As part of our commitment to decarbonization and climate change adaptation, this week we concluded our participation in the project "Emission Calculation and Improvement Plans for Companies in the Bidasoa Region."
This initiative, with the technical support of Bidasoa Activa, has provided us with a precise diagnosis of our emissions and laid the groundwork for significant short-term reductions. Therefore, this journey does not end here, but will continue in the future.
In this regard, we will join Bidasoa Activa's Bidasoa Zirkularra eta Jasangarria Program to continue the work carried out and implement the actions outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Improvement Plan that we have developed for ALCAD.
Xabier Isasa, ALCAD’s Supply Chain Director, has been responsible for leading this entire process within the company. "The results couldn’t be more positive, as it has allowed us to calculate our carbon footprint and identify the first steps to reduce it. This is just the first stage of a longer journey, but it has given us a clear picture of our current situation compared to other companies in our sector," he emphasized.
In his opinion, "it has been a very useful, but above all necessary, experience. Not just for the commitment we have towards the environment, both as a company and individually, but because it will soon become a mandatory requirement.”
Registration with the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge
The project, in which we participated alongside four other companies from the region (IRUNDÍN, HOTEL ATALAIA, HOTEL ETH, and GARUA ESMASA S.COOP. PEQUEÑA), lasted seven months and included three joint sessions as well as individualized visits to each company. As a result, we have already processed our registration with the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, from which we hope to receive the registration seal before the end of the year.
The headquarters of Bidasoa Activa hosted the closing session of the project this week, attended by Unai Leniz, ALCAD's Communications Manager. Among other conclusions, the calculated carbon footprint data shows that the emissions of the participating companies are in line with the average for their respective sectors. Additionally, the improvement plans aim for an average reduction of 46% in the companies' annual emissions by 2026, using 2023 as the baseline year.
During this event, Cristina Muguruza from Hotel Atalaia highlighted, “For us, it was like a reality check. We realized that even though we were already taking measures to reduce our carbon footprint and be more efficient, there is still much more we can do."
Sonia Parada from Hotel ETH added, "We have learned a lot, and it has inspired us to set challenges, improve, and continue taking measures that reduce our carbon footprint, increase our efficiency, and protect the environment.”
Beyond decarbonization
In addition to focusing on emission reduction, the project raised awareness about the need for climate change adaptation in companies and explored energy transition alternatives, including the potential creation of energy communities in industrial areas.
Nuria Alzaga, President of Bidasoa Activa, emphasized, "It is essential to continue promoting projects that support our companies on their path to sustainability and help them improve their competitiveness."
Estitxu Urtizberea, Vice President of Bidasoa Activa, added, "The active participation of companies in these kinds of initiatives demonstrates their commitment to the environment and their willingness to adapt to the current challenges of climate change."
