Commitment to climate action
CO2 neutral
When talking about CO2 emissions, there are numerous definitions and terms. Although CO2 contributes to approximately 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, other gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), also contribute to global warming. In our communication, we mostly mention CO2, since this is a well known greenhouse gas (GHG), and the term is adopted globally. However, at Dataflex we study the calculated Global Warming Potential (GWP) in terms of CO2 equivalent (kg CO2e), ensuring that the impact of all GHGs is fully covered. To clarify this, it has been determined that CO2 emissions are defined in Scopes. We have been offsetting our Scope 1, 2 AND 3 CO2 emissions since 2019. This is special, because by adding Scope 3, we are not only talking about emissions from our local business activities, but all CO2 emissions that we cause directly and indirectly. We explain:
Scope 1
These are greenhouse gases (GHG) released by, for example, burning gas to heat our office building, production, assembly and storage halls. All in the Netherlands, on our own property. Through savings and optimizations, we are already using significantly less gas than in previous years and are working on plans to completely move away from gas.
Scope 2
These greenhouse gases were released by the power we purchased. Despite the fact that we use green power and also generate a lot ourselves, CO2 is always released. So that falls under Scope 2. This is also decreasing. Among other things by replacing fluorescent lighting to LED, zoning and using motion detectors for smart switching on and off of lighting.
Scope 3
This includes all emissions not related to Dataflex itself, but for which our organization is indirectly responsible, up and down the value chain(supply chain). So production of products at suppliers and when our products are used by customers through wear and tear (life cycle). Scope 3 is almost always the largest.
Offsetting Scope 3 can really only be done if you know exactly how much CO2 is released in the value chain when producing and transporting our products. We have calculated this down to the gram per product through LCAs. Together with partners, suppliers and smart software. Measuring is knowing!
Will we finally be CO2 neutral?
In our opinion, no. Because offsetting CO2 emissions is not the same as being CO2 neutral. This is why we have set ourselves the goal of reducing our CO2 emissions year on year.
We have already made great strides in Scope 1 and 2 (see below) but for Scope 3 we also need the help of our supply chain. Therefore, we organize regular training sessions, information exchanges and audits to ensure that our supply chain is in line with our initiative as well as making solid improvements.
Circularity program
In addition, we have implemented our Circularity Program. This program encourages customers to return products they no longer need to us. This way, we ensure that these products are repaired, refurbished or if that is no longer possible, recycled appropriately. In this way, we can reduce up to 90% of the impact generated during the first life cycle!
Learn more about the Circularity programOEF for the organisation, PEF for products
We collect all conceivable data on our carbon emissions by calculating life cycle analyses (LCA), we do this not only for products in a PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) but also in a so-called OEF, which stands for Organisational Environmental Footprint. Here, we measure the environmental impact of our organisation. By keeping track of the annual carbon emissions of our operations, we can offset these emissions each year and reduce them where possible. We also use this data as input for our ISO 14001 certification. This allows us to see exactly where we can best focus our attention.
Trees for all
Since 2019, we have partnered with Trees for All, investing in a reforestation and conservation project certified by VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) and CCB (Climate, Community & Biodiversity), benefiting the climate, rainforest biodiversity and local communities.
Cost-effective and sustainable renovation
As explained earlier, Scope 1 and 2 are the scopes that are entirely within our sphere of influence. Therefore, we have made every effort to maximize (or minimize) that impact.
We chose renovation rather than new construction. This provided significant time savings while preserving the existing buildings. The renovation followed the building codes for new construction so that the upgraded headquarters met or exceeded the latest industry standards.
In 2023, our headquarters has been completely renovated and the entire fleet in Europe has become electric
Upgrades in energy efficiency
Replacement of the roof and insulation provided the highest insulation value and improved temperature control. All glazing was replaced with triple HR+++ glass, minimizing heat loss and maximizing natural light.
Generating climate-neutral energy
More than 100 kW of solar panels were installed (300 units), making the headquarters completely self-sufficient in energy, including power for our cars.
Modern workplaces
We introduced new sit/stand meeting and workstations equipped with the latest technology to promote productivity and collaboration. Of course, equipped with the best ergonomic products we have to offer in order to give absolute priority to the well-being and comfort of our employees.
Electric fleet
By 2023, we succeeded in replacing all fuel cars with electric cars. This will make all customer visits by car completely CO2 neutral. Because we generate over 104 MWh annually with our solar panels. Enough for every KM traveled on business.
"Our ultimate goal is to completely eliminate carbon emissions, eliminating the need to offset."
- Roderik Mos, CEO Dataflex
