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Our environment

Nature’s wellbeing is at stake. If nature falls, we fall with it. That’s why we are committed to doing everything we can to protect our irreplaceable environment. On our own, we can make a difference. Together, we can achieve so much more.

Action makes the difference

Here at PKO, we strive to live up to our word. Our goals are ambitious, but we know we can achieve them. We are continuously working to improve our operations in order to lower our carbon footprint. For example, with the investments in solar and wind power, our use of renewable energy has increased significantly. Our goal is that all the electricity we use will be produced from renewable energy sources by the end of 2030. We are also improving our energy efficiency – because every kilowatt counts. We’re also working to eliminate food waste and landfill waste and to improve recycling across all our operations. For example, through our collaboration with food aid initiatives, we have been able to significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate.

PKO takes responsibility for the environment by continuously improving its energy efficiency

Our core mission at PKO is to work together with our co-op members to make our region an even better place to live. That’s why we want to lead the way in sustainability. We believe that sustainability lies not in impressive words, but in practical actions.The greatest environmental threat of our time is the global warming caused by human activity. We want to do everything we can to help mitigate that threat. As a major operator, we have a considerable impact on the present and on the legacy we leave for the future generations. Foresight is therefore important, and our sustainability programme extends through to 2050.

OUR PRACTICAL ACTIONS:

  1. We will decrease the emissions from our own operations by 90 per cent by 2030 compared with the 2015 level.
  2. All the electricity we use is emission-free.
  3. We are constantly investing more in energy efficiency.
  4. A net zero emissions target for the entire value chain, which means a reduction of climate emissions from our own operations and our value chain to net zero by 2050.

As a co-op member, you can make a difference through us

Many people want to make a difference on climate issues. But when opportunities are limited, it’s no wonder people sometimes feel frustrated. That’s why we want to give you the best possible tools for a more sustainable lifestyle and real opportunities to make a difference for the climate. Your everyday purchase choices matter, and we want to help you make sustainable choices. By simply choosing your local store, Finnish local food and our responsibly produced products, you’re taking meaningful steps towards a better tomorrow. We have already taken a number of impactful steps to lower our carbon footprint, but to achieve even better results, we need your help.

Join PKO's environmental efforts for a greener tomorrow!

Responsible PKO

  • Responsibility and the Tekosysteemi

    At PKO, responsibility means both small and large everyday actions for the benefit of our customers, our region, and the environment.The well-being of our local area, its people, and nature is at the heart of the cooperative model.Even small responsible actions can have a big impact when combined.We call this the Tekosysteemi – our ecosystem of meaningful actions.
    Read more about responsibility

  • Work from North Karelia

    Promoting Finnish products – especially those from North Karelia – is close to our heart. You can recognize local products by the ‘Work from North Karelia’ (Työtä Pohjois-Karjalasta) label on the shelf edge.
    Work from North Karelia label