STARK Group joins the United Nations Global Compact

STARK Group, a leading retailer and distributor of building materials in Northern Europe, announced today that the company has joined the UN Global Compact. Becoming a signatory to the UN Global Compact is a clear expression of STARK Group’s increased focus on sustainability and an acknowledgement of their commitment to deliver sustainable products and services in order to support and accelerate the sustainable transition in the construction industry.

“We are proud to join the UN Global Compact, reinforcing our long-term commitment to deliver sustainable solutions and focus on today’s and tomorrow’s environmental and societal challenges. As a leading building materials supplier, we acknowledge our responsibility to source our products responsibly, drive efficient and safe operations and enable our customers to make informed decisions on sustainable alternatives,” says CEO at STARK Group, Søren P. Olesen. 

STARK Group has been a leader in sustainable sourcing of timber and timber-based products for many years. In 2009 the company established its role as frontrunner when the first branches were certified according to FSC and PEFC certifications. Since then certifications of all the branches have been maintained. In addition, STARK Group has increased its focus on third-party verified eco-labels in other product categories. STARK Group continues to increase focus on sustainability with the ambition to integrate sustainability into all business processes. STARK Group’s sustainability framework is therefore aligned with the respected principles of UN Global Compact.

“Joining the UN Global Compact further demonstrates our commitment to build a sustainable tomorrow. At STARK Group, we wish to support the sustainable transition in the construction industry as we believe that we as a driven ally to our customers and trusted suppliers can help them build a sustainable future that is commercially relevant. As a signatory of UNGC, we have become part of the world’s largest sustainability initiative – and I am sure that this will further promote trust, purpose and an increased engagement in sustainability actions within the Group” says Louise Askær-Hune, Group Head of Sustainability. 

As a large supplier of building materials, STARK Group supports the transition to sustainable construction by offering a relevant assortment of sustainable products, ensuring that sales people have the necessary knowledge about sustainable alternatives, providing product documentation and support the customer’s increased demand for environmental information regarding product impact through the life cycle. 

“We are happy to welcome STARK Group into the UN Global Compact. STARK Group has shown an ambitious sustainability focus and we hope that they will, as a participating company in the UN Global Compact, continue their efforts to further implement the principles and inspire other companies to follow in their footsteps” Says Sara Krüger Falk, Executive Director, Global Compact Network Denmark.

The UN Global Compact calls for companies to align their operations and strategies with the Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, as well as contributing to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. STARK Group supports public accountability and transparency within sustainability, and report annually on progress in the annual STARK Group sustainability report.