Energy efficiency
Inex has committed to improving energy efficiency and participates in an agreement on energy efficiency signed by the Federation of Finnish Commerce. The agreement aims to increase energy efficiency by 9% by 2016. Inex monitors the energy consumption in all its business premises, with a total surface area of 194,000 m2. Some of this is cold storage space, which is needed in storing fresh food products and in terminals. Nearly all Inex business locations are included in the electronic Enerkey system supplied by Energiakolmio Oy, enabling the monitoring of electricity, heat and water consumption even at hourly intervals.
The energy efficiency perspective is taken in account in new acquisitions, such as when replacing order picking trucks or air filters. Also the S Group’s new logistics centre in Sipoo, currently under construction, will be heated with ground heat, and have pellet heating as an alternate form of heating.
Alongside business premises, another significant factor with regard to energy consumption and emissions is transportation. Since 2008, Inex has calculated the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from its transportation on a yearly basis. In addition, transportation agents who have contracts with Inex will be audited according to an auditing plan which is separately prepared. Here, important aspects include proper equipment, monitoring of temperature, hygiene, and training for economical driving. Environmental considerations in transportation are taken in account by optimising transport routes, transporting full loads, and using equipment that fulfils current environmental requirements.