How can sustainability be integrated into business operations? What kind of measures can reduce corporate carbon emissions? Climate responsibility issues play an increasingly important role in the daily lives of companies and organizations, and NGS Finland Oy was founded to solve these issues and challenges. We had the chance to interview NGS founder and CEO Antti Laakso, who shares the story of the company in more detail.
Hi! Who are you and what do you do here at Werstas?
I am Antti Laakso from NGS Finland (Nordic Green Solutions), and our office is located here on the fourth floor of Werstas in ElectroCity.
What does NGS Finland do?
We provide corporate climate responsibility consulting, which in practice means emissions accounting. We also conduct life cycle assessments, meaning we calculate the environmental impacts of a product, for example. We also help companies build climate responsibility strategies and assist in drafting roadmaps aimed at helping companies reduce their emissions.
Understanding a company's carbon footprint and evaluating the environmental impact of a product's life cycle are essential parts of responsible business, and NGS strives to meet this need.
How did you end up founding the company?
We brainstormed ideas on how we could influence corporate business emissions. We researched many different possibilities and operational approaches and explored potential partners. Eventually, the pieces fell into place, and NGS was founded in January 2019.
We have noticed that transparency is becoming increasingly important for companies, and they want to openly communicate to consumers and customers where their emissions come from. You could say our mission is to fight climate change with concrete measures. This is achieved by enabling climate-responsible growth for companies. We started off with an open mind, and it has paid off, as our operations have grown year by year and we have reached places we never would have believed at the beginning!
What kind of team do you have?
We have a five-person team of experts working on tasks such as emissions accounting and sales.
The Werstas facilities convinced us immediately, and quite soon we had our first NGS office here.
How did you find Werstas?
In the early days of the company, we worked from home offices and cafes. As the business grew, we started scouting for potential office spaces in the Turku area and visited a few potential spots. The premises at Werstas convinced us immediately, and quite soon we had our first NGS office here.
How have you enjoyed it here?
Very well! We are pleased that when our space requirements change, Werstas can meet that need, meaning we have always found an office room of a suitable size. As the company has grown and we have other employees besides the founders, you pay attention to the comfort of the office in a different way. The shared spaces complement our own space nicely, and we regularly use the meeting rooms for customer meetings.
Have you met other Werstas tenants?
Yes, there are quite like-minded people working here. It is nice to catch up at the coffee machine or when meeting in the hallway.
So, the Science Park area has become familiar by now?
Yes, indeed! I live quite close by and can easily get to the office. I usually start my work at home and then move to the office at a suitable time. The days are filled with client projects, meetings, and appointments. The location of Werstas near the Kupittaa station is convenient, as commuting to Helsinki is easy by train.
The Science Park area has developed at a rapid pace, and the services in the area have improved even further. The range of lunch restaurants is diverse, and you can always find options you like. We often visit Mauno in ElectroCity, as it is located close to our own office.
What is the best part of your job and entrepreneurship?
The opportunity to work on issues that are important to me and the ability to work in the way that suits me best and that I see as most effective.
How do you take care of your well-being in your daily life as an entrepreneur?
Exercise is the best counterbalance to work. I enjoy playing tennis and going to Thai boxing. I haven't tried the Science Park workouts yet, but I've heard they are really popular!
Any greetings to your fellow Werstas members?
Let's see each other at Werstas and catch up! If you are currently looking into climate responsibility matters, I am happy to help.
Thank you for the interview, Antti, and have a great autumn!