Neolith achieves carbon neutrality

Neolith has confirmed that it has achieved carbon neutral status for its manufacturing facilities.

In 2019 the Spanish surfacing brand recorded no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from gate-to-gate emissions, which the firm called a ‘significant milestone in the company’s objective to become an internationally recognised green manufacturer’.

To attain carbon neutral status, Neolith followed the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) and implemented a dynamic, innovation-led sustainability strategy coupled with tactical, high value carbon-offsetting.

In 2019, Neolith sourced 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, cutting out 7,690 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Furthermore 90% of the waste generated by Neolith is recycled and given a second life either with company operations or through authorised 3rd party players.

Neolith’s surfaces also embody these principles, with up to 48% of slab composition obtained from recycled material.

Plant machinery has been upgraded to improve energy efficiency, particularly the 3rd line’s furnace which has benefitted from the installation of an O2 and pressure control system, significantly reducing the amount of gas consumed.

This is complemented by a 40% reduction of forklift truck diesel consumption and a 20% decrease in hazardous waste.

In terms of carbon offsetting, Neolith has also undertaken a number of environmental projects to compensate for and absorb a specific quantity of CO2e, including an upcoming project in Central America.

The Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast project will see Neolith working to protect the unique biodiversity within the remaining forests in the region. The brand will help to address the drivers of deforestation through effective law enforcement, land use planning, education, economic opportunities and sustainable agroforestry initiatives.

As a direct result of the project activities, over four million tCO2e will be avoided by 2021, the equivalent of taking over 440,000 homes off the grid for a year.

Commenting on the announcement, Mar Esteve Cortes, Neolith’s CMO, says: ‘Given the brand’s founding vision, achieving carbon neutrality represents the achievement of a core company objective. I’m proud that architects, designers and consumers can choose Neolith’s surfaces, confident they are investing in the greenest Sintered Stone available. This will make their projects even more eco-friendly.’

José Luis Ramón, Neolith’s CEO, adds: ;Corporate social responsibility is not only about ensuring your business practices are as sustainable and ethical as possible, it’s also about giving back to wider society. Particularly, helping others less fortunate than yourself.

‘Our work on Guatemalan Caribbean Conservation Coast project will have myriad benefits, not only for this unique region’s biodiversity but also the people who live there. It will strengthen the natural habitat and provide a much needed socio-economic boost to the local population, which is one of the poorest in Central America.’