Geberit is working to protect forests in Tanzania
Geberit is promoting environmental awareness and working to safeguard resources through sustainable development practices.
Ceramic sanitaryware production requires large quantities of resources and energy, while raw materials procurement and finished product transport generate further CO2 emissions.
As part of its commitment to technological innovation, Geberit has adopted a series of measures aimed at reducing the emissions from its energy-intensive production processes. The Group also assumes responsibility for the emissions generated by its supply chain by collaborating with myclimate, an international organisation that promotes carbon offset projects in accordance with the highest quality standards (Plan Vivo, Gold Standard, VCS, including CBB or SD-VISta).
Emissions generated at a given location can be offset elsewhere through so-called CO2 certificates, which are based on a transparent and verifiable calculation of the actual quantities of CO2 generated by a product or service.
Geberit offsets emissions from the production of its ONE, Acanto, Xeno2, iCon, Smyle and VariForm bathroom collections by supporting the myclimate foundation’s project for forest conservation in Tanzania.
The CO2 emissions associated with Geberit’s ceramic sanitaryware production activities can be calculated with the maximum transparency and verified by means of the company’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
The virgin forests of the Yaeda Valley in Tanzania are home to the Hadza and Datooga communities as well as numerous protected species such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, elephants and giraffes. While these forests store CO2 effectively and guarantee biodiversity and stable groundwater levels, an area of 34,000 hectares is seriously threatened by poaching, uncontrolled deforestation as well as the expansion of agriculture and intensive livestock farming.
With Geberit’s contribution, the 12 communities in the Yaeda Valley receive economic support and legal assistance, while funds from the CO2 certificates can also be used for medical treatment. The local population is also able to practise sustainable forest management thanks to a forestry training programme and the use of agroecological practices. In short, this wide-ranging project focuses on both environmental and social sustainability by protecting the forest and improving the living conditions of the local population.
March 2023
