15/06/2020
As a forward-looking force in the hospitality industry, Forenom constantly evolves to accommodate new market segments and trends in travel: global workforce mobility, growing demand for longer-term stays and the desire for home-like accommodations. While responding to these global trends and corporate needs, sustainable operations are ensured by not only minimising the negative effects, but also maximising the good by creating more jobs, promoting diversity in the team, as well as building more sustainable cities and neighbourhoods, both for the guests and the local communities.
Sustainable accommodation in a nutshell
Avoiding unnecessary new construction
Forenom avoids unnecessary new construction by utilising the existing capacity in the market whenever possible and renovate buildings rather than building new sites. The properties are also designed efficiently and compactly. For instance, square meters are saved for more spacious apartments and rooms by building small yet modern entrances and lobbies.
Maximising the usage of housing capacity
The flexible housing solutions maximise the usage of housing capacity on the market, as companies and organisations have no need to buy or rent their own capacity to accommodate employees. This helps improve the availability of rental apartments while promoting the more sustainable use of housing capacity. In 2019, Forenom’s total occupancy rate was 76%.
The one-visit principle
Forenom offers over 7,800 accommodation options across the Nordic countries, and thus, the apartment visits for cleaning and maintenance work have a significant accumulative impact on the environment. All of the employees follow the ‘one-visit principle’, which means that all maintenance and cleaning work in an apartment is carried out during a single visit and staff’s driving routes are optimised to reduce environmental impact.
Close collaboration with the suppliers to ensure sustainable procurement
When choosing a supplier, Forenom pays close attention to the company’s ethical choices, environmental certification and the greening of procurement processes.
Optimising water and energy usage
Forenom is committed to reducing the use of natural resources, mainly water and energy. Apartments are cleaned only when necessary, allowing Forenom to save water and energy by avoiding, among other things, unnecessary washing of linen. Electricity accounts for most of the energy consumption and thus, Forenom is constantly looking for new solutions to reduce power consumption and increase the use of renewable energy.
Focus on serving flexible stays
By providing flexible stays in fully-furnished apartments, Forenom endorses eco-efficiency, as companies have no need to rent or buy empty apartments and furnish them with single-use furniture.
Cleaner, more sustainable power
Forenom continues to reduce overall energy use and increasing the share of green energy throughout the properties. Electricity is a major part of Forenom’s energy consumption, and thus, Forenom pays attention to the fact that the electricity they use is produced responsibly and is constantly looking for new solutions to reduce electricity usage and increase the use of renewable energy. In Finland, Forenom works with a power company who in recent years has continuously reduced the use of fossil fuels in power generation and, consequently, increased the use of renewable energy sources.
Furthermore, Forenom is looking for ways to reduce water consumption in the properties. In some of the largest properties, the company has introduced a water-saving system, which monitors the water consumption 24/7 and reports immediately if there is a suspected water leak. Also, water-saving equipment has been installed in the larger properties to reduce the water flow and the customers are provided with guidance on reducing water consumption.
Diversity as a competitive advantage
At Forenom, the sustainability efforts are not limited to cover only environmental issues. Being number one in the industry also means being number one as a workplace. Diversity is embraced in all its forms and equal opportunities are provided to the employees irrespective of their age, gender, race, religion, disability, origin or other status.
Forenom also provides training and other opportunities for professional growth for the entire Nordic workforce and promotes lifelong learning. The internal education plan is updated twice a year, and all training courses and programs are held by experienced business leaders. Forenom has also established an internal school for learning and development, Forenom Academy, with the mission to maximize the potential of the employees. All Forenomians are encouraged to develop their skills and competences and to inspire each other to learn and share their knowledge.
Being part of the local community
Urbanisation brings challenges to city planning and management. Being part of the solution, Forenom helps companies to create jobs and mobilise their workforce, without straining land and resources. Forenom aims to enhance the communities in which they operate and bring prosperity to these areas.
The Forenom guests are temporary residents in their new neighbourhood, which is why the company bears responsibility to care for the well-being, privacy and safety of not only the guests but also the greater community. Forenom aims to create the best possible living quarters for both the residents and the neighbours: guests are informed about Nordic culture and terms and conditions that support peaceful and friendly living, and the apartment buildings are renovated and appealing, and the surroundings are kept tidy and welcoming.
Supporting businesses through exceptional times
Forenom promotes sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation. The services can support natural business growth and future innovation by helping emerging businesses to accommodate their workforce efficiently.
The importance of the support for the businesses is emphasised in exceptional situations. In response to coronavirus pandemic, Forenom has offered flexible accommodation solutions for companies to ensure the continuity of businesses. For example, when movement between countries was restricted, Forenom provided new accommodation solutions to labour from outside Finland to enable them to stay in the country and thus to keep construction sites running. In addition, some of the accommodation properties have been turned into facilities for remote work to enable knowledge workers to continue working efficiently despite the exceptional situation.
Key SDGs and targets
5-5 Ensure full participation in leadership and decision making
Diversity is embraced in all its forms and equal opportunities are provided to the employees irrespective of their age, gender, race, religion, disability, origin or other status. 33% of the Management Group and 33% of the Board of Directors are women. Throughout the company, 23 languages are spoken and the age of staff ranges between 18 and 60.
11-3 Inclusive and sustainable urbanisation
Urbanisation brings challenges to city planning and management. Being part of the solution, Forenom helps companies to create jobs and mobilise their workforce, without straining land and resources. Forenom aims to enhance the communities in which they operate and bring prosperity to these areas.
