Climate Safe 360°

What does CO2-compensated mean and when is something climate neutral?

Before we go into Climate Safe 360 °, we should clarify a few terms and backgrounds. You have probably noticed that many companies advertise with terms like "climate neutral", "CO2 neutral", "climate compensated" or "CO2 compensated". It is not always explained what is meant by this. But this is very important, because the terms are not self-explanatory. In principle, products or actions are labeled with these terms if they have no negative impact on the CO2 concentration in the earth's atmosphere, e.g. by offsetting emissions in climate protection projects.

However, there is increasing criticism of the terms: "Climate neutral" and "CO2 neutral", for example, imply that the respective products or companies are free of CO2 emissions - but this is often not the case. The terms "CO2-compensated" and "climate-compensated" are also ambiguous, because they do not indicate the percentage of emissions that have been offset and where and how the offset takes place. Sometimes the labels are awarded even if only part of the emissions are offset instead of all of them.

Climate Safe 360°

We want to calculate our emissions as accurately as possible. In the past, we already recalculated our balances, which were carried out by external partners. That's why from now on we have an internal expert who calculates the CO2 footprint of our company and our products. After all, we are most familiar with our figures that have to be taken into account for the calculation. Our calculations are then verified by an independent third party. In this way, we want to create more transparency and accuracy for all parties involved.

"Climate Safe 360°" is our new motto. Climate neutrality in production, transport, business and resources. The final question is: Where do we offset our emissions?

Clean Energy with Wind Power: 300 MW Wind Power Project in Gujarat

The climate protection project 'Wind Power Project' in the Indian state of Gujarat comprises wind turbines in various villages. The sustainably generated power through wind energy is fully integrated into the national Indian power grid. The goal of the project is the expansion of wind turbines for emission-free power generation, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease CO2 emissions. Therefore, the operation of the turbines has positive effects on the health of the local population. Combustion of coal, gas, and oil produces air-polluting pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Wind power generation keeps the air clean. Thus, protecting the environment and advancing the energy transition as a crucial element of global climate protection.

Overall, the project contributes to shaping a sustainable future, primarily through the generation of clean energy, environmental protection, and the promotion of eco-friendly principles in line with technological developments. This creates additional positive conditions for people. The wind power project is also a driver for establishing economic prosperity; it combats poverty and creates jobs, attracting investors and contributing to the development of rural infrastructures. The 'Wind Power Project' also supports 4 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, such as the goals of 'decent work and economic growth' and 'climate action'.

Avoid, reduce, compensate

There is one thing we inevitably cannot avoid: CO2 is generated in the production of our products. Production without emissions is not yet possible. CO2 is also emitted during our daily activities at the workplace. We would like not only to offset these emissions, but also to reduce them in the future and, if possible, to avoid them.

For example, many of our products are now produced in Germany to avoid long transport routes. Our employees also have the opportunity to purchase a low-cost job bike and thus cycle to work without producing emissions. We have drastically reduced and modernised our paper consumption by using databases. We also purchase 100% green electricity for our office locations. We want to continue to find ways to minimise our emissions. Avoid, reduce and offset remains our green order.