In order to continue measuring our emissions and be able to develop the roadmap for the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge we signed in 2021, we partnered once again with ecoLive to calculate our 2021 emissions using the same methodology as in 2020.
In 2021, the SwissTech Convention Center emitted 76.3 tons of CO2e, which is 22.6% more than in 2020. The main sources of emissions continue to be commuting -representing 65% of total emissions- and electricity. The other categories account for only 15% of total emissions.
| 2020 | 2021 | Difference 2020-2021 | |||
| Type of emissions | CO2 tons | % | CO2 tons | % | |
| Commuting | 37.9 | 60.9% | 49.6 | 65.0% | +31.0% |
| Electricity | 12.5* | 20.0% | 15.4 | 20.2% | +23.6% |
| Heat and cooling | 0.1 | 0.2% | 0.1 | 0.2% | +2.6% |
| Work-related travel | 7.1 | 11.3% | 5.2 | 6.8% | -26.6% |
| Food and beverage | 0.8 | 1.3% | 1.4 | 1.8% | +64.1% |
| Equipment | 1.5 | 2.4% | 1.4 | 1.8% | -9.0% |
| Waste and recycling | 2.4 | 3.8% | 3.3 | 4.3% | +37.0% |
| Total Emissions | 62.3 | 100% | 76.3 | 100% | +22.6% |
| *This figure was corrected after the first blog post was published |
Scope
Due to the nature of STCC’s activity, most of the emissions are in scope 3. In fact, since the heating system does not depend on in-situ production (as would be the case if oil or natural gas were used) and that the rest of the STCC activity generates indirect emissions, there are almost no emissions in scope 1. As for scope 2, it is non-existent because the electricity used is guaranteed to be of 100% renewable origin. This 100% renewable electricity supply means that the impact of this category is relatively low.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that the actual energy from the grid, despite the purchase of guarantees of origin, is the Swiss energy mix that has a heavier carbon footprint. By way of comparison, and in order not to minimize the impact of electricity production, a second calculation is made with the “location-based” method using the emission factors linked to the average electricity mix of the country where the company is located. With this method emissions related to electricity amount to 117.2 tCO2e compared to 15.4 tons with the traditional method, which would place electricity well in first place in terms of environmental impact.
Next steps
In 2023 we will continue exploring measures to reduce our emissions such as:
- Continue raising awareness and train all employees on the Climate Fresk
- Finalize feasibility study of installation of solar panels
- Encourage and support our clients to calculate and compensate the emissions from the events they organize in our venue