Sustainability in practice

Is sustainability an important issue in your working day?

Definitely. Customers are very interested in reducing both their own and their suppliers’ climate impact. At Ocab, we have the same focus, and we want to drive developments in our industry. For example, this involves creating a cultural change in the choice of methods. We need to get away from thinking that everything is disposable.

Can you give an example of a good climate choice?

Following water damage, we recommend customers opt for pressure drying instead of demolishing and rebuilding. We drill a number of holes in the floor or wall and blow in warm, dry air that dries out the moisture from within.

What are the benefits?

The method prevents fully functional materials and structures from being wasted. Dramatic savings can be made in terms of both climate and costs, in some cases well over 90%. Everyone benefits – insurance companies, property companies and end customers. This is especially true for the residents, because even if their insurance cover kicks in, they often have to pay part of the loss themselves. Most people would prefer to keep that money. And as pressure drying is a fast process, residents do not need to stay in alternative accommodation for as long.

Is it always possible to use pressure drying instead of demolition?

In a large number of cases, but specialists in moisture damage like us need to be on site as quickly as possible to start the project. If the damage is left untreated for too long, demolition may be necessary. We take no chances. We make sure there are no problems left in the structure. If necessary, we can take material samples and analyse the microbial damage.

What are you doing to increase the use of pressure drying?

Not all customers are aware of this option, so it is important that we work closely together. We also hold training sessions for customers, either on site at their premises or at our premises. These are seminars and small meetings with everyone from claims handlers to property managers. Many people immediately see the benefits and we get a lot of positive feedback. The method requires knowledge, so we also invest heavily in training our staff.

Can you compare methods using concrete data?

Yes, we have a promising pilot project in Stockholm to easily show customers how much can be saved. We have prepared the data and key parameters that underpin the design of the tool, and when our technician enters information about the project in question, a set of facts is created. This makes it much easier to explain the difference between pressure drying and demolishing and rebuilding. The feedback from customers on this has been excellent.

You have also launched Ocab Go. What is it?

It is a green concept with a new office in the centre of Stockholm. We use electric vehicles, e-bikes and electric scooters to travel to assignments. Since we have about 1,000 claims a year in the city centre, many trips to these assignments were previously made from our offices located quite a way out of town. In addition, we often got stuck in traffic jams. This approach was inefficient and created unnecessary emissions. The launch of Ocab Go has been very successful and we have won several large contracts thanks to our central location close to our customers. The new concept is in line with both our and our customers’ own sustainability efforts. We expect to be able to increase the volume of assignments in the area by 50-100% in the near future.

Can you also give an example of a tangible tool you use?

One very good tool is our remote measuring instruments that we use in dehumidification projects. They eliminate the need to go to the site every time we need an update on the situation and provide benefits in terms of anticipating the next steps in the restoration process. Remote measurement also allows us to reduce electricity consumption in projects, which is good both financially and for the environment.

What is the outlook for Ocab in terms of sustainability?

More and more customers are realising the benefits of pressure drying and innovative working methods, so we see great potential. We want to continue to be at the forefront of developments. Sustainability is essential, for us and for our customers and suppliers. Working on this together is a win-win situation..