Our role in society
Our activities have an impact on the environment and the society in which we operate
We recognize the challenges and risks inherent in our business activities, and take responsibility for managing and minimizing them. However, to build a sustainable future, we need to do more than just reduce our own impact. That is why we also consciously look for ways to fulfill our social role in a broader way.
We offer opportunities to people who are far from the labor market and do everything possible to integrate vulnerable populations, we join the fight against climate change and we join forces with our various partners to share our knowledge and expertise to achieve a more sustainable society.
Evolution of CO2 emissions
Emissions on the rise, despite initiatives implemented by Iris to achieve its goal of reducing emissions by 46% by 2030.
Despite our many efforts to reduce the Scope 1 and 2 emissions, they are unfortunately increasing. While we are seeing a reduction in our buildings’ footprint, the increase originates from fuel consumption of our fleet and worksites (Scope 1), reflecting a significant activity boost after the COVID years.
While the results of certain initiatives (purchase of green electricity, installation of photovoltaic panels, etc.) have already been visible for several years, some results are not showing yet.
At the end of 2021 we launched the fleet electrification with great success: over 90% of all orders are for electric vehicles! The long delivery times for these zero-emission electrical vehicles prevents from seeing the results of this major initiative. In terms of commercial vehicles, a first pilot run started in 2022 and the constantly evolving market, show that we can maintain our electrification ambitions between now and 2030.
Alternatieves for the fuel used on the worksites for our Industry division (for compressors, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems – essential to avoid corrosion), are more limited. However, first pilot projects with electric compressors or e-CO2tainers are promising.
Since 2022, we have also been buying “green” heating oil. Considering these emissions are offset by the supplier, they are nonetheless taken into account in our calculation. Nevertheless, they will be deducted from the total CO2 that Iris will offset in order to remain CO2-Neutral.
Investments in energy-efficient buildings are likely to continue, but the impact is less significant compared to our fuel consumption. In the real estate sector, we have identified the criteria that will guide our future decisions, and building sustainability has been confirmed as one of the most important criteria.
Also for 2022 is the inclusion of our purchasing footprint (goods and services) to the Scope 3 emissions. These amount to 14,204 tCO2! Since Iris is a service provider and, most of our emissions are indirect, it is imperative that we work on reducing these as well. Step by step, other sources of Scope 3 emissions will be added (commuting, waste, etc.). We will work with our suppliers and partners to improve data quality and engage them in a process of transparency and emissions reduction.
The above explains why the gap with our 46% reduction ambition – in absolute terms – remains significant and, therefore the transition plan was adjusted with more aggressive ambitions in all areas.
Reducing our environmental impact
Our goals for 2030**
Companies have a key role to play in reducing carbon emissions and creating a resilient zero-emission economy.
Iris has already included climate change targets in its strategy. To ensure that targets are consistent with the Paris climate agreement, the Sciences Based Target Initiative (SBTi) model is one of several initiatives that align emissions reduction goals with the latest climate science data’s. Iris decided to use this model to determine its carbon footprint reduction ambitions. The SBTi model is one of the best-known and internationally recognized methods for setting a carbon reduction ambition.
A Science Based Target (SBT) is a target that corresponds to the level of decarbonization deemed necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. A target of 1.5°C became the new norm.
Below is the SBT modeling for scope 1* and 2*, in line with the current SBTi requirements. Under the new absolute reduction approach of the SBT, Iris has decided to reduce its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46% by 2030 to be in line with the SBT.
* reference year 2019
For indirect CO2 emissions in scope 3* resulting from our activities with customers and suppliers, Iris will conduct a chain analysis to further reduce them and set concrete targets for 2030.
CO2 neutral
In order to compensate its carbon footprint (2739.9t/CO2) Iris has decided to support the following projects
- Certified project: ‘India Wind‘
As part of the launch of the ‘Iris Landscaping Solutions’ campaign in May 2021, Iris is supporting the Chiquitania Project in Bolivia.
Subscribe to our newsletter
