avk-esg-2024-25 - Flipbook - Page 7
LETTER FROM NIELS
AAGE KJÆR
We are pleased to present this year’s
sustainability report, which outlines our
continued commitment to responsible business
practices in a year marked by both complexity
and opportunity.
Global economic uncertainty, geopolitical
tensions, inflationary pressures, and evolving
regulatory landscapes have all influenced our
operations and supply chains. At the same
time, the growing urgency to address climate
and environmental challenges has led to new
opportunities for innovation and long-term value
creation. In response, AVK has made strategic
investments to strengthen local production and
enhance supply chain resilience.
A key milestone this year was the transition
from three divisions – Water, Industrial, and
Advanced Manufacturing – to two: Water
Solutions and Advanced Manufacturing. This
new structure enables a more integrated and
agile approach to serving our customers across
water and industrial segments, while supporting
operational efficiency and collaboration across
our global footprint.
Since our founding in 1941, AVK has been
guided by our Core Values: quality, innovation,
reliability, sustainability, and customer service.
Our purpose is to develop and produce highquality, long-lasting products essential for
vital infrastructure – including water supply,
wastewater management, energy, and industrial
applications – contributing to public health,
environmental protection, and sustainable
development.
This report features cases that illustrate how
our solutions contribute positively to society
and the environment. Among these are efforts
to reduce water loss through AVK Smart Water
technologies in collaboration with Silkeborg
Forsyning and to strengthen wastewater
management in China. We also signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the State
of California to support the development of
water infrastructure. These examples reflect
our commitment to developing solutions that
actively promote better resource management,
public health, and environmental protection.
As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce our
environmental impact, we have taken several
important steps this year. We have initiated
the process of phasing out lead and PFAS in
our products, increased the use of recycled
materials, and all AVK-owned companies in
Denmark have fully transitioned to
renewable energy.
At the same time, we have worked to improve
the quality of our environmental data and
calculation methods, providing a more accurate
basis for understanding our carbon footprint.
While this has not necessarily led to reductions,
it strengthens our foundation for future action.
That said, we have seen a reduction in both
Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and we are proud
of the efforts across the AVK Group that have
made this possible.
We increased the number of Environmental
Product Declarations from 15 to 26,
implemented our AVK Group Code of Conduct
for our employees, revised our Supplier Code of
Conduct, and increased the number of supplier
audits. These initiatives reflect our commitment
to transparency, accountability, and continuous
improvement throughout our value chain.
Not all developments have been positive. We
have experienced an increase in the Lost Time
Accident Frequency Rate (LTAFR) as it reached
7.09. This is partly due to improved reporting
practices. However, this highlights the continued
importance of our focus on safety, well-being,
and a strong culture of responsibility.
Looking ahead, we will continue to advance our
sustainability agenda through targeted actions
in climate, circular production, and responsible
business conduct. We will develop a climate
transition plan, increase the use of renewable
energy, reduce gas consumption, and further
implement ISO 50001. Likewise, we will
further expand the use of recycled materials,
strengthen water management in high-risk
areas, and improve Scope 3 data.
With operations across multiple countries,
our diverse workforce is one of our greatest
strengths – supporting both local engagement
and global development. We are committed to
fostering a safe, inclusive, and professionally
rewarding work environment where diversity
is embraced and well-being is prioritised. We
continue to work actively to reduce work-related
accidents and promote a culture of care,
responsibility, and continuous improvement.
At the same time, we are strengthening
governance through clear ethical standards,
transparency, and structured follow-up.
AVK operates in sectors that are central to
sustainable development. In recent years, the
importance of managing drinking water and
wastewater has gained increased attention –
not only for its impact on health and quality of
life, but also for its role in energy efficiency and
climate resilience.
This past year has demonstrated AVK’s ability
to remain resilient and forward-looking in the
face of global challenges. The transition to a
new divisional structure has strengthened our
ability to respond to market needs, leverage
global capabilities, and support long-term value
creation through innovation, efficiency, and
responsible conduct. We remain firmly anchored
in our Core Values, ensuring that our products
deliver value to customers and contribute
positively to society and the environment.
As we look to the future, we are energised by
the opportunities ahead and remain committed
to driving progress through responsible
leadership and continuous improvement.
Thank you for your continued support.
Niels Aage Kjær
Chairman of the Board and Owner of the
AVK Group
AVK Group Sustainability report 2024/2025 | 7
