The Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), representing the modern business services sector, is extending its partnership with Skanska’s office development business unit in Poland. The program partnership includes the creation of sustainable places: healthy and safe, timeless, and compliant with ESG principles, which, according to ABSL analyses, determine where new investments are located. 

The business services sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in Poland, employing over 400,000 people in 1,700 centers across more than 80 locations in the country. Poland maintains a leading position in Europe in terms of the number of jobs created as a result of foreign direct investments and tops the rankings of investment attractiveness in Europe and around the world. Business service centers remain dominant in the sector, providing a steady contribution to the economy in the form of service exports.

According to ABSL, ESG factors are gaining in importance as a driver of foreign direct investments. Investors expect to enter partnerships in achieving their environmental ambitions, such as achieving climate neutrality, reducing CO2 emissions and switching to renewable energy sources. At the same time, they point to the need to implement diversity and inclusive policies. Consistency across all of these factors can significantly increase investors' evaluation of a particular location.

"ABSL's sustainable and responsible development is made possible through cooperation with a wide range of experts and partners. For many companies in our sector, acting in accordance with ESG principles is a very important criterion in the selection of business partners, similarly for investors making decisions regarding a location. That's why we rely on Skanska Group's years of experience and expertise in green building, safety, and business ethics in our key area, especially since ESG and sustainability implementation are priority elements in the strategies of a growing number of companies, including our member companies. The effects of our partnership will add value to the organizations connected with ABSL," says Janusz Dziurzyński, President of ABSL.

The program’s cooperation between ABSL and Skanska will enable the exchange of knowledge, support further sustainable development of the sector in Poland, as well as actively promoting the economy in the context of improving Poland's investment attractiveness.

“At Skanska Group, we have been creating sustainable places for many years, which are built and operate in accordance with ethical principles, with care for people and the environment. We have built our knowledge base in this area in cooperation with other organizations - tenants, investors, suppliers, industry, and business associations - and we want to develop it further by sharing what we already know and are learning from others. The ESG thematic partnership with ABSL in 2022 has given us many valuable opportunities to do this. In 2023, we have decided to continue this cooperation, hoping for further interesting interactions with modern business services companies affiliated with ABSL. This is currently one of the most interesting sectors in terms of broad workplace trends,” says Arkadiusz Rudzki, Executive Vice President Leasing & Sales at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.

Skanska’s office development business unit is the largest office developer in Europe’s construction industry. It is guided by a sustainable approach to business and takes actions in line with ESG. As part of its ambitious climate goals, Skanska, in cooperation with various partners, systematically develops and implements new solutions that help lower its carbon footprint. At the same time, it actively works to promote business ethics, occupational safety and to create a friendly and inclusive organizational culture. As a consequence, it participates in a number of actions including the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN Global Compact, an initiative established by the United Nations.

Skanska’s office development business unit in Poland 

Skanska’s office development business unit in Poland is an innovative developer of sustainable, futureproof office buildings. The company has been operating in this market since 1997. Skanska builds open, lively spaces where employees feel good. The company’s office projects are certified in the LEED, WELL Core & Shell, and WELL Health-Safety Rating systems. The WELL system certifies buildings that empower owners and operators to take the necessary steps in order to prioritize the health and safety of their tenants, visitors and other stakeholders. In addition, Skanska’s new investments hold the "Building without Barriers" certificate, which proves that the buildings support the various needs of their users – including those of individuals with disabilities and of parents with young children. Skanska is present on seven markets across the country: in Warsaw, Wrocław, Poznań, Łódź, Kraków, Katowice and Tri-City.

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Find more details on the website: www.skanska.pl