Openframe has given us the digital backbone needed to scale.

ESG in practice with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel

How do you turn ESG from reports and strategy documents into concrete action in property operations?

PKA Properties shows the way as the first Nordic actor to certify their property operations with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel – and they prove that sustainability and economic value go hand in hand.

When one of Denmark’s largest pension funds chooses to organise its entire building operations around the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s 38 criteria, it is about more than responsibility. It is about value creation – for residents, for operations, and for the value of the properties themselves.

“We have chosen the Nordic Swan Ecolabel because it is easy to understand – and easy to act on. It makes a concrete difference in everyday life and makes sense for both employees and residents – and for the bottom line.”

Hans Andersen, ESG lead at PKA Properties

Digital structure makes the difference

For PKA Properties, the certification means, among other things, that operations have been insourced – with caretakers and management directly in the organisation – so the criteria become an active part of the business strategy.

Certification requires documentation, structure, and visibility. That is why PKA Properties has adopted Openframe as the digital backbone for the entire process.

“We started in Excel, but with more buildings it quickly became unmanageable. Openframe has given us the digital backbone we need to scale, and it helps both advisors and Miljømærkning Danmark work more effectively.”

Hans Andersen, ESG lead at PKA Properties

Corporate responsibility as sound business

At Miljømærkning Danmark, Relations Manager Henrik Hougaard describes PKA’s approach as both bold and smart:

“Swan Ecolabel operations are a new opportunity to lift existing buildings to a high level – not only environmentally, but also structurally and commercially. PKA Properties is a first mover – and has shown how this can be done without creating unnecessary complexity.”

PKA Properties is already working to certify an additional 20 properties and, over time, the entire portfolio.

“We want to show that responsibility and financial common sense can go hand in hand – and that good property operations today can also be sustainable and a strong investment. We invest for the long term, and we do that best by ensuring quality, environmental consideration, and efficient operations in one.”

Hans Andersen, ESG lead at PKA Properties

Read more about PKA and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel here.