Gaia is carbon neutral since 2007. Gaia’s emissions in 2009 were compensated in a renewable energy project in Turkey.
In 2009, Gaia’s total carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 34,6%, mainly due to decreased air travel. The total emissions were 52 tonnes of CO2 which mainly consisted of business travel.
“Gaia is committed to climate neutrality. Our climate policy aims to reduce our emissions without compromising our business services. Gaia minimises its greenhouse gas emissions through practical choices at work and by using, when possible, alternatives to business travels”, says Pasi Rinne, Chairman of Gaia.
The compensation was carried out through investing in a wind farm project “Mare Manastir” in Izmir, Turkey, with the help of Gaia’s offsetting partner, Nordic Offset. The demand for energy is rapidly increasing in Turkey, due to country’s strong economic development. Currently, mainly fossil fuels are used in power production in Turkey. The carbon offset project “Mare Manastir” helps to develop wind power capacity in Turkey in a sustainable and cost-effective way. The offset project has gained the highest quality standard – Gold Standard – thanks to its positive impacts to sustainable development.
“The Mare Manastir wind farm project improves Turkey’s energy mix and reduces its dependence on importation of fossil fuels. In addition, the project offers the local community with work and education, and improves social services and infrastructure in the area”, says Staffan Söderholm, CEO of Nordic Offset.
“Mare Manastir” wind farm project (in Finnish)
Contact:
- Juha Vanhanen, Managing Director, +358-50-564 1889, juha.vanhanen@gaia.fi
- Pasi Rinne, Chairman, +41-79-472 6909, pasi.rinne@gaia.fi
