions index, reflecting an absolute decrease of 578 tCO₂e, despite the increase in production volume.

These figures are the result of the implementation of energy efficiency projects and other specific initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions, such as investment in more efficient production equipment, production of renewable energy for self-consumption or focus on electric mobility.

All these policies and activities are part of a holistic perspective for the Organisation, based, according to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, on a “growth strategy founded on a path of innovation and differentiation, seeking a balanced social, environmental and economic dimension”.

Four foundation pillars of an ongoing strategy

The Vicaima Group has identified four fundamental pillars in its strategy for integrating ESG issues into its business: People and Community, Climate Action, Sustainable and Innovative Products and Responsible Business. These aspects represent the Group’s focus and represent the relevant material topics in the ESG sphere resulting from a consultation process with internal stakeholders and from the definition of the Materiality Matrix.

Based on its own projects and the association with partner organisations, the Vicaima Group has been reinforcing its commitment to solidarity, environmental, safety, health and well-being initiatives, as well as to valuing Human Capital. In this last sphere, it is worth highlighting the implementation of several projects aimed at qualifying and diversifying employees’ skills, as well as synergies with the educational and academic world, with a view to promoting and enhancing youth employment.

These are priorities reflecting the Vicaima Group’s identity, given that, as Arlindo da Costa Leite points out, “our path is based on a strong corporate integrity, entrepreneurship, rigour, innovation and social commitment, translating into a combination of human capital and business development”.

The art of transforming and adding value to wood

“The Vicaima Group, with a proficiency spanning more than 60 years, has always been strongly committed to the innovation and development of efficient market solutions. This vision stands in unison with the sustainable use of wood, which is at the heart of our existence,” notes Arlindo da Costa Leite.

Currently, the Vicaima Group is amongst the largest private economic groups in Portugal, operating in over 36 markets worldwide and with a direct presence in Spain and the United Kingdom. Employing more than 800 people, it continuously strives to strengthen its commitment to technology, organisation, human resources and the environment.

To discover more about Vicaima Group’s sustainability initiatives, Showhome’s Editor Joseph Clark, spoke with Arlindo da Costa Leite, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Vicaima Group.

What was it that sparked the idea and interest in creating a sustainability strategy?

Vicaima has long been committed to following the path of sustainability, in fact we were an early adopter in our sector, by demanding FSC as a centerpiece of our material procurement, manufacture and distribution through the supply chain. With a growing awareness globally that sustainability requires a more cultural shift in mindset, Vicaima realised that the same approach had to be taken on both a micro and macro level. Enabling the Vicaima Group to achieve its business growth ambitions while remaining in harmony with the world around us.

Sustainability is more than a single strand; it is actually multi-faceted. Meaning community, business management and the adoption of new technology matter just as much as responsible material sourcing, circular economy and energy efficiency. All have to be addressed simultaneously, which is why Vicaima created an ESG strategy for the people and the planet.

When it came to the implementation of energy efficiency projects and other specific initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions, what were some of the challenges faced and how did you overcome them?

Vicaima have set ambitious targets for the reduction in GHG, with a 35% reduction in emissions by 2025 when compared to our 2018 level. One of the key elements of this targeted reduction is of course energy efficiency. Both in terms of overall consumption and where that energy is derived from and used. At a very elementary level one of the first challenges in any implementation program of this type, was to raise awareness with our whole team. First understanding what we do now, why we do it and of course questioning is there another way? Only by challenging experience, custom and practice can you truly innovate, which of course is something Vicaima are noted for.

The next step in the process was the adoption of a digitised and technologically advanced controlled system of energy monitoring, enabling us to constantly appraise changes as we make them, whether for example; from the installation of low energy and self-controlled lighting to more complex machine optimisation adaptations.

Can you tell us a bit more about the role of electric mobility at Vicaima?

The movement of materials and goods over such a vast area occupied by the Vicaima manufacturing facilities, has been an obvious focus of attention, as we strive to reduce and modify our energy consumption, while at the same time improve efficiencies. Naturally, the transition away from using diesel fork-lifts to electric is an obvious route, however in addition we chose a more productive innovation approach.

This involved the electrification of the production flow, with the Installation of automated electrical systems for transporting/moving loads, using a set of motorised conveyor belts that connect the various production lines. We achieved this by the reformulation of production flows with the aim of shortening distances between operations and by resizing stocks and locating warehouses closer to points of consumption. This enhanced connectivity gave us a 12% GHG emission reduction in this area alone.

Why is it important to Vicaima to help promote youth employment?

Vicaima are committed to the future, and this can only be achieved through attracting and investing in new talent to our business. Talent attraction is therefore viewed in an integrated manner and aligned with the company’s priorities, based on two pillars of action:

Close monitoring of the on-boarding process, ensuring the transfer of experience and knowledge from internal employees.

Promoting the qualification and training of young people for future jobs.

Vicaima realises these goals through our direct involvement with School and University partnerships, internship programmes, together with active communication and engagement with young people, as they explore opportunities for their careers ahead.

How has Vicaima strengthened its commitment to technology?

The digitalisation of processes, automation and the use of digital resources are more than a trend, they are a necessity, as they bring with them various benefits for organisations, including cost savings, increased efficiency and speed, greater productivity and improved service quality. In addition, it has the potential to help reduce CO2 emissions by cutting down on paper, optimising processes and reducing energy consumption, thus helping in the fight against climate change.

In 2018, the Vicaima Group launched its digitalisation and Industry 4.0 strategy, which was revised and updated at the beginning of 2022, giving rise to the Vicaima Connect digital transformation project. This project is based on 3 key areas: Operations, Management Processes and Customer Relations, within a perimeter of systems performance and agility, technological investment in terms of computer security of operating and transactional systems, migration to a Cloud environment and cost reduction. An evolutionary process model was also established, comprising 3 levels: Information, Optimisation and Analytics. Through these actions Vicaima further embraces technological advancement as it continues its journey to transform and improve.

What are your future objectives and ambitions regarding your ESG strategy?

The ESG strategy is one of continuous improvement, social connectivity and innovation. We have already achieved some of our goals in respect to GHG emissions, but the process does not end here. Only by constant assessment and re-assessment can we grow our ambitions and play our part in climate change, through the successful, innovative and responsible management of the Vicaima Group.

The Vicaima Group’s 2022 Sustainability Report is available to view in full at https://www.vicaima.com/en-gb/sustainability#inicio