SATO leads the way in action against biodiversity loss – Biodiversity Roadmap published
SATO leads the way in action against biodiversity loss – Biodiversity Roadmap published GlobeNewswire
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SATO Corporation
Press release 25 March 2024 at 9:30 am
Biodiversity in Focus for SATO’s Sustainability Programme
Biodiversity is one of the environmental themes of SATO’s Sustainability Programme. As a large rental housing provider, SATO has the opportunity to affect biodiversity and the company also wants to lead the way for others.
SATO Corporation is committed to addressing biodiversity as a key theme in its operations. In spring 2023, SATO initiated a project to develop a Biodiversity Roadmap, which has been published in the company’s recent Sustainability Report. The roadmap outlines specific actions to integrate biodiversity considerations into everyday practices at SATO. It is based on a comprehensive review of the current state and a materiality analysis, which included an extensive stakeholder survey. The survey results highlighted the importance of SATO’s biodiversity efforts to stakeholders.
“Alongside climate, biodiversity is an important theme for us, as the built environment burdens the natural environment. Climate change and biodiversity are strongly interconnected, and biodiversity preservation can also reduce the adverse impacts of climate change,” says SATO Sustainability Manager Jenni Rantanen.
“This issue is of global importance. It’s no longer merely about nature conservation. Instead, biodiversity loss is also a threat to development and the economy,” says SATO Project Development Manager Kirsi Ojala.
As a leading rental housing provider, SATO aims for its Biodiversity Roadmap to not only contribute to biodiversity preservation through its own actions but also set an example for other housing actors.
Biodiversity Initiatives and Actions
At SATO, efforts to promote biodiversity begin with updating planning and design guidelines in line with the Biodiversity Programme. These guidelines will determine the solutions and materials used in landscape design.
“Going forward, our aim is to take account of biodiversity in procurements and competitive tendering processes – when we know what we’re aiming for, it’s also easier to make sustainable choices in our everyday work,” says Ojala.
In addition to updating planning and design guidelines, SATO will pilot nature-based solutions and biodiversity improvements at selected SATO-owned properties. The company also aims to ensure that its own specialists and partners have the necessary competences to address biodiversity issues effectively.
Examples of nature-based solutions at SATO properties may include allowing natural stormwater retention in indentations, designing snow piling areas to facilitate ground absorption of melting snow, and selecting native plants that thrive in specific regions for landscaping purposes.
“Native plants, meadows, and, for example, dead trees left in place also provide natural habitats for a variety of species,” adds Ojala.
Involving Residents in Biodiversity Action
SATO recognizes the interest of its residents in biodiversity matters.
“Residents hoped to see more areas in their natural state and more pollinator-friendly plants around their homes. Some of our residents are also interested in taking part in biodiversity action in their own residential environment,” says Rantanen.
Consequently, SATO is currently exploring the best ways to involve residents in biodiversity initiatives.
“One way of participating could be building bird nest boxes and insect hotels, as suggested by residents. We could also organize residents’ communal work gatherings to remove harmful plant species such as lupines, Himalayan balsams, or Japanese roses from building grounds,” suggests Ojala.
Contact Information
Jenni Rantanen, Sustainability Manager, SATO Corporation, phone +358 201 34 4270
Kirsi Ojala, Project Development Manager, SATO Corporation, phone +358 201 34 4011
Email address format: firstname.lastname@sato.fi
Media Enquiries
Marjaana Kivioja, Communications Manager, SATO Corporation, phone +358 400 773 181
SATO Corporation is an expert in sustainable rental housing and one of Finland’s largest rental housing providers. SATO owns more than 25,000 rental homes in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Tampere, and Turku.
SATO aims to provide an excellent customer experience and a comprehensive range of urban rental housing alternatives with good access to public transport and services. We promote sustainable development and work in open interaction with our stakeholders. SATO invests profitably, sustainably, and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our assets through investments, divestments, and repairs. www.sato.fi/en.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator: The article mentions that SATO launched a Biodiversity Roadmap and set out actions to make taking account of biodiversity part of everyday life at SATO. This indicates a commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
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SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator: The article states that biodiversity preservation can reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. This suggests that SATO is considering the interconnection between climate change and biodiversity and integrating climate change measures into their sustainability efforts.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator: The article mentions that SATO will update planning and design guidelines to take account of biodiversity in landscape design. This indicates a commitment to creating green spaces that are accessible and inclusive for all members of the community.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | The article mentions that SATO launched a Biodiversity Roadmap and set out actions to make taking account of biodiversity part of everyday life at SATO. This indicates a commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | The article states that biodiversity preservation can reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. This suggests that SATO is considering the interconnection between climate change and biodiversity and integrating climate change measures into their sustainability efforts. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | The article mentions that SATO will update planning and design guidelines to take account of biodiversity in landscape design. This indicates a commitment to creating green spaces that are accessible and inclusive for all members of the community. |
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Source: globenewswire.com
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