A fact-based approach

As per all the companies of our Group, Homapal’s primary focus is reducing its carbon footprint. Our shared and fact-based approach is straightforward: we measure our impact, select targets to reduce it and monitor and report on progress.
In order to manage we need to measure. And to measure our impact, we use the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology.
LCA is considered one of the most reliable and fact-based tool to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with the entire life cycle of a product, process, or activity. This is done through the identification and quantification of the energy, water and materials used and the waste and emissions released into the environment.

We measure

We focus on three environmental indicators:
Carbon footprint: the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our activities.
Primary Energy Demand: the amount of energy that has been extracted from the natural environment for our activities.
Water Footprint: the impact of water used directly or indirectly for our activities.

We act

Reducing our carbon footprint is our main focus.
To continuously minimise our carbon footprint we work on projects that increase the efficiency of both production and materials and look for less impacting resources.

We act by carrying out efficiency projects to reduce energy consumption, like for instance the replacement of motors and pumps with new high-efficiency designs, the storage and recycle of heat within a closed-loop system, and the optimisation of the integrated manufacturing system. Similarly, we work on the optimisation of water usage, like for instance the implementation of a closed-loop water system to enhance water efficiency and reduce significantly water loss.

As far as materials are concerned, specific projects are in progress aiming at minimising waste and improving material efficiency, like for instance the improvement of resource-efficiency while keeping the same product performance.

In parallel, we aim to substitute fossil-based raw materials with bio-based ones and, similarly, to replace traditional fossil-based energy sources with renewable ones. For instance, we have recently installed photovoltaic panels in the plant with an output of 120kWp, which covers approximately 10% of the annual electricity requirement. Further projects are being planned.

Our suppliers play a key role too. We want to encourage an active dialogue with them on how to improve our environmental performance. Moreover, we aim to support our customers in their sustainability challenges.

We monitor

As all the sustainability initiatives are part of our regular business planning, we carry out a review cycle. It includes yearly target setting in the budgeting process and monthly progress reviews based on key performance indicators. Progress meetings on sustainability targets are held regularly on a quarterly basis.

We share

As we regularly monitor the progress on all projects, on a yearly basis, we publish a report highlighting goals, data and targets.

We also publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which transparently communicate the environmental impact of our products over their lifetime.

Headerpicture: Closed-loop water system