Schlegel und Partner is climate neutral

Climate change is one of the most significant potential global threats for upcoming decades. In 2019, Schlegel und Partner set itself the target to avoid unnecessary, reduce existing, and compensate unavoidable carbon emissions, as a contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Subsequently, we implemented schemes such as trains as the preferred means of transportation, electricity savings through replacement of energy-intensive lighting and IT, and checked options to reduce energy consumption for heating.

As a consequence, we reduced our CO2-emissions by -16% from 2018 to 2019. Of these reported emissions, 29% are directly controlled by our company – e.g. heating and usage of our own car pool (known as “Scope 1”). Scope 2 emissions – indirectly induced by electricity input – make up 11%. Most significant for Schlegel und Partner (60%) are Scope 3 emissions, which indirectly occur in our value chain, mainly the trips made by employees to the workplace or emissions resulting from the production of fuel for vehicles.

Most effective for the reduction of CO2-emissions was the consequent implementation of our business travel scheme. While mileage for (carbon neutral) train travels increased by 29%, mileage for the company’s car pool, rented cars and flights went down significantly. Especially the reduction of short haul flights contributed to the -46% of CO2-emissions induced by business flights. CO2-emissions from Schlegel und Partner’s car pool decreased by -12%, and from car rental by -30%. Besides travel, emissions resulting from heating and electricity usage also decreased by 2% and 3% respectively. Emissions induced by the journey to work (63 tons) remained however almost unchanged and still make up around one third of the total CO2-emissions induced by our company.

To achieve climate neutrality, Schlegel und Partner together with ClimatePartner supports two renewable energy projects located in Rwanda and the DR Congo. We believe that carbon emission compensation is only a third best option – after avoidance and reduction. For a period of transition in which alternative mobility and energy concepts are just about to evolve, compensation is however meaningful to considerably reduce carbon emissions where it is possible and economically most feasible and to become aware of our ecological footprint.

Both projects contribute to a reduction of CO2-emissions and at the same time improve living conditions of inhabitants in rural areas and have a considerable environmental impact: The project related to a hydropower plant in DR Congo contributes to the conservation of a biotope of mountain gorillas by reducing the usage of wood as charcoal, while the project situated in the Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Southwest of Rwanda helps to protect an unique ecosystem by providing local families alternative cooking stoves which drastically reduce the required energy input for cooking. Both projects are certified by Gold Standard (GS) and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) respectively, featuring rigorous environmental and social safeguards.

With additional activities to come, we will further contribute to a decrease in CO2-emissions. For example, in mid-2020, we started to source green electricity. The installation of an e-car charging station will follow soon, providing an incentive for our employees to use electric vehicles instead of ICE propelled cars. In addition, we will further check options to reduce energy usage for heating, cooling, and IT, and continue to carefully choose appropriate modes of transport.

© Schlegel und Partner 2021