Scania’s purpose is to drive the shift toward a sustainable transport system — a position underscored by the commitment of both the company and its employees worldwide. Climate Day was a significant milestone on the path toward achieving this. Scania employees Marcelo Parizotto, Mohd Amir Syazwan bin Ghazali, and Brando Stillacci report on what has changed for them since then.
Technically innovative commercial vehicles that emit the lowest possible amount of CO2 — at Scania, more than 50,000 people in over 100 countries worldwide are working on this. Scania is aware of its impact and its responsibility but also the opportunities when it comes to climate change. Yet beyond all its products, the company also wants to raise awareness for sustainable action among all its employees. Moa Gezelius, Coordinator for Sustainability at Scania in Södertälje, is convinced: “Reaching our sustainability goals means that all our employees need to contribute and work as a team. That is why we organized Climate Day about a year ago, so that our employees worldwide could find out more about climate change and its consequences.”
On Climate Day, a variety of formats were used to promote greater sustainability among Scania employees — including a quiz.
Since then, the wheels have been set in motion at Scania. Prior to Climate Day, brochures, training materials, and a quiz offered in more than 30 languages provided valuable input. In addition, approximately 2,500 employees, who received training specifically on this topic, provided their colleagues with information during sustainability workshops and talked in numerous discussion groups about which ideas could be implemented at the local level. Every measure counts, and many of the employees also implement what they had learned at home. “For example, since Climate Day, I have heard several colleagues say that they want to change their diet to be more vegetarian and use public transport to get to work more often,” reports Moa Gezelius.
On the other side of the world, namely at Scania in Brazil, more than 300 ideas were gathered and several of them have already been implemented. For instance, the workforce was able to reduce paper consumption in the offices by using digital signatures instead of printing out internal documents. In addition, company cars are now fueled with bioethanol, which is extracted from sugarcane, a natural resource. Marcelo Parizotto works in Sales and Marketing at Scania in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, where he sparks customers’ interest in environmentally friendly drive systems, which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. After all, Scania’s portfolio offers the most extensive range of vehicles that can be operated with alternative fuels, such as gas. Following Climate Day in 2019, Parizotto has also made some changes on a personal level: “My family and I are now aware that we have to take action today and not tomorrow, because this is the only planet we have. I am teaching my sons about sustainability, we are saving water at home, and trying to limit how often we drive the car.”
Moa Gezelius, Coordinator for Sustainability at Scania in Södertälje, Sweden
Marcello Parizotto, Sales and Marketing Representative at Scania in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
Mohd Amir Syazwan bin Ghazali, Master Workshop Mechanic at Scania in Ipoh, Malaysia
Brando Stillacci, Manager Scania Assistance in Madrid, Spain
Climate Day also had positive effects in Malaysia. Master Workshop Mechanic Mohd Amir Syazwan bin Ghazali has been with Scania since 2008 and working at the facility located in Ipoh, 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, since 2015. He too was inspired by Climate Day, especially when it comes to the use of alternative fuels: “It is just a small step, but now I only refuel my car with used vegetable oil that I collect from local restaurants.” In doing so, bin Ghazali cuts the potential emission of soot particles from diesel fuel usage by about half. “I have also started to plant trees around the workshop. There are already 20 of them,” adds bin Ghazali. Moreover, just as in Brazil, the branches in Malaysia have also reduced their internal paper consumption. And the new workshop in Johor Bahru will be Scania’s first in Malaysia to use solar energy.
A similar approach is being adopted by bin Ghazali’s Spanish colleagues, who are relying on energy-saving buildings to protect the environment: in addition to suggestions aimed at more mobile work options, working from home, and web meetings, several ideas involve more energy-efficient offices and workshops. The Madrid branch’s move into a new office reflects this spirit: its energy requirements are completely covered by renewable energy sources. Providing employees with information also plays an important role. “We even adjusted our application process,” reports Brando Stillacci, Manager Scania Assistance in Madrid. “During our conversations with candidates, we explain how Scania is promoting the transformation to a sustainable company,” says Stillacci. So, right from the start, they know just how important sustainability is at Scania. Moreover, Stillacci is committed to this topic in his personal life as well as at work: “In our daily work and at home, we have nearly stopped using paper completely. We also do a much better job of separating waste than we used to.”
100%The energy requirements of the Madrid branch’s new office are completely covered by renewable energy sources.
Scania employees exchange ideas on efficient sustainability measures.
Climate Day has had a lasting impact: to mark the one-year anniversary, Scania in Brazil hosted an online event that featured a different topic over the course of one week. What impact does sustainability have on investments, health, and society? Ultimately, these are questions that are on the minds of all of Scania’s employees. In addition to Brazil, employees in Sweden and throughout the entire world are teaming up to live and work in a more sustainable manner — one step at a time. And in the meantime, this decisive approach is also taking effect above and beyond the company. For instance, CEOs of several partners discussed prospects arising from sustainable actions. At the same time, informative documents such as brochures or training materials are available for download on Scania’s website to inspire even more people outside the company. “Climate Day was an ideal format and tool for Scania to reach all its employees and raise awareness of the topic. And I think we managed to achieve this,” notes Moa Gezelius proudly.
