Sustainability

Sustainability & ESG

At the forefront of infrastructure solutions for a changing world, ViaCon constructs the future consciously, putting sustainability at the core of everything we do. We’re actively contributing to the transition to a greener, more circular society built with long-lasting, recyclable material and verifiable ESG commitments. 

Case studies
Case studies
ESG report 2023
ESG report 2023

ViaCon, ESG and UN Development Goal alignment

ViaCon has embedded a commitment to future-oriented growth that prioritises people and planet alongside shared value creation. We do our part to create sustainable value chains and support a more prosperous environmental ecosystem.

ViaCon incorporates sustainable development into our business goals and design. We have implemented common, standardised metrics to evaluate our progress and identify areas of improvement. ViaCon’s ESG strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

While we actively promote and adhere to all of the SDGs, we track and report specifically on the following four SDGs as part of our day-to-day operations.

Decent work and economic growth

ViaCon invests in people as our most important asset, and the social good of sustainability starts with employees. Providing decent work in an environment where employees can thrive depends on seeking input and having ongoing dialogue, providing safe working conditions, operating business ethically, and continuous improvement.

In 2023, ViaCon:

Delivered business ethics training for >97% of staff 
Improved Winningtemp Engagement Surveys eNPS* to +1 from -7 in 2022 (an 8-point improvement over previous year)
Reduced voluntary employee turnover rate to 6.2% from 9.7% in 2022 (a 3.5% improvement over previous year)
Continued developing internal leadership program and salary review and performance appraisal processes, which were introduced in 2021
Continued refining and deploying employer/employee branding process
Redesigned training programs and updated for 2024 to include Winningtemp and SteelZero initiatives
Reduced number of lost days for finger-related injuries by 18% from 2022 (a 5% improvement over previous year)

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Social and environmental aims are grounded in ViaCon’s commitment to responsible business practices and overall economic prosperity. Our operational principles have been designed to ensure that we are responsible and accountable for our conduct and compliance.

In 2023, ViaCon:

Ensured that 76% of distributors have signed the distributor code of conduct; 91% of suppliers have signed the supplier code of conduct, meeting the 2021 goal
Completed risk assessments on the top 50 supplier
Continued developing life cycle analysis (LCA) calculation tool to encompass the full range of ViaCon’s business units
Submitted science-based targets in September for validation by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Reported Scopes 1, 2 and 3 for 2022 and 2023; performance yielded a 12% reduction YoY for Scopes 1 and 2, and an 8% reduction in Scope 3

Responsible consumption and production

ViaCon focuses on circularity, renewability and durability. We aim to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, whether by sourcing renewable energy, locating factories closer to where finished products are needed, investing in sustainable manufacturing, or reducing reliance on virgin raw materials.

In 2023, ViaCon:

Designed a sustainable bridge pilot project; currently in progress 
Reached 86% completion of EPD on all Bridges & Culverts solutions production units; EPD applications and certifications are underway across all business units
Reduced use of virgin plastic by a peak 29%, ahead of targets set
Reduced steel consumption by 4.2% by standardising steel thickness in our water tanks
Developed bespoke Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) calculators for each business unit and their own individual requirements

Climate action

ViaCon aligns with UN climate goals, the European Green Deal and our own initiatives, such as committing to net-zero steel by 2050. With infrastructure solutions that facilitate adaptation to the new climate reality, ViaCon solutions are part of the answer to climate-change challenges and the need to build with longer-lasting, recyclable materials. 

In 2023, ViaCon:

Began publishing a quarterly sustainability newsletter to keep track of initiatives and inform partners and customers of progress
Continued activity as part of the SteelZero initiative and validation of science-based emission targets