Stairon calculates its CO2 emissions and takes action to reduce them

Stairon laskee C02-päästöt. Kuvassa staironlaisia neuvottelupöydän ääressä.

Stairon calculates its CO2 emissions and creates an action plan to reduce them. At the same time, Stairon will also boost the monitoring and reporting of its customers’ emissions.

Industry plays an important role in achieving Finland’s carbon neutrality targets by 2035. For example, direct emissions from the technology industry account for 7% (2019) of all Finland’s emissions and 45% of Finland’s energy needs.

Many industrial companies are already monitoring and taking measures to reduce their own emissions.
“Although the actual legal obligation for emission calculations and other responsibility reporting has not yet been specified for SMEs, it already applies extensively to our industry and most of our customers,” says Timo Kylä-Nikkilä, CEO of Stairon.

Stairon has listened carefully to its customers’ plans and needs in terms of reducing emissions. During autumn 2022, Stairon launched its own process related to emission calculations and reductions.
“We are an important part of our customers’ supply chain. If we set our own emissions targets at least in line with their targets, we will also help them to reach their own targets,” says Kylä-Nikkilä.

Outlining the guidelines during January

Stairon’s emissions calculation is carried out with a Finnish partner, Nordic Offset. Emissions are currently being calculated for 2021, and the calculation for 2022 will be completed by the end of January 2023.

Kylä-Nikkilä praises Nordic Offset’s comprehensive climate responsibility expertise and extensive networking with the operators in the field.
“The work is also facilitated by the overall service provision which means that, in addition to the results and the action plan, we can also use their networks and expertise to reliably compensate for emissions that cannot yet be directly influenced by our own reduction measures,” he says.

“Although our own measures are, naturally, prioritised in the fight against climate change, the pursuit of carbon neutrality will also require us to compensate.”

Making the benefits of actions visible through data

Emissions are largely caused by the production of raw materials and energy used in industry. Steel production is one of the most significant sources of emissions globally.
“In recent years, certain steel producers have taken significant leaps in, for example, fossil-free steel production technology. These practices will hopefully be available for wider use in the next few years,” Kylä-Nikkilä estimates.

“Environmental issues and emission management will be emphasised in the future. We want to be at the forefront of reducing the environmental impact of our industry.”

Timo Kylä-Nikkilä

For a long time, Stairon has been implementing energy efficiency measures through the existing environmental management system, with the aim of reducing waste by optimising raw materials and carefully recycling all material fractions.
“However, there has been no comprehensive measurement of emissions. In the future, we will know more about the impacts of the measures and be able to focus on the measures that have an impact.

We have committed ourselves to being prepared to make investments when the pursuit of carbon neutrality requires them,” Kylä-Nikkilä promises.

Developing mechanical engineering and production technology

Työnjohtaja Toni Kangas

Decades of experience and strong expertise in the workshops has convinced the former shipbuilder that Stairon has the keys to success. The new foreman believes in the power of development and shared expertise.

When young Toni Kangas found himself in a machine shop, he knew there was no turning back. He has always had a passion for mechanical engineering, which has guided him on his career path. He first spent 20 years working for ABB doing stamping and from there he joined the Meyer shipyard in Turku, first as a foreman and then as a development engineer. At the same time he acquired new skills from Turku University of Applied Sciences, from where he graduated as an engineer of mechanical engineering and production technology. He started as a foreman at Stairon in November 2020.

Toni Kangas is the first machine shop industry professional within his family, and right from the beginning what attracted him to the industry was the changing nature of the work.

“There’s a lot going on all the time. Interest remains high when you can influence the development of the industry”, Toni says.  

Toni Kangas

Development begins with a need

Toni, who describes himself as productive and precise, says that he is a developer who strongly identifies with Stairon’s motto.

“The machine shop industry is often stuck in its ways and likes to do things according to a familiar pattern. We at Stairon want to challenge the status quo. If you want to succeed in the field, you have to have expertise, a good team , and the ability to create something new. All of these building blocks can be found at Stairon”, he says. 

Toni is looking forward to being able to develop the company’s parts manufacturing operations in particular. Better processes solve both production and customer challenges. Toni mentions that development work should not be based on the joy of development alone. The work should always result in something tangible.

“A good example is a pilot I carried out for Meyer, where we did certain work steps differently. It eventually resulted in big savings for my then employer. Let’s see what great things we can achieve at Stairon!”

The alphabet of a good working life

Toni wants to be not only a developer but also a fair and trusted foreman who helps his team achieve their goals.

“In order for everyone to succeed in their work, we must account for people’s strengths and work on weaknesses. When everyone can do their best, we create strong skills and quality together”, he says.

Taking responsibility and valuing co-workers and shared expertise were the first things Toni noticed in his new job. Working with professionals has also made it easier to settle into the new job.

“People here have long careers and solid professionalism, so it’s easy to be the foreman”, he laughs.

When we ask the 46-year-old expert what is the most important thing working life has taught him, he is quick to answer. “Work, learning something new, and co-workers. Those are the building blocks for a good and well-functioning work community”, he says.