Boliden has relied on AARO for its group reporting for more than 15 years, and also manages its entire internal reporting and follow-up in AARO. Boliden also uses AARO to collect data for its sustainability reporting.
On a sunny day in June, our sales manager Peter Sohlén met Kristina Linde, Boliden’s Director Group Accounting, and Birgitta Andersson, Finance Controller, to discuss Boliden’s sustainability reporting in AARO.
What are the benefits for you of having data for sustainability reporting compiled in AARO?
“It’s an advantage to have everything in one and the same database. When calculating KPIs, production volumes and financial figures, for example, are already in the database, ready for calculation,” says Kristina.
“When it comes to our sustainability reporting, we use AARO to collect numerical data during our preparatory phase. The sustainability data we gather in AARO focuses on environmental impact, energy use and emissions. But it also includes HR and health and safety data,” she continues.
How do you gather data in AARO and how frequently do you report on sustainability?
“We have monthly reporting of sustainability data in AARO. The data is collected in separate systems and then imported using an Excel add-in or directly via the web. We then supplement this with expanded information on a quarterly basis and also on an annual basis,” explains Birgitta.
Do you follow any standards, e.g. GRI?
“Absolutely. We are a leading figure when it comes to sustainability in our industry. Our sustainability team monitors various sustainability issues from process and product perspectives, through participation in European and national industry associations. That’s precisely why we joined the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) in 2021. We also use the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and GRI, as well as the UN Global Compact.
“Boliden has a comprehensive climate plan, where our long-term climate goal for metal production is to reduce our CO2 intensity by 40 % by 2030. More information can be found in the Group’s Sustainability Index. We are working on a number of different levels to achieve this goal,” says Kristina.
Do you gather data only at group level or do you also use operational concepts such as divisions, business areas, etc., and base KPIs on that?
“Yes, we report data at both operational and segment level,” responds Kristina.
What do you regard as the benefits of using AARO, in general?
“It is a user-friendly and manageable solution that enables our system administrator to set up new accounts and reporting forms with ease. This makes it quick and easy to enter the new data to be reported. There’s no need to ask for advice when it comes to this type of task,” says Birgitta.
Would you recommend others to collect data for sustainability reporting in AARO?
“It’s certainly beneficial to have a common database, which is the big advantage of AARO. Since AARO was created with a focus on group reporting, it is important to have a good idea of the type of data that the company wants to gather in AARO. This is especially important at the moment, given all the new regulations being introduced in the field of sustainability,” explains Birgitta.
In 2020, you received the award for Sweden’s best annual report. Congratulations! The jury highlighted, among other things, your robust sustainability information. How important is good sustainability information, do you think? In your opinion, has AARO made sustainability work easier?
“These days not publishing sustainability information is not an option for well-established, responsible companies; it’s definitely more of a must. It is vital to increase transparency and awareness of companies and the influence of different players,” believes Kristina, and Birgitta agrees.
“We produce metals, such as nickel, copper and zinc, that are needed for the climate transition. It is therefore essential to be transparent,” she adds.
“Over the years, AARO has been a valuable tool in our group reporting process. When it comes to our sustainability reporting, the big advantage is having all our data in a common database, since we use AARO for collecting numerical data during our preparatory phase.
“Thank you! We were delighted to have produced Sweden’s best annual report,” concludes Kristina.
The interview is an ad published in the Swedish business magazine Balans, No 4, 2022.
