Energy and environment
It is the stated goal of BWG Homes to be among the leaders in the development of energy-efficient homes of the future. One of the core elements of our strategy is to develop an energy and space-efficient product portfolio which is cost-effective to produce. Space-efficient houses with a well-ordered layout play a vital role in reducing energy consumption. We make space efficiency a priority in our development of standard houses and project-based homes.
The Group’s products satisfy regulatory energy consumption requirements. The Norwegian and Swedish companies have introduced new solutions to enable them to meet future requirements and satisfy the market’s preference for more energy-efficient houses. Efforts are also focused on further improvements to house structures. The companies also work closely with trade associations, suppliers and research environments to find new solutions for reducing energy consumption.
Energy and environmental issues are taken into consideration when selecting building materials and solutions from sub-contractors. We mainly build timber frame houses. As a building material, wood is environmentally friendly. Wood products achieve negative CO2 emissions throughout their lifecycle.
Quality and safety
The Norwegian and Swedish companies are certified to ISO 9001:2000. The Swedish companies also hold ISO 14001:1996 environmental certification. Quality work is integrated into the BWG Homes risk management and internal control systems and is followed up by the company’s management groups.
Regular customer surveys form an important part of our ongoing improvement programme. Customer feedback helps us improve procedures and work processes and makes an invaluable contribution to our product development.
BWG Homes has made it an absolute requirement that work at building sites is performed according to current laws and regulations. Unannounced inspections of construction sites are used to ensure employees and sub-contractors follow the company’s HSE routines. In 2009, there were 117 unannounced inspections with an average of 0.8 instances of non-conformance registered per inspection compared with 1.1 in 2008. The number of reported non-conformances 28 per cent lower than in 2008.
HMS inspections Block Watne 2007-2008-2009, wighted comparison of non-conformances
| |
Non-conformances 2007 |
Non-conformances 2008 |
Non-conformances 2009 |
| General safety |
75 |
41 |
37 |
| Building site |
9 |
2 |
9 |
| Use of tools |
12 |
6 |
5 |
| Documentation |
31 |
32 |
17 |
| Scaffolding |
133 |
55 |
24 |
| Total all categories |
260 |
136 |
92 |
Social commitment
BWG Homes is a prime mover in the development of the industry. Our knowledge and experience are brought into play in trade forums, consultation committees and central wage negotiations between unions and employers. We participate in the development of rules and guidelines for the sector. We are also involved in cooperation projects with research environments on energy and use of materials in houses of the future. We maintain regular dialogue with relevant educational establishments as part of our recruitment programme.
Our companies establish contact with authorities, landowners, suppliers and other stakeholders in local environments where we are considering building projects or have projects in progress. Block Watne’s operations are conducted from 21 regional offices. The majority of employees work in their local environments. The production facilities in Myresjö, Vrigstad and Sundsvall are important workplaces in their localities and represent considerable local value creation. We also contribute towards local value creation by using local sub-contractors for work on the land and finish.