Elevator Giant KONE Lands Top 1% Sustainability Ranking Second Year Running

KONE awarded EcoVadis Platinum Medal for sustainability excellence

KONE Corporation has landed in the top 1% of companies worldwide for sustainability performance, securing a Platinum Medal in the EcoVadis 2026 assessment for the second consecutive year.

The recognition arrives as corporations face intensifying scrutiny over environmental claims and supply chain accountability. EcoVadis, which evaluates more than 175,000 businesses globally, scores companies across four dimensions: environmental impact, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

Kirsi Simola-Laaksonen, Senior Vice President for Sustainability & Environment at KONE, framed the award as evidence of deep organizational commitment. She pointed to the company’s work on climate action, responsible employment, ethical operations, and value chain transparency. She credited employees worldwide for weaving sustainability into everyday decisions and helping customers meet their own green targets.

The elevator and escalator manufacturer has pursued sustainable innovation for decades. Its portfolio focuses on energy-efficient solutions that lower embodied carbon in buildings. KONE became the first company in its industry to adopt science-based climate targets for 2030, and emission reductions now show measurable progress.

Beyond its own footprint, KONE collaborates with key material suppliers to tackle environmental and social impacts across the value chain. Social sustainability efforts emphasize belonging, workplace safety, and continuous learning.

EcoVadis has rated KONE annually since 2018, with gold or higher rankings each year. The company’s sustainability credentials extend further. It has maintained an A or A- score in CDP’s Climate Change assessment for 13 straight years. Corporate Knights ranked KONE 54th globally and 28th in Europe, while Forbes again listed the firm among the World’s Best Employers in 2026.

With 60,000 employees across nearly 70 countries and annual sales of EUR 11.2 billion, KONE continues positioning itself as a leader in urban infrastructure evolution. The repeat Platinum Medal signals that its sustainability strategy remains firmly embedded rather than superficial.