Carbon Footprint Report
Progress 2019–GHG emissions resulting from Alfen internal operations
Table of contents–
2
About the report 3
Executive summary - Environmental performance and key highlights 4
1.0 About the company 51.1 Organisational boundary 51.2 Reporting organisation 51.3 Responsible person 51.4 Reporting period 5
2.0 Carbon Footprint 2019H1 6
3.0 Scope 1: Direct CO2 Emissions 73.1 Fuel for stationary vehicles and forklifts 73.2 Natural gas 73.3 Vehicle fleet 83.4 Refrigerants 8
4.0 Scope 2 Indirect Emissions 94.1 Electricity consumption 94.2 Business travel 104.2.1 Air travel 104.2.2 Personal cars for business travel 104.2.3 Public transport 10
5.0 Reduction targets and progress 115.1 Reduction Targets and progress Scope 1 & 2 115.2 Reduction Targets and progress Scope 3 12
6.0 Additional information 136.1 Methodology 136.2 Data quality and completeness 13
Annex 14Annex 1 Carbon Footprint Alfen by Scope 14Annex 2 Action plan on the reduction targets 15
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
Version Date of change Responsible person
Version 1.0 September 30, 2019 Kristina Kerbel
About the report–
3
This report provides an overview of the CO2 emissions inventory for Alfen’s activities in the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland
in the first half of 2019. It has been prepared in accordance with the CO2 Performance Ladder (version 3.0) and the GHG protocol
(a corporate accounting and reporting standard).
The emitting activities covered by the report include both direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions.
Direct emissions (Scope 1) are a product of installations that belong to or are checked by Alfen such as emissions from its own
gas heating systems, air-conditioning equipment, and vehicle fleet.
Indirect emissions (Scope 2) are associated with electricity consumption by company facilities and vehicles as well as emissions
resulting from business travel1.
Additionally, this report provides a brief update on the progress of the reduction plan for both direct and indirect emissions, including
emissions in the corporate supply chain (Scope 3).
An overview of methodology and data quality is also provided.
Figure 1: Scopes Carbon Footprint-analyse
1The CO2 Performance Ladder includes “Business travel” in scope 2.
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
Executive summary - Environmental performance and key highlights–
4
In the midst of the energy transition, at Alfen we aim to lead by example in environmental performance management. We have now
reported on the environmental impact of our operations for almost a decade.
Throughout this period Alfen has undertaken a number of a specific measures to improve disclosure and reduce environmental impact,
launching initiatives to switch to renewable energy sources and to introduce electrical vehicles among others. We are also proud to say
that since April this year, all of our office buildings in the Netherlands have received the energy label “A”, and that 26% of our vehicle
fleet now consists of plug-in hybrid or fully electrical vehicles.
However, the accelerated revenue growth and continuing internationalisation of our business has created upward pressure on our
mobility and energy-related emissions - contributing to a 45% increase in total net emissions in the first half of 2019.
The most significant increase was due to electricity, followed by flight emissions. Both of these are linked to the expansion of Alfen’s
organisational boundaries, and the scope of this report has been commensurately extended to include the emissions resulting from the
operations of Alfen Elkamo, a daughter company in Finland.
Despite increases in our energy use and emissions due to the growth of our business, we remain optimistic that by the end of the year
we will be able to meet the reduction targets set for 2019.
In an effort to meet these targets, a number of initiatives will need to be put in place. In particular, an increased focus has been placed
on reducing our mobility emissions as well as our impact in the corporate value chain, demonstrating our commitment to long term
sustainability.
To further broaden the data quality of our current CO2 management system processes, we will also be commencing work on the
implementation of a CO2 management application. This software will reinforce our systematic review processes, helping us to better
determine our environmental impact, and to develop carbon reduction objectives and targets for further environmental improvement
within the framework of the CO2 Performance Ladder.
Marco Roeleveld,
CEO of Alfen N.V.
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
1.0 About the company–
5
Alfen is a fast-growing company in the energy sector, whose main activity is to develop, produce and sell products, systems and servi-
ces related to the electricity grid, including smart grid solutions, charging equipment for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Alfen’s main geographic focus is the Netherlands, followed by Finland, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
1.1 Organisational boundaryAlfen’s organisational boundary has been determined according to the principle of Operational Control, as specified in the GHG protocol.
This means that the company reports the emissions from operations over which it has financial or operational control.
Using this approach, this Carbon Footprint Report includes emissions from the following operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and
Finland.
Alfen N.V., Almere
Alfen B.V., Almere
Alfen ICU B.V., Almere
Alfen Projects B.V., Almere
Alfen BVBA, Gent
Alfen International B.V.
Alfen Elkamo Oy
On the basis of 2018’s CO2 emissions, Alfen is categorised as a medium-size company under the CO2 Performance Ladder.
1.2 Reporting organisationAlfen N.V.
Hefbrugweg 28
1332 AP Almere
Tel: +31 36 54 93 400
1.3 Responsible personThe responsible person for the Carbon Footprint Report 2019H1 is Mr M. Roeleveld, CEO of Alfen N.V.
1.4 Reporting periodThe reporting period covers January 1, 2019 until June 30, 2019.
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
2.0 Carbon footprint 2019H1–
6
Inte
nsit
y
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
The carbon footprint of Alfen includes both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Alfen’s total emissions in the first half of 2019 are
equivalent to 763,1 tCO2e.
Figure 2: Alfen Carbon Footprint in 2019H1
As a consequence of the continued growth of the business and the number of employees, total emissions rose by 46% in comparison
with the same period in 2018. Despite these factors we are pleased to report a reduction in our emission intensity per FTE by 14%
to 1.760 kgCO2e.
3.0 Scope 1: Direct CO2 Emissions–
7Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
In 2019, direct emissions accounted for 550,4 tons of the CO2 emitted by Alfen. These emissions are a product of company-owned
vehicles or stationary equipment and from natural gas, which accounts for 72% of total emissions.
Figure 3: Breakdown of Scope 1 emissions
3.1 Fuel for stationary vehicles and forklifts Fuel consumption of stationary vehicles and forklifts contributed 23% of the carbon footprint in Scope 1 and constitutes of 12,6
tons of total CO2 emissions. Diesel consumption is significantly lower than in 2018 due to a decrease in test activities.
3.2 Natural gasBuilding-related emissions, including from purchased natural gas, have also been impacted by higher employee numbers and the
new locations on Hefbrugweg 6 and 22. These locations were only occupied for part of 2018, and their use accounts for the
increase to 61.665 Nm3 of natural gas (causing 116,5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions) in the first half of 2019.
Fuel: 23% 129,1 tCO2e
Natural gas 116,5 tCO2e
Fuel for stationary vehicles and forklifts 12,6 tCO2e
Vehicle fleet: 77% 421,3 tCO2e
Diesel (NL) 325,7 tCO2e
Diesel (EUR) 34,2 tCO2e
Petrol (NL) 55 tCO2e
Petrol (EUR) 6,4 tCO2e
Fuel23%
Vehicle fleet77%
8Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
3.3 Vehicle fleetThe vehicle fleet accounts for the majority (55%) of all Alfen net emissions, contributing 421,3 tCO2e.
Figure 4: Breakdown of company cars by fuel type
Last year we introduced a breakdown of company cars by fuel type. This year, we can proudly report progress in our 2019 growth ratio.
The Alfen vehicle fleet (including Belgium and Finland) consisted of 105 vehicles in the first half of 2019. The majority of the fleet
is still diesel-powered vehicles (69 in total), however the total number of fully electrical and petrol powered hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
grew to 28, from 20 cars in 2018.
Most of the company vans are diesel-powered vehicles. Due to the expansion of service geography and the increase of service
density, diesel consumption cannot currently be reduced.
However, Alfen introduced its first fully electrical van in March this year in an effort to minimise vehicle fleet emissions. In 2020,
the company plans to introduce biological diesel (EN590), which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions of diesel consumption by
minimum of 18%.
Figure 5: Breakdown fuel consumption
3.4 RefrigerantsFrom January until the end of June 2019 no leakage of AC refrigerant has been detected.
24.036 24.978 20.0762.026 11 2.270
131.515
197.031
100.824
13.451 18.680 10.697
0
50.000
100.000
150.000
200.000
250.000
2017 2018 2019H1
Petrol NL Petrol EUR Diesel NL Diesel EUR
4.0 Scope 2 - Indirect emissions–
9
Alfen’s indirect emissions (Scope 2) are emissions resulting from electricity consumption and business travel, and contribute
212,7 tCO2e.
Figure 6: Breakdown of Scope 2 emissions
4.1 Electricity consumptionElectricity consumption is responsible for 413% of total emissions. Alfen’s reporting distinguishes renewable sources of energy from
non-renewable sources of energy.
Energy consumption in the Netherlands and Belgium is reported as emitting zero carbon dioxide as the purchased electricity is covered
by green Guarantees of Origin.
In previous years, the energy source in Belgium was reported as non-renewable due to the lack of the information on its origin.
This year, Alfen have successfully collected all the necessary data required by the CO2-Performance Ladder and can therefore report
it as green energy source.
Despite the positive developments in Belgium, electricity consumption in Alfen’s facilities increased significantly in 2019, due in large
part to new locations (Hefbrugweg 22 and Portakabins at Hefbrugweg 28) and energy storage system test activities.
Additionally - for the first time Alfen are disclosing information on the electricity consumption at Alfen Elkamo (Finland), which is
responsible for 79% of energy consumption CO2 emissions.
Another 21% of emissions are a product of the electricity consumption of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at public charging
points, where the source of the energy is unknown. The overview of the emissions resulting from charging electric and plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles at home is based on the assumption that 65% of the total number of EV’s and PHEV’s consume on average 2.043 kWh
per year.
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
48%52%
Business travel: 52% 111,4 tCO2e
Personal cars incl. rental cars 30 tCO2e
Public transport 1,7 tCO2e
Air travel 79,7 tCO2e
Electricity: 48% 101,3 tCO2e
Non-renewable energy 79,8 tCO2e
EVs kWh consumption 21,5 tCO2e
10
Figure 7: Breakdown of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles energy consumption in kWh
Electricity consumption from public and private charging points is reported as an unknown source. Charging at Alfen’s locations constitutes 5% of the organisation’s total energy consumption, and is reported as net zero emissions.
4.2 Business travelBusiness travel is an unavoidable part of Alfen operations, and is responsible for 15% of total emissions and 52% of Scope 2 indirect
emissions.
4.2.1 Air travel
As a result of the continued growth of the business and the number of employees, air travel emissions rose again in the first half of
2019, from 73,2 tCO2e in 2018H2.
Figure 8: Breakdown of air travel emissions
As we are reporting the air travel emissions for Finland for the first time, they were calculated based on the number of flights and the
associated costs. In future reports the data quality for air travel in Finland will be improved.
4.2.2 Personal cars for business travel
Emissions from personal cars for business travel account for 4% of overall emissions. Each year, Alfen strives to expand the coverage
and transparency of disclosure wherever possible - and for the first time in Alfen reporting history, emissions have been calculated
by specifying the type of personal car or the fuel used by personal cars for business travel. This inclusion enables a more complete
disclosure of emissions from personal cars for business travel.
4.2.3 Public transport
The 1,7 tCO2 emissions resulting from travel via public transport are responsible for just 0,3% of total emissions. During the first half
of 2019, Alfen employees travelled 46.723 passenger kilometres – a good sign, and an increase from 20.393 passenger kilometres in
2018.
Air Travel Distance Unit of measurement Metric tonnes of CO2e
Europe, <700 km 72.904 passenger .km 19,7
Regional, 700-2500 km 260.766 passenger .km 38,3
Intercontinental, >2500 km 98.606 passenger .km 21,7
Total 432.276 79,7
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
4.239
8.468
14.717
10.455
16.739
29.094
11.155
15.405
18.387
0 5.000 10.000 15.000 20.000 25.000 30.000 35.000
2018H1
2018H2
2019H1
Home Alfen Public
5.0 Reduction targets and progress –
11
5.1 Reduction targets and progress - Scope 1 and 2Alfen aims to sustain and further improve our energy efficiency on an absolute basis, in line with our reduction objectives. These targets
are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant & challenging.
The reduction targets are defined according to the rolling target base year, with a single year commitment period. With a rolling target
base year, the base year rolls forward at regular time intervals, usually one year, in order that emissions are always compared against the
previous year.
The measurement results are based on the intensity targets and are expressed as a reduction in the ratio of carbon dioxide emissions
relative to FTE and revenue in millions of euros.
Figure 9: The reduction targets 2019, Scope 1 and 2
Figure 10: Realisation of the reduction targets in the first half of 2019, Scope 1and 2
Growth in business travel by air and by lease cars contributed to negative results towards the reduction targets in the first half of 2019.
The planned measures2 to reduce Alfen’s carbon footprint are still in a realisation stage, and the hope is that by the end of the year
Alfen will be able to meet the reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2.
2Annex 2 Action plan on the reduction targets
Parameter / KPI CO2 emission 2018 Forecast 2019 Reduction target
Total kgCO2 1.131.378 1.195.362 -6%
kgCO2e/ FTE 3.998 3.673 9%
kgCO2e / mln € 11.092 8.371 24%
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
Total kgCO2e kgCO2e/ FTE kgCO2e / mln €
Forecast 2019 H1 561.870 1.847 7.869
Realization 2019 H1 763.077 1.760 12.388
Reduction 2019 H1 in % -36% +5% -57%
12Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
5.2. Reduction targets and progress - Scope 3The CO2 reduction targets also extend to other indirect emissions in Scope 3. These targets are outlined in the corporate value chain
analysis for Alfen Charging Equipment.
Below, a brief overview of the reduction targets set as a result of the corporate value chain analysis of the charging station EVE:
1. 2020: 5% reduction of 2017’s 98 kg of CO2 component emissions
Progress update
The casing of the charging station is currently made of fibre-reinforced polyester (sheet moulding compound - SMC). In accordance
with the action plan, we are now investigating alternative materials for the casing, which will not only reduce the CO2 emissions
but also enable better recyclability.
2. 2022: 30% reduction of 2017’s 529 kg CO2 of emissions via energy consumption (standby)
Progress update
The display of a charging station constitutes a relatively large percentage of its standby consumption. Therefore, our developers
are testing different methods to dim or switch off the display to reduce energy consumption. The results cannot yet be officially
disclosed.
6.0 Additional information –
13
Alfen’s carbon footprint analysis in the first half of 2019 follows the CO2 Performance Ladder, and is consistent with the approach
adopted in Handbook 3.0. The CO2 Performance Ladder is a CO2-management system: it requires continuous improvement in insight,
communication and operational management cooperation, and CO2 reduction measures.
The CO2 Performance Ladder has five levels, ascending from 1 to 5. Alfen is positioned on level 4.
6.1 Methodology To calculate the CO2 emissions inventory, we identified all relevant carbon dioxide emission sources, collected activity data from the re-
levant business units, and applied the emission factors in order to calculate emissions from each source. The quantification of CO2 emis-
sions in Scope 1 is based on the available activity data for fuels consumed (including natural gas). Scope 2 CO2 emissions are primarily
calculated from metered electricity consumption figures. In the case of business travel by private car or public transport, the emissions
are calculated from activity data such as fuel use or passenger miles. The emission factors were sourced from the publicly available
website www.co2emissiefactoren.nl (version 4-1-2019), which is recommended by Handbook 3.0 of the CO2 Performance Ladder.
6.2 Data quality and completeness
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
Scope Emission source Activity date Data source Remarks
1 Natural gas Primary date Gas meter readings The measurement dates do not relate to the entire reporting period. To minimise the uncertainty of actual natural gas consumption, a weighted degree-day method was applied in the allocation of the available measurement data to consumption over the reporting period.
Fuel for stationary vehicles and forklifts
Primary date Invoices from a diesel supplier
Vehicle fleet Primary date Reports from the lease company
2 Purchased electricity (renewable and non- renewable sources)
Primary date Electricity meter readings The measurement dates do not relate to the entire reporting period. The calculation is based on the usage days.
Purchased electricity (unknown source)
Primary /secondary date
Electricity meter readings related to home charging and reports from New Motion and GreenFlux
The measurement of electricity consumption at home in 2019 is based on the average yearly consumption per car.
Business travel – private cars and public transport
Secondary date
Travel expenses The use of private cars and public transport (inclu-ding taxis) is calculated by dividing the travel costs by the official rate of 0,19 €/km in the Netherlands and 0,40 €/km in Finland.
Business travel - air Secondary date
Travel expenses The distance is calculated with the help of http://nl.distance.to/. Sometimes the route is not clear if it’s unknown whether air travel actually took place.
Business travel rental cars
Secondary date
Travel expenses Inconsistency in travel expenses.
Data source is accurate Data source is satisfactory, but could be improved Data source is poor and its improvement is a priority
Annex–
14
Annex 1: Carbon Footprint of Alfen by Scope
Emissions by scope tCO2e 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019H1
Scope 1
Refrigerants 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0
Natural gas 72,3 85,1 103,1 97,2 149,9 116,5
Fuels 10,2 10,8 16,2 14,6 45,0 12,6
Vehicle fleet 593,3 464,9 453,6 539,4 764,7 421,3
Total Scope 1 675,8 560,8 573,0 651,3 959,6 550,4
Scope 2
Electricity 2,8 10,1 10,4 12,5 29,7 101,3
Business travel by private car 21,4 13,3 15,3 18,5 44,1 30
Business travel by public transport 0,0 0,8 1,1 1,6 0,7 1,7
Business travel by air 22,9 17,8 23,3 47,0 94,2 79,7
Total Scope 2 47,1 42,1 50,0 79,6 168,7 212,7
Total 722,9 602,9 623 730,8 1128,3 763,1
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
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Annex 2: Action plan on the reduction targets
Carbon Footprint Report 2019 | Version 1.0
Action Responsible person
Deadline Remarks Priority
Mobility
2015.01 Continuous attention to the purcha-se of “cleaner” cars as replacements
MR Continuously 18% of the fleet is fully electrical
Medium
2019.01 Introduction of Blue diesel (B100) TD 2019Q4 Blue diesel (B-100) in the Netherlands is not accepted yet by car manufacturers. Therefore, we consider introduction of Blue Diesel 20 (EN590). The implemen-tation is moved to 2020Q1.
High
2019.02 Mobility policy HR 2019Q4 Medium
2019.03 Renting of electric cars (research flex cars or standard available electric cars)
HSEMR
2019Q3 Medium
2019.04 Research into commuting and flexible travel
HR 2019Q3 Low
2019.05 Research into the possibility of introducing The New Driving
HSE 2019Q3 Low
2019.06 Participation at Mobility Benchmark analysis
HSE 2019Q3 Low
2019.07 Tire-pressure monitoring HSE 2019Q2 Done Medium
Buildings
2018.01 Reserach on a possibility to extend the solar panel park
SH/MR 2019Q3 The subsidy will be reque-sted shortly
Low
2019.08 Research on the possibility of switching to renewable gas
SH/HSE 2019Q2 The price for the renewable gas is not compatible
High
2019.09 Research on the possibility of switching to renewable electricity in Belgium
HSE/MS 2019Q3 Done. Alfen purchases rene-wable electricity in Belgium
High
2019.10 Receipt of an energy label for offices
SH/HSE 2019Q2 Done. Offices received the energy label “A”.
Low
Products
2019.11 Research on the reduction of the energy consumption of charging stations in standby mode
R&D ACE 2019Q4 High
2019.12 Research on alternative components for charging stations
R&D ACE 2019Q3 High
2019.13 Performance of a new corporate value chain analysis
HSE 2019Q4 Medium
Administration
2015.08 Simplification of data collection by purchasing software
HSE advisor 2019Q3 Done Medium
2018.06 Improvement of data relating to business travel by air
Administra-tion
2019Q4 Medium
2019.14 Research into a new initiative QHSE MR 2019Q4 Low
Contact –Alfen N.V.Hefbrugweg 281332 AP AlmereThe Netherlands
+31 (0)36 54 93 400
www.alfen.com