CO2 Emissions

VELUX takes responsibility for the climate and environment. Our climate is changing and there is a need to reduce CO2 emissions and thereby global warming. We should also do everything we can to promote the broader aspects of environmental awareness. We all have a responsibility to contribute to alleviating global climate problems – and that is a responsibility we take very seriously. Responsibility for the environment is firmly anchored in the VELUX Values and the commitment to behave like a model company. We have had an environment policy for years and worked single-mindedly to ensure the best possible use of our resources in terms of factors such as energy and materials.

We go to great lengths to reduce the environmental impact of the production, use and disposal of our products. And VELUX has achieved several international certifications that document this effort.

Reduction (and its documentation) of our climate impact is an important part of our social responsibility as a company. Through our environmentally responsible attitude we also make a contribution to ensuring:

• more efficient and more cost-effective production and operation
• the continued relevance of VELUX products
• strengthening of the VELUX reputation, and
• our ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees.
• We therefore believe that investment in energy-saving measures makes good business sense in the long run.

CO₂ reductions
VELUX will make major cuts in CO₂ emissions. In the course of the next few years, VELUX will invest up to DKK 400 million in energy-improving initiatives that will reduce the Group’s 2007 global CO₂ emissions by 20% by 2012 and 50% by 2020.

The objective of our CO₂ is two-fold:

• we will save energy as a company by rationalising our operation
• we will supply products that can help others to save energy – in other words, contribute to Sustainable Living.

The two objectives go hand in glove.

VELUX annual CO₂ emissions

Tons/CO₂ equivalents (per year)

    Based on estimates
    Based on CO₂ accounts
    Expected CO₂ emissions

In the period 2003 to 2007, the VELUX CO₂ accounts show a rise from just over 74,000 to 100,000 tons of CO₂ per annum.The main ‘CO₂ contributor’ is electricity at the factories, which is causing the increase in our emissions. The increase in electricity consumption is attributable to growing sales of VELUX products, but also to the fact that the processes of wood drying and glass hardening have been gradually taken over by the VELUX factories from the sub-suppliers. In 2008 we achieved a minor drop in CO₂ emissions to 96,500 tons due to decreased electricity consumption. This decrease resulted from a decline in production caused by reduced activity in the building sector.