CO2-Performance Ladder
Carbon Footprint
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we started to take a more structured approach to reducing our CO2 emissions. Therefore, we are embarking on a journey to achieve the SKAO “CO2-Performance Ladder - Level 3” certification. This rigorous certification process involves implementing a structured approach to carbon management:
Calculation of carbon footprint -> Reduction -> Communication -> Participation.
By participating in this initiative, we are not only improving our own environmental performance but also contributing to sector-wide efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
SKAO (“Stichting Klimaatvriendelijk Aanbesteden en Ondernemen”)
The CO2 Performance Ladder is a Dutch initiative designed to help organizations reduce their carbon emissions. It functions as both a management tool and a procurement instrument. By implementing the ladder's requirements, companies can gain valuable insights into their carbon footprint and develop strategies for reduction within operations and projects. A key benefit is the award advantage offered to certified organizations in tendering processes. This advantage comes in the form of a fictitious discount on tender registration costs, providing a financial incentive for sustainable practices. The higher the achieved level on the ladder, the greater the award advantage. Importantly, the ladder is audited by independent third parties, ensuring credibility and transparency in the certification process.
More information on SKAO (CO2-PERFORMANCE LADDER (co2-prestatieladder.nl))
Reduction target
DC Industrial SA commits to reducing its absolute emissions by 30% compared to our reference year 2023 by 2030. Our CO2 reduction target for 2030 is based on a realistic assessment of our current capabilities and resources, aiming for substantial progress within our operational constraints and reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and contribution to climate goals.
DC Industrial distinguishes itself within the industry by focusing its CO2 reduction target on pragmatic, data-driven strategies, particularly exemplified in addressing our largest environmental hotspot: marine fuel consumption. While many in our sector may prioritize different aspects, we have prioritized marine fuel consumption due to its significant impact.
Our approach begins with leveraging insights from previous pilot cases and conducting a thorough assessment of our fleet's fuel consumption patterns. We have scoped measures with the highest potential for reducing emissions from maritime operations, ensuring our efforts deliver substantial environmental benefits. Collaborative workshops gather expertise across all disciplines to refine each measure, ensuring they are both ambitious and feasible even before detailed studies.
This approach not only showcases our commitment to more sustainable business conduct but also positions us together with those players who are steering towards an impactful change in the maritime industry.
Reduction roadmap
As part of the structured approach stipulated by the CO2 performance ladder (manual v3.1), we developed a carbon reduction strategy with the help of our partner Encon. It stems from the sustainability approach of our DC Industrial management and our sustainability committee.
We are actively reducing our environmental footprint by 2030 by investing in innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. This reduction plan is based on the carbon footprint made in the base year 2023. As the majority of our carbon footprint stems from mobile emissions in scope 1, as previously stated, we will focus our efforts mainly on their reduction potential. Mobile emissions are emissions that arise from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles
(passenger cars, ships, delivery trucks, heavy duty trucks, forklifts...) in control of DC Industrial.
This includes electrifying our fleet, utilizing alternative fuels, and optimizing our processes for energy efficiency. The reduction measures are evaluated once a year by the sustainability committee in the management review and adjusted according to the effective reduction achieved. As the CO2 performance ladder is based on continuous improvement, KPI’s and targets for each measure have been defined and a PCDA-cycle will be followed.
For more information, see our reduction plan.
Collaboration on sector wide sustainable initiatives
Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners to share knowledge and also develop new sustainability standards.
DENUO – Arena Climate & Circularity
Denuo is the Belgian federation representing the waste and recycling sector. Their members play a vital role in the circular economy by giving new life to used materials.
DC Industrial is part of the Arena Climate & Circularity, a task force organized by Denuo, the Belgian federation for the waste and recycling sector. Together with other industry leaders, DC Industrial wants to progress to a more sustainable future. The Arena has developed a roadmap to reduce the sector's carbon footprint, and DC Industrial is actively involved introducing this plan sector wide. By joining forces, we can accelerate progress towards a cleaner and more circular economy.
Collaborating with its members, Denuo conducted a study in 2023 to understand the carbon footprint of Belgium's waste and recycling sector. The results led to a sectoral roadmap with concrete actions to reduce emissions. This roadmap is a collective effort to create a more sustainable future for our industry. Discover more about this initiative by following the links in the titles.