The goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement is to ensure that the earth’s global warming is limited to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius. Pursuant to this agreement, EU member states have agreed to climate neutral by 2050. For the Netherlands, this means a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Governments and companies are conforming to this goal. Demcon is also making its contribution to this.
To determine our CO2 targets, we used the Science Based Targets (SBT). The SBT are objectives that ultimately result in achieving the targets agreed upon under the Paris Agreement. They identify the annual targeted percentage reduction required for this purpose. This is presented graphically, so that at a single glance you can see whether you are on track. Our CO2 targets are based on the SBT and tailored to our way of working.
We calculate our CO2 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). The GHG Protocol divides the emissions into three scopes, depending on their origin:
our current CO2 emissions.
CO2 emissions (based on GHG Protocol):
*We have divided Scope 3 into Scope 3a and 3b. Scope 3a includes commuting, business travel using private vehicles, business flights, and (waste)water. The reported figure refers to this Scope 3a. Scope 3b covers emissions within the value chain. This part has not yet been fully mapped and is therefore not included at this stage.
In 2024, our absolute CO₂ emissions — both total and per FTE — dropped significantly, as all purchased electricity now comes from Dutch solar and wind sources. As a result, this electricity no longer contributes to CO₂ emissions, and Scope 2 has decreased to nearly zero. This means we have more than achieved our target of a 5% reduction per FTE and have also made up for last year’s shortfall. Key developments include:
our aims for 2025.
We are going to focus on those elements that emit the most CO2: the energy used in our buildings and transportation. Our overall CO2 target for 2024:
We intend to achieve this target by initiating and implementing the following projects:
We have identified the carbon footprint for scope 1 and 2 for Demcon’s largest locations. In this respect we reviewed our performance in terms of the energy consumed in our buildings, transportation, waste and water. Our next step is to include consumption in the chain (scope 3).
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As part of making our buildings more sustainable, we are using (hybrid) heat pumps. In new buildings (including locations DTC, DHQ and vliegveldstraat) a heat pump is installed as standard. But we are also looking at the possibilities of switching over in existing buildings. For example, at the end of 2022 a heat pump was installed in Best and in 2023 a hybrid heat pump in Delftechpark, Delft. This has reduced gas consumption and CO2 emissions in recent years.
Solar panels have been installed at several locations in recent years. This steadily increases the share of self-generated electricity (from 3.6% in 2022 to 5.8% in 2024), despite higher electricity consumption due to growth, among other things.
As of 2024, the electricity purchased has been entirely from solar and wind from Dutch soil. This has reduced CO2 emissions to 0.
The Demcon headquarters in Enschede was built according to the highest sustainability requirements, for which it received the BREEAM Outstanding certificate. Aspects such as use of materials, waste disposal and energy performance of the building were considered. Sustainability has been taken into account in numerous ways, both visibly and invisibly. For example, the roof is completely covered with a total of 85 solar panels, a water pump has been installed and recycled or reusable materials have been used.
Demcon has a lease car scheme. Eligible employees can opt for an electric car. The vast majority of Demcon pool cars are hybrid models. Because of the distances between the various Demcon locations, the limited range of fully electric cars combined with the long charging time, it was decided to replace the pool cars with hybrid models in 2023-2024.
From 2024, all our offices will be equipped with reusable mugs and cups. By doing so, we will contribute to preventing environmental pollution and the plastic soup. For locations without internal washing facilities, we have set up a circular system: used cups are collected, cleaned externally in a sustainable manner and reused at Demcon.
Demcon is working on a sustainable mobility policy. With this policy we aim to make a contribution to various issues, such as:
• Reducing CO2 emissions;
• Solving parking issues;
• Greening outdoor spaces;
• Promoting employee fitness.
To gain more insight into our colleagues’ commute and their wishes in this regard, we conducted internal surveys in both 2022 and 2023. Both surveys were completed by over 600 colleagues. We use the survey results to further shape and refine our mobility policy. For example, we expanded the bicycle storage facilities at several Demcon locations in 2023 and we offer employees a discount on the purchase and repair of their bike.