Sites & Travel
Less travel, and more energy efficient offices and factories, will contribute to emission reductions.
Sustainability
Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Net zero sites
Our ambition is to achieve net-zero emissions in all of our sites and offices by 2030. To achieve this, we are deeply committed to minimizing scope 1 and 2 emissions, targeting a reduction of 90-95% through focused initiatives.
We will also procure high-quality carbon removal credits to offset any residual emissions. Our preference lies with Direct Air Capture (DAC) projects, as recommended by the globally recognized Science-Based Target initiative.
Emission update
Site emissions (scope 1 & 2) had a minor decrease from 2019 to 2020, and a small increase from 2020 to 2021.
The increase in emissions was related to an increase in sales and hence production.
We have seen some benefits of the sustainability initiatives applied so far but expect to capture the decrease as we further implementation.
Reduction plan - sites
Low carbon electricity
The transition to using renewable electricity is essential to eliminate a large volume of emissions from our production sites, but also from our sales offices. We are already using 100% renewable electricity in our Stavanger site, and about 33% in our Suzhou site. In Gatesville and Monterrey, solar panels have been installed on the factory rooftops which now account for 45% and 29% of the electricity supply respectively. Work is underway to expand these installations.
Manufacturing processes and electrification
In production, we are currently dependent on heat and gas. To move towards net zero sites, we also need to transition to electrification of equipment or use low-carbon heating solutions.
Improve energy efficiency
In addition to using low-carbon electricity sources, we also need to reduce the use of energy consumed. To do this we are implementing energy efficiency initiatives, such as improving lighting, isolation, and machinery.
Waste and recycling
In production, we are working on reducing waste and optimizing recycling. We are focused on reducing the scrap rate in all production sites and recycling our waste. We are working with partners in all Laerdal locations to ensure the recycling of waste, and in Mexico, we also have a partner that recycles old products at end of life. We are investigating similar partnerships in other locations.
Water
We need to ensure our production is water efficient. We have already implemented some water efficiency initiatives in our facility in Monterrey.
Chemicals
We are focused on using fewer harmful chemicals in production and products. We are to the best of our ability compliant with REACH, RoHS, and Prop 65, and we are focusing on using more sustainable and green chemicals.
STORY
Gatesville & Monterrey: Net Zero Facilities by 2025
Our Gatesville and Monterrey factories are making strides toward becoming net zero sites. Solar panels on their roofs deliver 45% and 29% of the electricity supply, respectively. Projects to increase energy efficiency, such as LED lights and updated machinery, saved 130,000 kWh annually, equivalent to 92 tons of CO2 emissions.
Gatesville aims to increase solar supply to 90% by Q1 2023 and become net zero on non-renewable electricity by end-2023. This will reduce CO2 emissions by an additional 1,536 tons per year.
Monterrey plans to shift to less energy-intensive manufacturing techniques.
Travel
Although emissions from travel only make up 3% (2,000 tons of CO2e) of our overall emissions, they are a crucial area where we can realize increased efficiency and cost savings. Our focus on good practices has led to a reduction in emissions. However, the pandemic has further underscored the importance of transitioning to virtual communication, both internally and with our customers and partners.
While physical gatherings remain valuable, most of our communication now takes place online. We aim to conduct at least 80% of our services virtually by 203, with the potential to reduce emissions by 8 to 5 thousand tons of CO2e.
Emission overview
From 2019 to 2020, our travel emissions went down significantly due to the pandemic. It increased slightly in 2021 as traveling activities opened again. In 2022, travel has gone up further as the restrictions have been reduced.
With offices and operations across the globe, some business travel is necessary however, the pandemic has encouraged us to enhance virtual communication solutions and we expect significantly less travel than before the pandemic.
Reduction Plan - travel
Virtual communication
Virtual sales calls, virtual demos, virtual educational training, virtual supported installations, and maintenance, - all reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save time and cost.
In addition to the reduction in carbon footprint and travel cost, virtual engagement offers far better flexibility in adapting to customers’ timing needs and potentially additional competency needs.
Business travel
With global operations and distribution, there is a need for some travel. However, increasing our focus on optimizing our travels through what we like to call ‘’Stay and play’’ means that we include as many meetings and visits in the area when we are traveling.
In addition, we have a focus on optimizing routes and using alternative modes. In Europe we aim to travel by train where feasible, in addition to more access to biofuel in business travel, this is something we are investigating.