Wednesday 2 September 2020

VELUX commits to becoming a ‘lifetime carbon-neutral’ company by 2041

VELUX commits to becoming a ‘lifetime carbon-neutral’ company by 2041

The VELUX Group has announced its ambition to reduce its carbon emissions and become a “lifetime carbon-neutral” company by 2041.

The Danish roof window manufacturer has partnered with WWF to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it has emitted since it was founded in 1941, totalling 5.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The company plans to dramatically reduce its carbon emissions and value chain in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C emissions reduction pathway by investing in forest and biodiversity projects over the next 21 years.

This will help with habitat loss, deforestation and land degradation around the world, while working with and benefitting local communities, with the first of these forest projects to take place in Uganda and Myanmar.

In addition, VELUX will accelerate investments in energy efficiency at its production sites, as well as purchase 100% green power.

David Briggs, CEO of the VELUX Group said: “The planet is facing a serious climate and nature crisis and this requires extraordinary action. According to our values as a company, we strive to do more than most so that’s why we have developed Lifetime Carbon Neutral.

“It’s an innovative new commitment concept involving a 20-year partnership with WWF to capture the equivalent of our historical carbon emissions by 2041. We will also dramatically reduce our future carbon dioxide emissions and ask our suppliers to do the same. Hopefully, other companies will be inspired to become ‘Lifetime Carbon Neutral’ in order to create a sustainable future for all.”

In Uganda, the focus will be on restoring degraded forests, growing new forests and protecting the remaining natural forests through a broad range of measures. The project will also grow trees in woodlots, other agroforestry systems and plantations outside protected areas to meet demand for forest products.

The project in Myanmar will work to conserve unique biodiversity and the forest landscape of Tanintharyi township of Myanmar, in collaboration with and to the benefit of local communities.

Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International added: “With the impacts of the climate and nature crises are becoming increasingly clear, ambition and action is urgently needed to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The VELUX Group's Lifetime Carbon Neutral commitment is an important step for others to follow.”

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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