Green wpd
Numerous measures and initiatives have also already been launched internally. For a company operating internationally, the issue of business travel is ever-present. As this relates in particular to air travel, wpd made it a priority at an early stage to organise business travel as efficiently as possible and to avoid flights wherever feasible. A travel policy stipulates that the train should be the primary mode of transport for longer journeys. Furthermore, the company is endeavouring to drive forward the transition of its corporate fleet to more climate-friendly vehicle models. The aim is to reduce the fleet’s CO2 emissions from the current 124 g CO2/km to below 100 g CO2/km over the next two years and to purchase more electric cars. Recently, the number of charging points in the company’s own car park has been expanded; these are also powered by electricity from renewable energy sources.
A large proportion of wpd’s German sites are already supplied with electricity from renewable energy sources. The conversion of further sites is being reviewed on an ongoing basis. The aim is to drive this forward at international sites as well. At the headquarters in Bremen, an alternative heating system is also in use, and in 2021 a rooftop photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the company’s headquarters. In addition, further measures have been implemented as part of day-to-day working practices in individual offices worldwide, or are currently being introduced.
The project contributes to equitable access to affordable clean drinking water.
wpd has ensured the electrification of a health center by installing a rooftop solar system.
wpd is funding the construction and repair of small-scale biogas plants in Nepal. These replace open fires, thereby reducing the demand for firewood and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
wpd supports the rewetting of a small area of marshland in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in collaboration with the State Forestry Institute of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania.
The project has also set itself the goal of protecting existing forested areas and reforesting areas that had been cleared, preserving the natural biodiversity, as well as serving as a centre for information and training (both theoretical and practical) in the sustainable use of forests.
Traditional lighting sources such as petroleum lamps, candles or small, battery-driven lamps are being replaced by the distribution of solar lamps.