Höganäs is running a pilot project to investigate if satellite monitoring can provide better understanding of its operations impact on the environment.
The project is using satellite images to see how biodiversity in Höganäs, Sweden, is affected over time. It also monitors how dust spreads from Höganäs’ operations and assesses water quality in the sea adjacent to the plant. If the project is successful, it could be rolled out to other Höganäs sites and suppliers around the world.
“Today we measure our emissions, but it is also interesting to know if we impact our surroundings, so that we can adapt our environmental protection measures,” says Anders Bergman, Environment and Climate Manager, Group Sustainability at Höganäs.
The company’s site in Höganäs is situated close to an area of high biodiversity value. Höganäs aims to protect the area by ensuring its operations do not have negative impacts.
“Using satellite images, we can see how the vegetation is doing and how varied it is. If the vegetation is healthy and varied, it attracts a higher number of insects and other animals. By using historical satellite images, we can see how vegetation has developed over time,” explains Frida Lindbladh, Environmental Engineer at Höganäs.
The pilot project began in April and will run until June, when it will be evaluated. If successful, the project may have the potential to be introduced at other Höganäs sites around the world – and even to monitor the impact of the company’s suppliers.
“The demands for control in the supply chain are constantly increasing, and satellite mapping could be an effective complement to on-site supplier audits,” says Bergman.
The mapping pilot project is carried out in collaboration with GlobalTrust, which is a data analysis company that uses satellite data to help companies to promote sustainability in their operations.
