Latvia: Sustainability Updates No.13
Rīga Joins "100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities" Mission in the European Union
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is among the 100 European Union cities participating in the "100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities" mission. However, achieving #climateneutrality by 2030 requires the involvement of stakeholders. Riga City Council calls on entrepreneurs, manufacturers, service providers, NGOs, and others to join the city's efforts in reaching climate goals and reviewing activities in energy, building, waste management, and transportation sectors. Participation offers support tools, collaboration networks, knowledge transfer, and educational platforms. Interested parties must express interest by August 17. Practical involvement in discussions and working groups is planned for August and September, aided by data-driven decisions from modeling tools.
Interested parties are requested to express their interest by filling out the questionnaire on the "100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities" participation platform at iesaisties.riga.lv by August 17. Practical involvement in discussions and working groups is planned for August and September to reach agreements on common and individual climate-neutral goals and activities.
Latvia Embraces Sustainable Wood Construction
Latvia has utilized eco-friendly wood for millennia in construction. Advocating for wood usage is the "Za?ās mājas" association, aiming to develop sustainable building practices. Wood enthusiast Kristaps Ceplis emphasizes its significance. Myth-busting reveals wood's safety and cost-effectiveness. Despite slow growth, Latvians are gradually adopting wood in construction, aligning with the European Green Deal's climate goals. "Latvian State Forests" prioritizes wood in projects, emphasizing its benefits. Ceplis advocates for using wood to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Education and chemical processing promotion are vital for further progress. Latvia's embrace of sustainable wood construction utilizes its abundant resources for a greener future.
Energy Retailer "Vir?i" Expands Collaboration with Local Producers for Renewable Energy
Latvian energy retailer "Vir?i" strengthens its collaboration with local producers, ensuring renewable electricity at all its stations. With 65 local producers harnessing solar, water, biomass, and biogas, 31 "Vir?i" stations now generate self-consumed solar energy, covering an average of 22% of their power needs. To enhance sustainability, "Vir?i" purchases energy certificates to trace sources. Presently, over 1200 solar panels in 31 stations and an Aizkraukle office provide a combined capacity of 485 kW. The company plans to expand, adding more stations and exceeding 500 kW total capacity in the second half of the year.
领英推荐
Balticovo Plans to Purchase up to 100,000 Tons of Locally Grown Grains for Poultry Feed Production
Latvian company "Balticovo" plans to purchase up to 100,000 tons of locally grown grains for eco-friendly poultry feed production, in the fact reducing CO2 emissions. Chairman Vladimirs Mhitarjans informed that contracts for the entire quantity needed for next year's production have already been signed. By securing grain supplies early, the company ensures stable feed prices and minimizes environmental impact. In 2022, "Balticovo" invested six million euros in a grain pre-processing complex for more sustainable practices. The company's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture strengthens its position in domestic and export markets, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
Source: www.db.lv/
Latvian Building Materials Manufacturer "Knauf" Reports 24% Revenue Growth in 2022, Aims to Reduce CO2 Emissions
SIA "Knauf," the Latvian building materials manufacturer, recorded a 24% surge in revenue in 2022, reaching €103.185 million. However, profits declined by 7.1% to €14.529 million, impacted by challenges in the construction market, rising costs, and geopolitical factors. Notably, the company plans to invest nearly €2 million in its gypsum board production line to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Despite the uncertainties of 2023, "Knauf" remains committed to growth, targeting a 5-9% revenue increase. The company, part of the global "Knauf" group, aims to balance its operations amid ongoing environmental concerns.
Source: aprinkis.lv/index.php/ekonomika/
CleanR Group Initiates Sustainable Reporting Practices Ahead of Deadline
In Latvia, the growing trend of non-financial or sustainability reporting among companies has prompted questions about its significance. While some may see it as an internal matter, the true value lies in its impact on society, employees, investors, shareholders, and the economy at large. Four key benefits arise from meaningful sustainability reporting: accountability, safeguarding the economy, combatting greenwashing, and contributing to national climate goals.
CleanR Group, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, exemplifies these advantages. By embracing sustainability reporting early, they ensure transparency, reduce emissions, invest in eco-friendly measures, and prioritize employee well-being. The move aligns with EU climate targets and fosters a greener future for Latvia.