Aratubo offsets its carbon footprint (scope 1 + 2) with national and international social projects
Reducing the carbon footprint we generate is a commitment made by everyone at Aratubo, a commitment that we set and have been measuring since 2019 when we generated 2,973 tonnes of CO2. The figure corresponds to scope 1 (generated within our walls) and scope 2 (generated through different consumption types, including energy).
In 2019 we proposed a reduction in that figure close to 3,000 tonnes, which required effort and implication from the whole workforce.
A reduction of 90%
In the last 6 years we have gradually gone from 2,973 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2019 to 314 in 2024, which is a reduction of 90%, data externally verified. The figures is striking but also demonstrates something much more important: we are complying.
Our awareness-raising is evident in that 90% reduction in our carbon footprint in the scopes that most affect Aratubo: 1 and 2.
The challenge was and still is significant. The data is objective and indicates that the results are excellent.
Reduce and compensate
Getting closer to the goal of minimising our carbon footprint as much as possible. The next step is to offset what we have not yet managed to eliminate, those 314 tonnes of CO2.
The way to do it is with social projects we manage through two channels: the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) with the slogan “calculate, reduce and compensate” and also through an international project in Mexico.
Galicia Rexenera Project
The project launched through the MITECO is Galicia Rexenera, located in Coto María (Pontearas). The objective is to regenerate the forest neighbouring Ribadetea in Pontevedra using eucalyptus plantation restoration techniques through natural regeneration and repopulation.
Through this initiative, which impacts the SDG 13, 15, 11 and 17, we receive 14 tonnes of CO2 absorption rights.
After the project was completed, we received the “Calculate, Reduce and Compensate” seal from the Ministry.
Wind power project in Mexico
Seeking compensation we have gone as far as Mexico to build a wind farm that supplies the Mexican electricity grid with the energy generated, certified to the standard VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) and offsetting 300 tonnes of CO2.
The wind farm with an impact on the SDG 8, 7, 13 and 9, with a good few related benefits:
- Use of renewable resources as an energy source
- Compliance with environmental sustainability avoiding the use of natural resources such as coal and gas
- Job creation in the stages of construction, operation and maintenance
- Contribution to improving the power generation infrastructure; satisfying the growing demand for electricity by improving the energy distribution in more isolated areas
- Contribution to the development of local communities in three different areas: basic rights, basic services and sustainability
- Attraction of foreign capital and diversification of the national energy portfolio
A sustainable commitment over time
The last 5 years have been vital in reversing our carbon footprint. Scopes 1 & 2 have been and continue to be one of our priority goals, as they depend on our activity.
And we have not forgotten scope 3 and will keep working towards also minimising the impact of aspects that do not depend on our direct operations.
For Aratubo, sustainability is a commitment that began the day it was founded and that we can now measure, so we will continue to act with responsibility and continuity.
