Last night, President and CEO of Skanska UK Mike Putnam picked up the FT ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Award for corporate responsibility and environment.
“Our green agenda and our wish to build what society needs help to define us as a company,” said Mike Putnam, who represented parent company Skanska AB at the award ceremony in London.
The company beat household names from other industries, including BMW, IKEA and Philips.
Winners were selected by a panel of experts, including Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, and Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and chief executive of ArcelorMittal, who based their decision on a shortlist drawn up by the FT’s global network of bureau chiefs and senior journalists.
The Financial Times pointed out how Skanska: “Champions sustainability throughout its value chain and incorporates environmental concerns into every aspect of its design.”
During his acceptance speech, Mike said: “At Skanska, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Wherever we work, we strive to push forward the green agenda in construction and infrastructure development.
“We do this because we believe it’s right to serve society and improve our world. Ultimately, our work has to be about the people who live and work in the environment we create.
“Our clients and partners expect great things from us, so making a positive contribution to society is just as important as what we create and sell.”
The awards highlight and celebrate businesses that have exemplified boldness in their business activities during 2013. As the Financial Times puts it: “In this volatile and unpredictable world, the need for business to be bold has never been greater.”