Global warming presents a severe challenge to the world. The emission of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, must be significantly reduced in order to mitigate climate change and its adverse effects. In the Paris Climate Agreement, 200 countries committed to reducing global warming to a maximum of 2°C, and preferably 1.5°C. At Alcomex, we understand the importance of this issue and acknowledge our responsibility, alongside our stakeholders, to take action.
The challenges of the energy transition provide an opportunity for Alcomex to take a leading role in the springs industry. We can achieve this by not viewing the energy transition as the end of an industrial era, but rather as the beginning of a new and sustainable economy. We want to be involved in this transition as we believe it is the appropriate direction for our planet and all our stakeholders.
We have taken a gradual step-by-step approach by making carbon reduction a central aspect of Alcomex’s strategy. Our objectives are in line with those of the Paris Climate Agreement, and we aim for a yearly reduction of 5% in the CO2 footprint emissions of the Alcomex Group.
Carbon neutrality is accomplished by calculating the carbon footprint and reducing it through a combination of in-house efficiency measures and support for external emission reduction projects. The process involves the following steps:
In 2019, Alcomex mapped out its carbon footprint for all its companies using the tools of the Climate Neutral Group. Reduction plans have already been implemented, and targets have been set, with a goal of achieving an annual reduction of 5% of CO2 emissions for the Alcomex Group.
As an international organization, we understand that it may not be feasible to immediately reduce all of our emissions.Achieving CO2 reduction for a global springs manufacturer can be challenging due to the carbon footprint of the basic materials used in production, the gas consumption of ovens, and diesel use in transportation. To implement effective CO2 reduction measures, the entire supply chain must be considered, from the sourcing of raw materials to the transportation of finished products.
While eliminating the use of steel may not be feasible, exploring alternative, carbon-arm steel options can help reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint.The energy sources used in production, such as gas-fired ovens, must also be evaluated. Switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power could significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Additionally, transportation methods for finished products must be taken into account. Replacing diesel-powered trucks with electric or hybrid vehicles can greatly reduce emissions and contribute to the company’s CO2 reduction goals.
Overall, reducing CO2 emissions for a global springs manufacturer requires a comprehensive approach that considers the entire supply chain and explores various alternatives to reduce the carbon footprint of each stage of the production process. Moving forward, we remain committed to exploring additional ways to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices across all of our operations. We believe that by continuing to invest in environmentally-friendly initiatives and collaborating with like-minded organizations, we can make meaningful progress towards our goal of reducing our impact on the planet.
To achieve CO2 reduction, each Alcomex factory has developed a plan with goals and investments that fall into three categories:
Low-threshold investments: investments ranging from €0 to €2,000 that will be implemented immediately and continuously. Examples include switching to green electricity, insulating central heating pipes and buildings, and setting central heating with a time clock.
Medium-threshold investments: investments ranging from €2,000 to €30,000 that will be scheduled over the coming years based on their CO2 reduction impact. Examples include implementing LED lighting, electrifying company cars, and improving manufacturing processes by removing high-impact CO2 and energy-consuming processes or optimizing the energy usage of the machine park.
High-threshold investments: investments exceeding €30,000 that will be planned based on their CO2 reduction impact and return on investment case. Examples include installing solar panels on buildings and replacing old, less sustainable machinery.
The effects of these investments will have a positive impact in the coming years. Each entity has its own progress report and goals, and a plan has been developed for each factory for the next few years. This plan will be evaluated annually and adjusted if necessary to reduce the CO2 footprint per factory.
To address this issue, we have taken steps to compensate for our unavoidable emissions by partnering with organizations like Land Life Company and The Green Branch. Through our collaboration with these organizations, we have planted over 6,800 trees, which not only helps to offset our emissions but also contributes to the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.
The project uses afforestation methods on barren lands to create a carbon-sequestering forest in the Guizhou province of China. It has planted more than 50.000 ha of forest, designed to enhance biodiversity and create alternative livelihoods. Various native tree species are planted to transform the land into biodiverse rich and interconnected forests. Without this project, the area would remain barren with limited ability to support life.
While the project focuses on CO2 storage, it also actively contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The project is certified according to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) as well as the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard.
