Carbon Neutral production: a concrete plan of approach
Carbon Neutral production: a concrete plan of approach
Chevalier is Carbon Neutral since January 1st, 2009.
Chevalier has specifically chosen to think and produce green.
Pursuing a policy that is aimed at curbing global warming is questionable in a time of economic crisis. For this reason we feel obliged to explain our choice for a green policy.
Our environmental awareness is not a fashion trend but is part of a strategic policy. The market obviously plays a role in our considerations. Only focusing on price competition will result in a lack of quality which is of no advantage to anybody. Chevalier’s goal is to provide excellent printing quality for a visibly acceptable price. Our environmental policies are inextricably linked to quality.
Chevalier’s green policy has been effective for several years. In 2007 we received the FSC certificate and we are also ISO 14001 certified. We are a true competitor within the leading section of the printing industry. Our green policy shows that we are distinctive in doing more for the environment. We have followed in the footsteps of several English printers with our Co2 neutral policy.
How have we done it?
A. Measuring (footprints). First we have measured how much CO2 we emit per year. C02 is released after consumption of fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas or oil. For the measurement of our consumption, we have taken into account the following aspects: Commuters, energy consumption, gas, car kilometers of our sales representatives. Basically everything except paper. The total amount produced per year is approximately 1.000 ton CO2 per year.
B. Reduction (the reduction of CO2). The reduction is possible by efficiently dealing with the affairs mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Two investments have contributed to the CO2-decline. The commissioning of a new heating system and also the switch to green energy from the 1st of January 2009. This resulted in a significant reduction of 1.000 to 350 tons of CO2 per year.
C. Compensation. The solution for the remaining 350 tons is compensated by the sponsoring of a project in Indonesia.
The project in western Sumatra is developed in cooperation with C02 operate (www. co2operate. nl) and the University of Utrecht -NL. The project includes reforestation of slopes with cultural crops with a visible benefit to the local population.
What is the background information about this project? In the area where the project is located, is a major dam. The hydroelectric power station provides households and businesses with sustainable energy. The problem is the erosion of land which is the result of the deforestation of the surrounding slopes. The land is washed away by rainfall and causes the turbines to become silted up and less efficient. The output of the turbines is only 60% of the possible capacity.
The population in the region benefit from the reforestation. In close consultation with the local residents, agro forestry is implemented. A combination of fruit trees, cocoa plants and other crops are grown. The proceeds of the harvest contribute to the living conditions of the surrounding community. The soil of cultivated land retains its productive function and reforestation ensures a reduction in the silting of the turbines. This has proved to be more successful than traditional programs which only ensure for reforestation.
The visible profits of the project are: (a) Our C02-objective is achieved by the realization of planting; (b) improving the livelihoods of the local population; (c) improved energy supply achieved by the reduction of silt in the turbines.
In May this year, the first trees will be planted. This is part of a five year plan based on average compensation. From January 2009, we are proud to be a certified carbon neutral company.
Chevalier promotes an environmentally-responsible business policy and has received due recognition. Chevalier supports the Rotterdam climate initiative and is mentioned on several Green websites. Under the slogan 'be good and tell it', customers can also help to promote greener thinking and benefit from a positive environmental image by having the Green Chevalier logo printed on their product.
Diederik Chevalier
