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Efficiency as Strategy, Not Just Cost Cutting
20. October 2025
EIC as an authority
Image: Rasmus Kooskora
At Impact Day 2025, Environmental Investment Centre CEO Andrus Treier moderated the panel “How to Make Production More Efficient and Increase Added Value in The Process?” , featuring Ivar Ruubel (Tallinna Vesi), Toms Auškāps (Balticovo), and Kristaps Greidāns (Adven). The discussion explored how smarter processes, innovation, and sustainability go hand in hand — proving that efficiency and environmental responsibility are key drivers of long-term business success. In this article, we highlight the main insights and most inspiring ideas from the discussion.
Treier framed process efficiency as a strategic principle rather than a cost-cutting exercise. Efficiency, he noted, is about creating lasting value, improving quality, and eliminating waste — a foundation for competitiveness and innovation across sectors from utilities to food production.
Asking the Right Questions
Efficiency happens on two levels: through daily process improvements and broader system-wide innovation.
True innovation begins by asking why — as illustrated by Adven’s approach of rethinking energy processes. Instead of doubling steam production for a client, the company introduced mechanical vapor recompression technology, cutting energy use by 35%. This example demonstrated that sometimes, the need for more resources transforms into an opportunity for savings and smarter operation.
The panelists agreed that collaboration is key : progress accelerates when companies learn from competitors, suppliers, and partners instead of working in isolation. Efficiency gains rarely come from one breakthrough technology but from many small, interconnected advancements.
Image: Rasmus Kooskora