AAK sustainability report 2018

43 Environmental protection continues to be a top priority across the AAK Group and a focus area that is taken very seriously by our team in Sweden. For many years, AAK Karlshamn has been using wooden pellets for steam generation. While this has been an effective and sustainable solution, we have explored alternative options that can help to reduce waste and harmful emissions even further. The best option was to install 350 m 2 of photovoltaic cells, with plans in place for more. Harnessing nature’s energy Managed from start to finish by a team from our engi- neering department, the new solar panels were installed on the roof of the main office building, and successfully commissioned in September 2018. With an estimated yearly production of 58,000 kWh (which is equivalent to five family bungalows), the initiative is already bearing fruit. The solar cells are feeding into the local grid. From time of commissioning to year-end, we produced slightly less than 10,000 kWh, which is fully in line with expectations as Sweden typically has fewer sunlight hours during autumn. One step closer to sustainability The solar cells installation project has been extremely successful and brings us closer to AAK’s ambition of minimizing its environmental impact. We were also proud to work in cooperation with the Swedish govern- ment to ensure everything was completed properly and according to local regulatory guidelines. With environmental protection remaining a key issue for AAK throughout 2019 and beyond, we aim to expand the number of solar panels we have and contribute even further towards being a truly sustainable business. AAK Karlshamn, Sweden Shining a light on sustainability 43