“Our carbon reduction roadmap includes investments in energy efficiency in operations and electrification, a phase-out of fuel oil, as well as production and sourcing of renewable energy.”
Céline De Waele, Group Sustainability Manager Deceuninck
Our carbon reduction pathway
Let’s not beat around the bush: at Deceuninck, we are aware our operations have an impact on the society that exists around us. Our group emitted about 530,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2022 in our supply chain, directly and indirectly. To put it in perspective, that’s like taking 300,000 round-trip flights between Brussels and New York. We want to take responsibility and even more, take action to reduce our ecological footprint.
For years, we focused on designing and developing innovative products with high-insulation values to reduce energy loss and minimise carbon footprint in the use phase, in combination with major investments in recycling.
A turning point was 2022, when we found that our carbon footprint had grown by 11% compared to 2021. The two main reasons for this were the increased sourcing of raw materials and the related higher use of electricity in production. With regard to future business growth, there is an urgent need for structural decarbonisation.
That is why, in June 2022, we committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the most ambitious global standards for reducing carbon emissions. This initiative drives climate action in the private sector by helping companies to set science-based targets for emission reductions. We are now applying our carbon reduction strategy in our production processes, in our energy consumption and in the sourcing of raw materials. The ultimate goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Science Based Targets Initiative is a joint initiative of:
The European Green Deal has a similar ambition. Introduced by the European Commission in 2020, this comprehensive policy framework is the EU’s blueprint for a sustainable future. Its primary objective is to transform the European Union into a climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The Green Deal encompasses a set of interconnected initiatives, ranging from clean energy strategies and sustainable transportation to biodiversity conservation and pollution control. It’s a testament to the collective European commitment to combat climate change and ensure a greener, more resilient future for all its citizens.
As a responsible corporate entity, Deceuninck aligns its goals with the European Green Deal, striving to contribute positively to this continental mission.
To achieve our ambitions, we defined a threefold action plan
1. Turning the electricity we use into green energy
Nearly 80% of our energy mix is linked to electricity. So, turning to green energy is the fastest way to lower our emissions. That’s why, in the summer of 2023, we installed new solar panels on our production facilities in Belgium and Turkey. They will generate 4,400 MWh annually, the equivalent of 15-20% of the local electricity consumption.
As of 2023, we are rolling out the solar plan on other sites in Europe and North America and aim to install panels on all available roofs.
For our remaining electricity needs, we source green electricity. In Europe, we’ve been working with renewable energy certificates since the beginning of 2023. In the future, we will look into possible Purchase Power Agreements to buy green electricity directly from electricity providers.
2. Reducing energy consumption
To decrease our energy consumption, we first focus on improving energy efficiency in extrusion, and in foiling. This will have a direct effect on our overall energy consumption. Also, we are rolling out KWh metres to closely monitor consumption and we are investing in efficient lighting. We also focus on detecting and repairing leakages within our compressed air.
Process efficiency actions on calibration tables and vacuum stability will have positive effects.
Finally, replacement of machinery such as motors and chillers will improve overall efficiency as well.
3. Increasing recycled content
By increasing the share of recycled content in our products, we minimise the need for virgin material. Currently, 14% of all used raw PVC materials are recycled. Our goal is to increase this number year by year. For new product developments, ‘design for recycling’ is a key principle. Several of our R&D projects focus on the use of recycled content.
What sets us apart is the fact that we have our own state-of-the-art recycling plant in Belgium. Almost 20,000 tonnes of output material were recycled in 2022. Our aim is to reach the maximum capacity of 40,000 tonnes in the upcoming years.
Do you want to join our sustainability journey?
For questions, feedback or compliments, mail to info@deceuninck.com. If you really want to make a difference and install our sustainable windows or doors, please contact your local dealer for tailor-made building solutions.