"Sustainable development is now firmly embedded in Pihla Group’s strategy.”

Pihla Group Oy is Finland’s largest manufacturer of windows and doors. Marko Kohvakka holds a broad and interesting role within the company. He has been in charge of HR since 2011 – and for the past five years, he has also led the company’s sustainability efforts. 

Kohvakka has expanded his expertise in sustainability through two programs at Aalto EE: first, in the Vastuullisuus ja liiketoiminta program and, a few years later, the Strategic Sustainability for Business program. 

The Aalto EE programs provided significantly more concrete benefits for my work. I got exactly what I was looking for – business insight and practical tools for sustainability work."

“People perceive broad concepts in different ways, but I found it beneficial to complete the programs in this order: first gaining a coherent overall picture and then considering the strategic dimensions from our company’s perspective,” he explains. 

Insights and Tools for Sustainability Work 

Kohvakka has spent over 20 years in the corporate world, but his background is in education, having originally trained as a history and social studies teacher. He is a dedicated advocate for lifewide learning. 

“I enjoy learning new things. Around the same time that I was studying at Aalto EE, I also completed a 20-credit university module on sustainable development. That was a great experience too, but quite a heavy set for an old humanities major – we started right from the basics, including photosynthesis,” Kohvakka says with a laugh. 

“The Aalto EE programs provided significantly more concrete benefits for my work. I got exactly what I was looking for – business insight and practical tools for sustainability work. Now I have a clear overall understanding of what sustainability means for different company functions and strong capabilities for leading sustainable development.” 

It’s always fascinating to hear how other organizations have solved problems and overcome obstacles. Real-life examples not only increase your awareness but also enhance the applicability of knowledge."

According to Kohvakka, the most practical takeaways from Aalto EE’s programs can be summarized easily: 

“The Vastuullisuus ja liiketoiminta program helped me grasp the full scope of responsible business practices. The assignments could be carried out from the perspective of one’s own organization, and my final project turned out to be extremely useful in practice. I explored the use of materiality analysis in a company, and we ended up carrying out a materiality analysis in one of our business units largely based on my work,” Kohvakka reminisces. 

“Strategic Sustainability for Business was more compact, but an equally valuable experience. The program refreshed my knowledge of sustainability in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment – and provided great insights for my work on the executive team as we integrated sustainable development firmly into Pihla Group’s strategy.” 

Kohvakka points out that engaging group discussions and outstanding guest speakers enriched the learning experience in both programs. 

“UPM’s Vice President of Responsibility gave a brilliant presentation, his visit was particularly memorable – but all the practical examples shared during the programs broadened my thinking, whether they came from instructors, guest speakers or other participants.” 

“It’s always fascinating to hear how other organizations have solved problems and overcome obstacles. Real-life examples not only increase your awareness but also enhance the applicability of knowledge: they provide alternative ways to implement the lessons learned in your own organization.” 

Aalto EE Delivers Reliable Quality 

For Kohvakka, choosing Aalto EE for business-driven sustainability training was an easy decision. 

Communication, marketing, integrating sustainability into strategy – I gained valuable perspective, practical tools, and crucial peer support in all these areas, among others.”

“At Pihla Group, we know we can trust Aalto EE’s quality. I completed the Aalto MBA about ten years ago – and many of my close colleagues have had excellent experiences with Aalto EE’s various training programs over the years.” 

“If you’re looking for relevant training from top-tier instructors, Aalto EE is a sure choice. However, you need to keep one thing in mind: you must be ready to work hard. Aalto EE isn’t for you if you’re not committed to learning and personal growth.” 

Kohvakka emphasizes that Aalto EE’s sustainability programs complemented each other well. 

“Communication, marketing, integrating sustainability into strategy – I gained valuable perspective, practical tools, and crucial peer support in all these areas, among others.” 

“Exploring procurement’s strategic role in sustainability was particularly fascinating. Fortunately, at Pihla Group, we have a very capable Head of Procurement who has also participated in several Aalto EE programs. I don’t need to underline how crucial procurement’s contribution is – we have ongoing, productive discussions and continuously develop our operations together.” 

A Holistic View on Sustainability Reporting 

Pihla Group is now advancing sustainable development in many ways. 

“It’s clear we consume natural resources. You can’t make a Finnish window without wood, aluminum, and glass,” Kohvakka states. 

“But we’re doing a lot of good work towards sustainability. Sustainable development is now an integral part of our strategy, encompassing our employees, the environment, and the community we serve.” 

If you genuinely want to gain new knowledge and have the opportunity to participate, I highly recommend both programs."

“All decisions at Pihla Group align with our sustainable development goals. For example, we utilize sustainable raw material sources, collaborate with responsible suppliers, and minimize waste through efficient production.” 

Kohvakka explains that Pihla Group is part of Inwido, Europe's leading window group, which has led to the adoption of CSRD reporting. 

“Sustainability reporting within our group has kept me quite busy lately. Fortunately, we explored the world of CSRD in the Strategic Sustainability for Business program. It gave me a crucial, comprehensive understanding of the reporting requirements – something that has proven invaluable as we take action.” 

Kohvakka is pleased to endorse both the Vastuullisuus ja liiketoiminta and Strategic Sustainability for Business programs. 

“If you genuinely want to gain new knowledge and have the opportunity to participate, I highly recommend both programs,” Kohvakka says. 

“I would especially recommend the Strategic Sustainability for Business program to anyone in senior management. Understanding the connection between corporate responsibility and strategy is essential for anyone making strategic decisions in their role.” 

Strategic Sustainability for Business Vastuullisuus ja liiketoiminta