Burðardygt Vinnulív reduce combined CO2 emissions by 17% in first year
On 9 September, one year after announcing ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets, the 12 members of Burðardygt Vinnulív have announced they have reduced their combined CO2e emissions by 17%. All members made either scope 1 or 2 reductions, some both, and some by up to 23% in total. Their proportion of the Faroe Islands’ CO2 footprint dropped from 11% in 2020, to 9% in 2021 (excluding emissions from bunkering of foreign fishing vessels).
These reductions were realised in less than one year of the companies making pledges. Efforts to reduce emissions ranged from the electrification of machinery, the transitioning to renewable heating and cooling solutions, and the transitioning to electric vehicles.
The founding members of the network, Bakkafrost, Betri Banki, Effo, Faroe Ship, Føroya Tele, Gist & Vist, JT electric, KJ Hydraulik, MBM, P/F Poul Michelsen, SMJ and Vónin, also announced more than 50 commitments to reduce their impact on nature, ranging from efforts to considerably increase the collection and recycling of fishing and aquaculture nets, the reduction of waste, and the sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
The commitments were announced at an event at which the company leaders also launched a guide to support businsesses in the Faroe Islands when reporting their key environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, using best-practice standards.
Chairman of the initiative and CEO of Gist og Vist, Johannes Jensen, said: “It is very encouraging to see such strong results after only one year of working together. The initiative has given us an opportunity to collaborate, motivate each other and also to be inspired by other organisations beyond the Faroe Islands. Our ultimate aim is to demonstrate responsible leadership, so we will be doing more work to address challenges faced by the wider business community and to develop useful shared tools. Increasing transparency in our sustainability performance and encouraging others to do the same, is the first stone of a strong bridge we have started to build.”
The Burðardygt Vinnulív 2021 Progress Report (available in Faroese and English) and the ESG Guide (available in English and soon in Faroese) can be found under reports.