Roofing specialist Vesivek Ltd is taking a major step forward in its sustainability efforts by introducing SSAB Zero™ into their product portfolio. The move reduces the company’s carbon footprint by as much as 40%. With this initiative, Vesivek aims not only to strengthen its own position, but also to inspire the construction industry to reduce its climate impact.

In northern Finland and Sweden, winter temperatures can plunge to -50 °C (-58 °F), while southern parts of the Nordics enjoy much milder conditions. With extreme variations in temperature, heavy snowfall, and torrential rain, roofing structures must withstand stress.

“A typical single-family home roof handles around 150,000 litres of rainwater every year. That places high demands on both the roof and the drainage system. On top of that, climate change is making extreme weather even more common,” says Antti Asteljoki, CEO of Vesivek Ltd.

Market leader in Finland

Vesivek Group is Finland’s leading provider of roof renovations, roof safety products and rainwater and drainage systems. Customers range from private homeowners to housing cooperatives, construction companies, and public sector clients, including municipalities and the Finnish state. Notable projects include work for the Parliament House, a Finnish retail and service group, S Group and Helsinki’s architectural landmark, the Oodi Library.

The company offers a wide range of products, including steel roofs manufactured in-house, roof safety products eg. snow guards and roof access ladders as well as consulting, safety assessments, and training in roof safety. Vesivek operates 14 offices in Finland and three in Sweden.

A longstanding partnership

Vesivek’s collaboration with SSAB dates back to the 1980s.

“We’ve worked closely together for decades. SSAB’s long experience in steel refinement gives them unique expertise in materials and coatings that can withstand our tough Nordic climate,” says Antti Asteljoki.

Over the years, SSAB and Vesivek have developed products and steel grades, while also successfully reducing thicknesses. Lower steel weight directly contributes to lower overall steel emissions (Scope 3) primarily by reducing the total volume of material needed for a project.

Since 2015, the partnership has deepened.

“We have a close, transparent collaboration, focused on eliminating unnecessary steps and costs in the value chain. This benefits the end customer with more efficient, unified solutions. We’re not afraid to challenge each other, and that’s how we find better answers.”

Cutting emissions by 40%

Vesivek’s steel roofs are made of painted GreenCoat^® steel. From now on, these will be replaced with GreenCoat^® with SSAB Zero™ steel substrate, manufactured using recycled steel and fossil-free energy*.

“For us, upgrading our steel roofing sheets to SSAB Zero™ was a no-brainer. We want to be best in class and do our homework thoroughly. With the SSAB Zero™ substrate in the steel we can reduce Vesiveks overall carbon footprint by up to 40%, while maintaining the same high quality,” Asteljoki explains.

A seamless transition

He admits he was surprised by how smooth the switch has been.

“Usually, big changes come with challenges – that’s what I expected. But in practice, this transition has only brought advantages. The quality is the same, and integrating SSAB Zero™ into production was seamless.”

The change also matters greatly to Vesivek’s customers.

“In the past, customers liked the idea of sustainability, but they weren’t always willing to pay more for it. Today, nearly half of them say it’s a decisive factor in their purchasing decision. Both private companies and the public sector expect suppliers to demonstrate real, measurable climate results. Being able to show that we reduce emissions this significantly with SSAB Zero™ steel is a huge advantage,” Asteljoki adds.

Driving the industry forward

Since its founding in 1981, sustainability has been at the core of Vesivek’s operations. The company has long focused on recycling, and today recycles 95% of its construction waste and 100% of the steel used in its products.

“Sustainable development is at the heart of our strategy. We don’t just aim to meet regulations – we want to influence the entire industry to move in a more ambitious direction,” says Asteljoki.

Durability is another cornerstone of Vesivek’s sustainability approach. A long product lifespan contributes to reduced resource waste.

“Our products are built to last. SSAB Zero™ delivers the durability needed to withstand the harshest weather conditions.”

Traditionally, roofing and construction materials are produced using iron ore-based steelmaking. SSAB Zero™, however, is manufactured with fossil-free energy and recycled steel, virtually eliminating carbon emissions*.

“We want to inspire the construction industry to adopt recycled steel made in this way. Real change can only happen when the entire industry moves forward together,” says Antti Asteljoki.

*The fossil carbon emissions in SSAB’s production of SSAB Zero™ are less than 0.05 kg CO₂e/kg steel in Scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Protocol.

Antti Asteljoki, CEO of Vesivek Ltd.