By 2006, Flygt plans to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by one percent. That translates into 430 fewer tons of this greenhouse gas being released into the atmosphere. According to the Kyoto Protocol - an international agreement that commits industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases - decreasing CO2 emissions is one important action in combating global warming.
Flygt's first step in this direction was collecting data on how much CO2 it generated - and the primary sources. In total, it was found that Flygt generates between 25,000 and 43,000 tons of CO2 a year (exact measurements are difficult because data collection methods for transportation are still evolving). As a mean value, each Flygt employee emits nine tons of CO2 per year, compared with an "allowed" quantity of one ton per employee, as stated by the Kyoto Protocol.
The primary CO2 sources were electricity, heating and transportation of Flygt people and products.
Armed with a breakdown of the various CO2 generating processes, the Flygt executive team met late in 2003 and again in early 2004 to approve the company's CO2 reduction goal of one percent and the steps needed to get there. To achieve the goal, Flygt is implementing a combination of actions, including:
Reducing energy used for electricity and heating purposes. Of the energy used at Flygt for electricity and heating, 42 percent is used for electricity and 90 percent of that already comes from a "green" origin (e.g. hydropower, wind power and other renewable energy sources. Flygt does not include nuclear energy as a "green" source.)
Reducing natural gas and oil usage. Flygt will replace fossil natural gas and oil fuel with renewable energy sources (e.g. bio-fuel). Almost 100 percent of Flygt facilities are rented or leased, so our first step is to convince the landlords of a need for a change.
Reducing gasoline consumption by service vehicles and fleet vehicles. To reduce fuel consumption, drivers will receive Eco-Driving education, which teaches ecological driving habits. Also, where possible Flygt will purchase alternative-fuel fleet cars.
Reducing amount of business travel. The company will continue to conduct videoconferencing and WebEx meetings, and replace air travel with train travel in Europe.
Streamlining product deliveries. Transports to and from Flygt's factories, supply centers, headquarters and service shops are by far the biggest generator of CO2 emissions (48 percent of total). Flygt will suggest Eco-Driving classes to its delivery drivers, better fill delivery trucks to reduce transports, use trains instead of trucks and boats instead of planes, where it doesn't compromise customer satisfaction.
How Much is 430 Tons?
Flygt is committed to cutting 430 tons of CO2 emissions over the next three years. If you wanted to do the same thing as an individual, you would have to...
... recycle 215,000 pounds of paper
... bike to work 67,080 times
... take the bus to work for 143 years
... replace 3,000 100-watt light bulbs in your house with 15-watt compact fluorescent bulbs
Source: Sierra Club