In DRC, we are greening our operations
Published: Feb 7, 2025 Reading time: 2 minutes Share: Share an articleThe case is clear: climate change is having an impact on our environment. To protect the environment, we need to reduce our impact on the planet, the environment and the climate. To lead by example, we are changing how we conduct our operations to ensure that we reduce harm to our planet. We aim to have a positive impact rather than tonnes of waste that can harm the environment and people's health.
As per our environmental policy and climate and environment charter, we are committed to protecting the natural environment and the people who depend on it. Through our "ENVI" initiative, We are reducing the environmental footprint of transport, procurement, offices, waste management, and IT operations.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our team has made significant progress in greening our work. Phones have replaced paper logbooks for vehicles, and briefings on fuel-efficient driving have been run. Priority is given to eco-friendly products and packaging for all purchases. Water and energy saving measures have been implemented through the distribution of multiuse water bottles to the staff, inefficient lighting has been replaced with efficient LED, and the team has put up posters to remind our colleagues of their responsibilities.
Waste management has been improved by contracting waste management and valorisation companies for organic waste and plastics. Our organic waste is converted into eco-briquettes (ecological charcoal), used to feed black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) which is then used for animal feed and compost production. Paper is converted for use with eco-briquettes. Plastic waste is shredded and moulded into new products. Posters have been displayed in our offices to encourage waste sorting, and bins of different colours have been bought. Eco-printing measures have been introduced. A solar power system has been installed for internet connection.
Workshops and presentations have been run to discuss adopted measures. In addition, ENVI measures are now an integral part of the team's weekly meeting.
We are pursuing the greening of operations beyond our offices. We are focused on raising awareness among our staff and recipients in the various field areas by providing them with the same means as we have employed in our offices.
Our greening activities are an example of our effort to practice what we preach, both in greening our operations and helping nature heal, within the context of our activities worldwide. We have been working on natural resource management, environmental restoration, water management and agriculture projects for over 20 years, all of which have contributed, in some way, to addressing the consequences of climate change.
