How Gustavsberg works with resource efficiency
Gustavsberg has been a pioneer in the development of bathroom sanitary products since the early 20th century. At that time, we played a part in improving sanitation and hygiene standards in Sweden. During the energy crisis of 1974, the need to reduce unnecessary water and energy consumption became increasingly important. In response, we developed solutions and technologies designed to reduce water and energy use – principles that continue to influence our product development today. Today, using water, energy and materials more efficiently is increasingly important to reduce environmental impact. Our ambition is to continue developing solutions that support more efficient use of these resources.
How can you create a resource-efficient bathroom with reduced environmental impact?
At Gustavsberg, we take a lifecycle approach to our products – from the choice of raw materials and production to use, reuse and recycling. The work begins already in the design and development phase, where the foundations are laid for the product’s functionality, choice of materials and production methods. We continuously work to develop our production methods and collaborate closely with our suppliers.
Product quality, service life and resource-efficient functions are important factors in reducing environmental impact over the product’s lifecycle. We therefore develop products with a focus on long service life and functions that can contribute to reducing the use of resources such as water and energy.
For us, sustainability involves the entire product lifecycle – not just solutions that can reduce the use of energy, water and other resources during the use phase.
We focus our efforts on three pillars where we see the greatest opportunity to contribute to positive change.
A healthy society
Our solutions for water and sanitation infrastructure are an important part of people’s everyday lives. Through our work, we aim to contribute to good hygiene and well-being, while developing solutions with a focus on the efficient use of water, energy and materials.
Long-term value creation
We aim to make a positive contribution to society by acting ethically and inclusively, running a viable business with a long-term perspective, and being a proactive and innovative partner.
Increased resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact
We continuously work to develop our products and processes to use resources more efficiently and reduce the environmental impact of our products throughout their lifecycle.
Our products
To contribute to more efficient use of resources in the bathroom, we develop products with a focus on quality, long service life and efficient use of water and energy. Our work covers the entire product lifecycle – from design and material selection to use, maintenance and opportunities for reuse and recycling.
One example is our energy- and water-efficient mixers and dual-flush toilets, where users can select the flush volume according to their needs. For a growing number of products, we also report environmental impact through third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), in accordance with the International EPD System.
We work with issues related to energy, the environment and social responsibility across our operations. One example of how this is reflected in product development is the Gustavsberg Nautic bathroom range. The range includes mixers with technology developed to reduce water and energy use. Replaceable components also make it possible to maintain and repair the products, which can contribute to a longer service life.
Products developed for efficient use of water and energy
Both water and energy are used every day in the bathroom. That is why we develop functions that make it possible to reduce water and energy use without compromising on function and comfort.
Our range includes, among other things:
- mixers with Energy Class A
- toilets with 2/4-litre dual flush
- products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
- replaceable components and spare parts for maintenance and repair
- products that meet relevant criteria within various environmental assessment and certification systems
For several of our products, environmental impact is reported through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These contain third-party verified environmental data and provide information about the product’s environmental impact from a lifecycle perspective.
Gustavsberg and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
In our sustainability work, we use the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. The goals cover economic, social and environmental issues – from health and clean water to energy and responsible consumption and production.
Developed for a long service life
Timeless Scandinavian design, quality and functionality have long been important elements of Gustavsberg’s product development.
We develop products with a focus on the possibility of maintenance and repair and offer spare parts for many of our products. This can make it possible to continue using an existing product instead of replacing the entire product.
Continued development
Our work to use resources more efficiently and reduce environmental impact continues. Building on our long experience in product development, we continue to work in areas such as water and energy efficiency, material selection, production processes, repairability and opportunities for reuse.
EPD – environmental data from a lifecycle perspective
We offer sanitary ceramics and mixers with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in accordance with the International EPD System.
An EPD reports environmental data for a product from a lifecycle perspective, based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The declaration is prepared according to established product-specific rules (PCR) and the information is verified by an independent third party.
This provides transparent and verified information about the product’s environmental impact during the stages of its lifecycle covered by the declaration.
Environmental certification systems and other frameworks for buildings
Different environmental certification systems and frameworks include criteria for, among other things, the energy, water and material performance of buildings.
We offer products that can contribute to meeting relevant criteria within, for example:
- EU Taxonomy
- LEED
- BREEAM
- Miljöbyggnad
Which requirements and criteria are relevant depends on the product, project and the certification system or framework applied.
Spare parts for longer use
Access to spare parts makes it possible to maintain and repair products instead of replacing the entire product.
For several of our products, older functional parts can also be replaced with new components. One example is our reuse kit for selected Nautic mixers, where functional parts can be replaced to update an existing mixer.
This allows parts of the product to be replaced or upgraded, while the remaining parts can continue to be used.
Certifications and product assessments
Our products may be covered by various certifications, assessment systems and standards within our industry.
To make relevant information easier to find, we have compiled a selection of product assessments, certifications and other relevant systems in a certification matrix.
A certified business
We work systematically with environmental management, energy, quality and occupational health and safety and are certified according to established international management system standards in these areas.
Our company certifications include:
- ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems
- ISO 9001 – Quality management systems
- ISO 50001 – Energy management systems
- ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety management systems
