What wonder combines former gravel pits, endangered insects and plants, and frisbee golf? No wonder, but Rudus' LUMO operating model. With it, the company contributes to the preservation of natural diversity and the ability to adapt to climate change. In addition to nature, people also get pleasure and benefit.
"Today, the interests of Fiksu's aggregate operations and nature are no longer in conflict. It's clear to everyone that valuable natural resources must be used as sparingly and resource-efficiently as possible," states Rudus' quality and environment manager Terhi Rauhamäki.
Not all factors affecting nature loss are global, but the diversity of nature, i.e. biodiversity, must also be strengthened locally. For example, with the reduction of grazing and forest fires, large open areas are completely disappearing from Finland's nature.
"Rudus' aggregate collection areas offer an excellent opportunity for the development and preservation of the diversity of endangered open nature", says Rudus' quality and environment manager Terhi Rauhamäki.
In Ryttyla, Frisbee golfers take care of the condition of the ground
"Our goal is that nature is more valuable in terms of diversity at our locations when the operation ends than when it starts. For example, Hausjärvi's Ryttylä has an old 32-hectare gravel extraction area, which has been transformed into the Kakslammi conservation area owned by the Vuoko Nature Conservation Foundation through post-treatment in accordance with Rudus' LUMO program," states Terhi.
The area is home to numerous endangered insects and plant species vital to them. Now the area has been restored, where it is good for both insects and plants to live. In addition, its importance for local people and the operation of the sports club is great, when aftercare has also been implemented from the point of view of recreational use.
"Nature trail, fitness stairs, frisbee golf course and nature attractions," he lists.
"Frisbee golf works especially well in areas designated as open areas. When moving from one paint basket to another in an open roasting environment, unwanted tree seedlings and alien species are trampled at the same time. This helps to keep the valuable area open."
Taking responsibility for biodiversity is a long-term investment
"At Rudus, we are of the opinion that biodiversity and climate issues should not be solved separately, because they are strongly related to each other. The circular economy is one answer to both of these, because, for example, by using recycled raw materials and producing recycled products, both challenges are solved," says Terhi.
The LUMO program has been a far-sighted project under the leadership of Rudus, which has been strictly committed to from the beginning, and whose importance has only grown over time.
"With the EU's classification system for sustainable financing, or taxonomy, and the stricter biodiversity and responsibility requirements, our experience in taking biodiversity into account is even more useful. LUMO has brought a huge amount of learning about different ways of working to support nature, and how old gravel extraction areas can be restored sustainably. Cooperation with our various stakeholders is also important so that the end result is good and successful for everyone."
In the Kakslammi conservation area, there are numerous endangered insects and plant species that are vital to them. It is good for both insects and plants to live here.
Terh's perspectives on the promotion of biodiversity
- Nature: The living conditions of endangered plant and animal species are improved and their continuity is secured by building new habitats. Areas used for business are not abandoned, but are revitalized and managed in an environmentally sustainable manner.
- Man: In the LUMO program, dozens of nature areas have been established in different parts of Finland after the end of quarrying. into outdoor trails, frisbee golf courses, swimming spots and environmental art venues that everyone can enjoy.
- Company: A good reputation as a responsible user of soil materials speeds up permit processes, among other things. Responsible operation is also an even more important criterion for financiers. In addition, it affects attractiveness as an employer.
In a nutshell
Rudus, which manufactures stone-based building materials, has approximately 90 active soil extraction areas around Finland and almost the same number of ready-mixed concrete and concrete product plants. There are also recycling points where concrete and brick waste are accepted and recycled. Read more about Rudus >>
Rudus launched the LUMO program in 2012. Its development and definition of goals were and continue to be done in cooperation with nature experts. With its LUMO operating method, Rudus contributes to the preservation of Finnish natural diversity and the ability to adapt to climate change. With measures that promote diversity, it also aims to enhance carbon sequestration and thereby influence the mitigation of climate change.
Read more about the LUMO program >>
See the LUMO10 party seminar recording >>
- Taxonomy is the EU's sustainable development classification system. It is intended to promote practical and ambitious criteria also to improve the sustainability of construction. Read the blog post by Pekka Vuorinen, environment and energy director of Rakennusteollisuus RT, on the topic >>
Text: Tia Härkönen
Photos: Rudus