Did you know that, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human activities have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels? By the year 2100, this figure is likely to reach 1.5°C, with dire consequences for our planet. This alarming reality underscores the urgent need for action.
As the Chief Technology Officer of A.L. GROUP, I wish to shortly present our company’s commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. We are standing up against climate change, proactively tackling it in alignment with the guidelines of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). I want to walk you through our ambitious but achievable Climate Change Management Plan, which comprises several strategic actions we are adopting to reach our sustainability goals.
Adoption of Renewable Energy Sources: Our world is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the field of renewable energy. Solar, wind, and hydro – these are no longer the energy sources of the future; they are the energy sources of today. We are capitalizing on this shift, continually transitioning our energy consumption towards these sustainable options. This not only aligns us with the principles of environmental stewardship but also provides us with a long-term, cost-effective energy strategy.
From Fossil-Based Resin to Lignin-Based Filter Media: In our quest for more sustainable production, we’re revising the core materials we use. Our current primary raw material, fossil-based resin, will be replaced with lignin-based filter media. This is a significant step towards a greener supply chain. Lignin, a by-product of the paper and pulp industry, is abundantly available and is a renewable resource, which makes it an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to fossil-based resins.
Solar Panel Installation: Our facilities themselves can become part of the sustainability solution. We plan to install solar panels on our buildings’ rooftops, thereby converting unused space into a powerful source of clean energy. It’s a practical solution that significantly reduces our reliance on conventional power grids and one that demonstrates our commitment to innovation in sustainability.
Transition to Electric Vehicles: The future of transportation is electric. Recognizing this, we are progressively replacing our fleet of company vehicles with electric ones. By doing so, we are not just reducing our carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, but we are also positioning ourselves at the forefront of technological evolution, setting a precedent for other companies to follow.
Reducing Packaging and Embracing Paperless Offices: A digital transformation is a powerful tool in our sustainability arsenal. We are working towards reducing physical packaging materials and transitioning towards paperless office environments. This dual strategy minimizes waste and optimizes our digital capabilities, making us leaner, greener, and more efficient.
Replacing Shrink Wrap with Tie Raps: Every product we package has an environmental cost. To lessen this, we’re moving away from shrink wrap, a significant energy consumer, and introducing tie raps for our products. This switch not only decreases energy usage during the packaging process but also diminishes the amount of non-recyclable waste we generate.
Improved Building Insulation: A building’s energy efficiency significantly depends on its insulation. By improving the insulation in our facilities, we can drastically reduce energy losses, subsequently lowering our consumption levels. This strategy will require some initial investment, but the long-term energy and cost savings make it a worthy endeavor.
Weekly Remote Work Day: We acknowledge that not all emissions come directly from our facilities – commuting also contributes to our carbon footprint. To address this, we will implement a policy allowing employees to work from home one day per week. This initiative reduces commuting-related emissions and offers our team flexibility, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Enhanced Efficiency in Material and Product Transportation: Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to transportation. We are refining our logistics and supply chain strategies to minimize unnecessary mileage and maximize load capacity. By adopting these smarter approaches, we can significantly decrease our transportation-related emissions.
Our Climate Change Management Plan is our pledge to a sustainable future. We are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead, but we are also excited about the opportunities these changes present – to play our part in preserving our planet for future generations. This journey will require the collective effort of our team members, partners, and customers. Together, we can make a lasting difference, turning sustainable goals into tangible realities and crafting a greener and more prosperous world for all.
Avi Pollak
Chief Technology Officer
