● SK chemicals achieves 33% carbon offset, 50% bioenergy usage
- SK chemicals publishes sustainability report with focus on environment.
- Amount of waste wood used in eco-green boilers... 64,037 tons per year.
SK chemicals published its sustainability report for the past year on the 21st of this month.
A sustainability report presents a company`s management activities and performance results for sustainable growth in comprehensive consideration of economic, social, and environmental aspects. The report also presents future plans and is shared with stakeholders.
Highlights of the sustainability report included SK chemicals’ notable environmental management milestones achieved in the past year through efforts in greenhouse gas and energy usage reductions, particularly in the field of carbon neutrality.
According to the sustainability report, the carbon neutrality figure was 33% at the SK chemicals’ Ulsan chemical plant. This means that about one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions from the Ulsan plant were offset with environmental initiatives. This figure is an increase of approximately 74% from the 19% reported in 2010.
※ GlossaryCarbon neutrality: Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions via economic activities. This can be achieved by eliminating carbon emissions from fossil fuels or offsetting emissions through reforestation efforts, for instance.
Carbon offset: Carbon offset is calculated by dividing reductions in the amount of carbon emissions (achieved through environmental initiatives) by the total carbon emission output. A carbon offset of 100% refers to a complete offsetting of the total amount of carbon emissions.
To achieve carbon neutrality, SK chemicals operates power equipment that uses environmentally-friendly biomass resources as the main source of fuel. Eco-green boilers, the primary power sources, produce energy by utilizing discarded waste wood rather than petroleum resources such as Bunker C oil.
The portion of biomass used at the SK chemicals Ulsan plant was 50.7%, more than half of the all energy sources. The amount of waste wood used in eco-green boilers totaled 64,037 tons this year.
In addition to eco-green boilers, SK chemicals also takes advantage of a variety of bioenergy sources such as biogas generated in the wastewater treatment plants and by-products from biodiesel production.
Eco Lab, the environment-friendly SK chemicals building with offices and laboratories, also contributed to the company`s sustainability. Last year, this building was responsible for a 35% power savings, 15% water savings, as well as a 29% reduction in greenhouse gases. Completed in 2010, this building employs 101 types of cutting-edge, environment-friendly technologies and is a leading example of eco-friendly buildings in South Korea.
Activities for fulfilling our social responsibility in local communities through sharing were also mentioned in the report. SK chemicals spent 14,919 hours in volunteer activities in the past year, and a whopping 91.7% of company employees participated in their local child sponsorship program Hope Maker. About 1,500 students participated in Green Classroom, a program that educates elementary school students about the importance of an environment-aware culture.
The sustainability report also included information about the company`s sustainability system, workplace safety, health and chemicals management, pollution prevention, and community contributions.
SK chemicals will continue its commitment to being proactive in future environmental and social efforts.
A company official stated, "Sustainability is no longer just corporate social responsibility - it`s an essential element for survival and growth. We plan to reach our 2020 `Green Triple-40` sustainability goal through environment-friendly production processes and business expansion."
The full report can be viewed at the SK chemicals environmental management website EcoWeb (www.skecoweb.com). ※ Note: Green Triple-40`Green Triple-40!` is SK chemicals` 2020 sustainability goal of 40 hours of social responsibility activities, 40% reduction of CO2, and 40% environmentally-friendly sales.
To this end, SK chemicals presents Green Culture, Green Process, and Green Product, which are strategies for corporate culture, development and production processes, and brand sustainability, respectively. The company will pursue enterprise management processes and develop new environment-friendly businesses.
[Photo]
SK chemicals employees reviewing the latest SK chemicals sustainability report.