Video conferencing replaces air travel

The employees of Nilfisk-Advance are travelling less, and in 2009 this led to a massive reduction in travel CO2 emissions compared with 2008. One of the tools being used to decrease these emissions is global video conferencing instead of physical meetings.

Nilfisk-Advance has established a total of 11 specially equipped video conferencing rooms at offices in several countries, including Denmark, United States, China, Italy and Hungary, and this will enable enhanced and more efficient communications between the company’s units around the world.

”Face to face meetings are still important, but as we grow increasingly familiar with the technology. We are finding that video conferencing can provide meetings which are equally effective and constructive,” says President and CEO of Nilfisk-Advance Jørgen Jensen.

It pays to invest in video equipment 
It is a simple calculation. Travel expenses were in 2009 approx. 61 mDKK. Same year Nilfisk-Advance purchased video for 1.1 mDKK. If just a few employees substitute travel with video conferencing, the investment payes for itself. 2009 was a year of less travel due to the economic crisis and consequent savings. In 2010 the effect of video conferences are to be even better.

I recommend everyone in the company to make use of the possibilities. Become familiar with it and use it,” says CSR Manager of Nilfisk-Advance Ulla Riber and continues, "I am certain that we in the future will value both the time saved on less travel and the environmental benefits in the future."

Overall reduction of 12%
”We are firmly committed to reducing our total carbon emissions, and we are convinced that we will reach our target of a 12% reduction in the period 2009 to 2011,” says President and CEO of Nilfisk-Advance Jørgen Jensen.

Nilfisk-Advance is a member of UN Global Compact and also reports its carbon emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project. You can read more about the approach to sustainability here.