Through Eyes on Carbon, we are contributing to the global agenda of tackling climate change.
We are determined not to let carbon cloud our vision. Our efforts are focused on reducing the Group’s carbon footprint throughout our entire value chain to help limit the effects of climate change on our planet, for ourselves and for future generations.
We are focused on reducing and neutralizing the carbon footprint of our direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2) across key areas.
These efforts are already showing results, as we reached carbon neutrality in our direct operations in France and Italy, our two historic home countries, in 2021 and, in Europe in 2023.
In 2023, we also committed to setting near-term emission reduction targets according to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), representing another step forward in the Group’s long-term goal to address climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and value chain.
We have a vision: to produce and procure renewable electricity wherever we can. We create our own renewable energy by investing in photovoltaic installations for electricity and biomass heating as well as cooling systems. Their gradual rollout enables us to increase the amount of self-generated renewable energy from photovoltaic plants, producing, at full regime, 16 GWh per year from 2024, enabling an estimated avoidance of more than 7,400 Tonnes of CO2 equivalent globally every year (increase of circa 50% compared to 2022).
We’ve also increased the share of renewables in our energy mix by working with key providers of green energy. For example, in 2023, our sites in Italy started using renewable energy following the 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with ERG Power Generation for the supply of approximately 900 GWh of green energy between 2023 and 2034.
We also increased the share of renewables in our energy mix by working with the main providers of green energy.
We are investing in new process designs and performing frequent updates of equipment and technologies. For example, we have been upgrading large electrical motors to higher energy efficiency classes and redefining the stoppage or standby conditions for equipment with the highest consumption. Similarly, we have installed meters to monitor energy consumption in real time for main prescription laboratories and mass productions units.
In line with our efforts to improve energy efficiency and structure our energy management systems, 20 sites across manufacturing, lens laboratories, distribution centers and offices have obtained the ISO 50001 certification, while 63 sites have obtained the ISO 14001 certification over the years.
We are investing in initiatives to protect and restore natural ecosystems, as well as promoting the well-being of local communities. In December 2020 we launched a major forest restoration project of 30 hectares in the foothills of the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - situated beside our main production plant in Agordo, Italy. Through this project, we have so far safeguarded 15,000 trees and planted an additional 2,000 new ones to increase the forest’s health and biodiversity.
The Company also invests in natural ecosystem projects and buys carbon credits generated by nature-based or renewable energy initiatives. This includes an afforestation project in China and the installation of solar panels in India.
Our responsible shipping initiative empowers our customers to choose delivery options which will help reduce the impact on the environment - aligning their shopping experience with their values. Teaming up with our distribution partners, we are working on reducing carbon emissions arising from traditional delivery options. In addition, to reduce logistics emissions we are shifting transportation modes and replenishment flows from mass production plants to primary regional and country destinations. The redesign of the Group's supply chain and certain transportation flows not only reduces transportation distances but also allows for a switch from air to ground transportation whenever possible.
We are committed to creating a better, more sustainable future for all. With the above, we are proud to be contributing to the below UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- affordable and clean energy
- climate action
