To calculate the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the production of Arvid Nordquist coffee, we have commissioned the environmental consultancy company U&We. The calculation covers the entire production chain, from farm to store shelf. The calculations are based on the Kyoto Protocol’s definition of greenhouse gases (the gases are standardised and presented as CO2 equivalents (CO2e), i.e.
-Carbon dioxide
-Methane
-Nitrous oxide
-HFCs
-PFCs
-Sulphur hexafluoride
The emissions of greenhouse gases have been converted to CO2 equivalents based on their relative impact on the climate. The models that are used as bases for the calculations are:
-Greenhouse Gas Protocol
-ISO 14064
-EPD
-PAS2050
-PAS 2060
Specific data has been used as much as possible. In cases where the origin of the bean cannot be traced to the exact farm, the emission calculation for the cultivation process has been based on the country data available. This is in accordance with the EPD system*, for example. Data has been selected in accordance with the precautionary principle, which means that the calculated emissions are likely to be higher than the actual emissions.
We compensate for all greenhouse gases generated by the production of Arvid Nordquist coffee, from its cultivation to its appearance on a shelf in a store or at a retailer, by purchasing carbon offset certificates. Each certificate is traceable via a unique serial number.
Arvid Nordquist purchases carbon offsets twice a year to cover the forecast coffee sales over the next six months. The purchase is then supplemented in the following six-month period, based on the actual sales figures. The carbon offsets that Arvid Nordquist purchases are accounted for by ZeroMission in public registers. The table below shows how many tonnes Arvid Nordquist has offset each year and which serial number is linked to the offsetting.
Cimate compensation certificates (pdf opens in new window)
* EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is a system for describing the environmental properties of products or services.
U&We and ZeroMission
Arvid Nordquist’s climate work takes place in collaboration with sustainability consultants U&We and the climate services company ZeroMission. The two companies share a common vision of bringing benefits to the planet together with their customers.
We work with U&We on calculating our carbon footprint, and with ZeroMission on carbon offsetting.
Both operations are aimed at companies and organisations that want to take a leading role in effecting positive climate change and want to integrate climate initiatives into business strategies. To ensure that carbon offsetting keeps its promises, project visits and audits are carried out on site in the various developing countries that have projects in which ZeroMission is involved.