Climate protection is an important aspect of corporate responsibility for many people. This is also evident at Computop in our efforts to continuously reduce our own ecological footprint, for example, by correctly separating waste and avoiding the use of fossil fuels as much as possible.
We take our environmental responsibility seriously and contribute to the preservation of an environment worth living in: for several years now, the company’s operations have been largely carbon neutral. In addition to avoiding waste, saving energy and implementing other measures, the remaining greenhouse gas emissions are offset by purchasing high-quality CO2 certificates to create an appropriate balance. That is why we have once again chosen a project that meets clear principles of compensation.
Offsetting our CO2 footprint
This time, too, we have compiled the annual data on our direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, which are verified by our partner ClimatePartner. These include, among other things, the electricity consumption of our data centre, the petrol consumption of our vehicle fleet, business trips and the energy demand in our offices.
In 2023, around 454,133.91 tonnes of CO2 were emitted. Thanks to our climate strategy and the commitment of our employees, we have emitted less CO2 than in the previous year. With the verification of an independent third party, we also ensure that all remaining emissions are offset.
Our compensation project – clean drinking water in Laos
This year, we have decided to support a project that manufactures water filters in Laos and sells them to local people in remote villages. This gives many families access to clean drinking water.
Water treatment is a challenge for many people in Laos. In 80 per cent of households, drinking water must be boiled to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. Many people already live below the poverty line, and boiling water costs additional wood. Furthermore, boiling water over an open wood fire causes high CO2 emissions. With the help of water filters and canisters, families can be supplied with clean water for a day.
The selected project supports local people with ceramic water filters that can be produced locally and sold throughout the country. The filters are easy to use, easy to transport and do not require electricity. In addition to a secure water supply, less firewood needs to be purchased, which in turn reduces emissions and provides rural communities with clean drinking water.
As water passes through the ceramic filter, bacteria and suspended solids are removed, and the clean water is collected in a plastic container that is accessed through a tap.
Support for sustainable development
The project not only provides people with clean drinking water, but also creates jobs and thus promotes the regional economy. Since water treated with the filters no longer needs to be boiled, indoor smoke is reduced and people are less ill.
Climate protection measures
The project saves around 56,920 tonnes of CO2 per year. By 2023, 23,329 water filters had already been sold. The goal is to distribute over 100,000 water filters, not only to reduce CO2, but also to improve the health of people in Laos.
The project is certified with the Gold Standard, which means that particularly high demands are placed on the project. We are therefore investing in a carbon offset project of the highest quality. In addition to supporting environmental projects, Computop is a member of Leaders for Climate Action.
*Following the ruling of the Federal Court of Justice on 27 June 2024, ClimatePartner has been defining its new labelling solutions as ‘ClimatePartner-certified’ and ‘Financial Climate Contribution’ since last year and no longer offers the ‘climate neutral’ label.