((Green Agenda – dormakaba))

With sustainability anchoring each of the company’s four strategic pillars, international entrance systems and solutions supplier dormakaba credits this deep commitment to the environmental agenda as one of the key factors driving its status as a trusted industry leader.

“Sustainability is at the forefront of our entire operation, from our products and our people, to our processes,” says Barry Conway-Cleaves, dormakaba’s marketing manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

EcoVadis, the international rating platform that assesses corporate social responsibility and sustainable procurement, has placed dormakaba in the top 5% of its sector. Locally, the company has received South Africa ISO Certification in acknowledgement of its efficient processes and procedures, its effective Environmental Management System, and its high health and safety standards for staff.

“We are committed to fostering sustainable development throughout the entire value chain, not only for current, but also for future generations,” Conway-Cleaves says.

 Q&A

  1. What is your company’s core business?

“From door solutions to master key systems, from customised access systems to flexible room solutions, we have been developing secure, trustworthy access solutions for buildings and rooms for over 150 years. Innovative and customer-centric, we are inspired by the ongoing aim of making good things even better.”

  1. Practically, how do your products have a role to play in sustainability?

“We have an extremely diverse product portfolio. Not only do we conduct environmental impact assessments on each of these, but also focus on how they will contribute to sustainable building practices, including energy-efficiency for example.”

  1. How important is “going local” to your company?

“Aside from our dedication to producing high-quality reliable products and solutions, we also support local business development by sourcing materials here for products that are manufactured and assembled in South Africa.”

  1. What is your company’s attitude to repair versus replace?

“Making products that last is a critical factor in supporting the environment for the future. In our society, driven by consumerism and a replace rather than repair mindset, we run a very strong, and growing service division. We offer full maintenance support in order to ensure a long lifespan for all our products.