At LCA.no, our diverse clientele ranges from established corporations to emerging startups, covering a spectrum of industries and technological advancements. Lets introduce you for one of our exceptional customers, amina, who embodies cutting-edge technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. amina has just launched their first EPD and we had a chat with Fredrik Erland Lima from amina.
You can read more about the EPD on EPD Norway’s website.
Key Highlights about Amina
- The business is centered around the development and production of top-notch electric car chargers.
- Established in 2021, amina operates in the Nordics and Europe, catering to the B2B market, wholesalers, distributors, and energy companies.
- amina´s high-quality chargers are designed to seamlessly integrate with smart homes, charging apps, operators, and electricity suppliers.
- amina is backed by a team of founders and external investors, including Nysnø, Eviny Ventures, Lyse Vekst, Momentum, Statkraft Ventures Investore Finans, Futurum, IKM Invest, and Velde Holding.
- With over 50 employees spread across offices in Stavanger, Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, the company is committed to driving innovation in the electric vehicle charging industry.
Seamless and effortless user experience
By seamlessly integrating electric car chargers into the energy ecosystems, amina is revolutionizing the way we power our vehicles. amina´s mission is to provide a hassle-free and efficient charging experience for all users, making it easier, smarter, and more sustainable to distribute and receive electricity. The objective is for this cutting-edge strategy to not only set the business apart from its competitors but also foster seamless and effortless collaborations with key industry stakeholders, ultimately creating a user experience that is second to none.
Fredrik Erland Lima, Co-founder in amina.
Many roles in a start-up company
In an entrepreneur-based company in strong growth, key resources often has several roles. Fredrik is a co-founder of amina. His main task is to facilitate strategic expansion into new geographical markets, encourage innovation through research linked to academia, and to ensure that amina´s products continuously meet the changing needs of the market. In addition, Fredrik has taken responsibility for maintaining amina´s commitment to documented sustainability.
Effective collaboration with skilled consultants is essential
When discussing the impact of partnering with LCA.no on EPD development, Fredrik emphasized, “Our collaboration with LCA.no has played a pivotal role in shaping our EPD journey. By working closely with their team, we have gained invaluable insights into the environmental aspects of our products, empowering us to continuously enhance and innovate. Prior to connecting with LCA.no, EPD was uncharted territory for us. However, thanks to their expert guidance and training, we now feel confident in navigating with EPDs.”
Gaspard Philis and Rennie Babwah, our LCA Specialists at LCA.no, played an important role in the EPD project with amina. When we inquired about their collaboration with amina, they shared their excitement about working with innovative start-up companies like them. They emphasized the close relationship they build with the company and the dynamic energy that drives their assignments. The synergy between our consultants and amina was very good, leading to the approval of the first EPD in just six months. amina’s strategic investment in environmental documentation, utilizing cutting-edge technology like our EPD generator, sets them apart in the industry from the get-go.
Establishing a strong internal structure and foundation is crucial for achieving success.
In larger organizations, it is highly recommended to establish an internal steering group. The same principle applies to smaller start-ups, although resources may be more limited. In amina’s case, the organization of work with EPD was a collaborative team effort. Top management delegated responsibility to a dedicated internal group. Developing an EPD for the first time can be a time-consuming process. For amina, the process took approximately 6 months from contract signing to the published EPD.
Numerous benefits await companies that choose to invest in EPDs
Businesses that invest in publishing EPDs can gain numerous internal and external benefits. Internal advantages include enhanced environmental performance, increased cost-effectiveness, improved product development, refined risk management, and heightened operational efficiency. On the external front, companies can experience amplified market differentiation, improved regulatory compliance, enhanced supply chain transparency, bolstered brand image and reputation, access to new markets and customers, and increased stakeholder engagement and communication.
Although amina has recently released their EPD, it is still too early to assess tangible outcomes. However, they can already attest to the fact that the EPD initiative has deepened their understanding of their products’ environmental impact and fostered internal skills for development.
According to Fredrik, the market is sending clear signals that EPDs are in high demand. Possessing an EPD offers concrete benefits like increased customer trust and a stronger market position. It is anticipated that EPDs will soon become a standard requirement in most business agreements.
The EPD program has a significant impact on marketing and sales
Having the EPD program certification allows amina to not only confidently discuss sustainability but also showcase tangible evidence of their commitment to environmental responsibility. With a solid foundation of certified documentation, amina can now engage in meaningful conversations about sustainability, backed by data and credibility. This certification not only empowers amina to address sustainability challenges but also sets them apart as a leader in driving positive environmental change. It truly lays the groundwork for amina to make a significant impact on their environmental footprint.
The role of EPD in documenting and enhancing the environmental impact of amina charging stations
The EPD generator from LCA.no not only provides valuable insights for amina’s Product Development Department to evaluate the environmental impact of various technology choices, but also serves as a tool for the Purchasing Department. By utilizing the analysis module, amina can make informed decisions on the most sustainable shipping methods and set specific requirements for their suppliers. This holistic approach towards documenting and improving the environmental impact of amina charging stations showcases our commitment to sustainability and responsibility.
The advancement of EPDs fosters innovation
Moving forward, amina remains dedicated to sustainability and the environment. The company is actively seeking out innovative solutions to further minimize their environmental footprint, while also delving into new technologies and materials.
-The development of EPDs plays a crucial role in driving innovation and technological advancements across amina’s market sectors. By enhancing our understanding of the environmental impact of our products, we are able to continuously enhance our design and production processes. By incorporating environmental considerations at every stage, we are motivated to explore new, sustainable materials and more efficient production methods, says Fredrik Erland.
Guidance for companies embarking on EPD development for their products
When offering advice to other companies considering EPD development, Fredrik emphasized the importance of all charging station manufacturers creating EPDs for their products. This will not only provide a better basis for comparison but also drive innovation towards more sustainable solutions. It’s crucial for companies to understand the resources and complexity involved in the process, requiring a dedicated team and readiness for a challenging learning curve.
We extend our gratitude to amina for the collaboration thus far and eagerly anticipate the continued growth and innovation of this remarkable company.