ECOLOGY
We only have this one Earth!
Preserving creation for future generations is humanity’s most important task. Without a balanced environment, everything else is meaningless. In line with our philosophy, we are committed to doing our part to protect or restore a healthy environment.
OUR MEASURES
In terms of ecological sustainability, we consistently follow the principle of avoid, reduce, compensate. Thanks to this approach, we have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes (1-3) to approximately 9 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. With a team of seven employees, this corresponds to about 1.3 tons of CO₂ per employee (as of 2022).
Avoiding and Reducing Emissions at Steilpass
We have reduced our carbon footprint through the following initiatives:
// Use of green electricity
// Partial electrification of heating:
Although we are tenants and rely partly on district heating, we have supplemented this with direct electric heating using climate control units powered by green electricity, reducing our gas consumption.
// Electrification of our vehicle fleet:
Steilpass operates an all-electric fleet, reducing local emissions from business travel to zero.
// Avoiding air travel:
We prioritize the use of Deutsche Bahn and our electric fleet for business trips whenever possible.
// Travel optimization:
Not all trips can be efficiently managed by train or electric vehicle. For long-distance travel, flights are sometimes necessary. However, we have significantly reduced the number of flights through optimized digital meeting practices with clients. Additionally, we cluster appointments with multiple partners over several days, making travel more efficient and less frequent.
// Conscious energy use:
Electrical devices are not kept in standby mode but are only switched on when needed. Desk lighting is sensor-controlled, and overhead lighting uses highly efficient LEDs.
// Remote work to reduce employee travel:
Remote work has been a key part of our company philosophy for many years. Employees decide when and how often they come to the office; otherwise, they work from home. This has significantly reduced Scope 3 emissions from internal travel.
// Free charging for electric vehicles:
Employees with company cars receive an electric vehicle, which can be charged for free at the office using green electricity — significantly reducing commuting-related emissions.
// Device longevity and refurbishment:
Laptops, printers, smartphones, and monitors are used for as long as possible. When a device breaks, we first check whether it can be repaired. When replacing devices, we consider refurbished options. This is not always technically feasible but often an ecologically and economically sound choice. Switching to sustainable providers like SHIFT Phone is another step toward using repairable and upgradeable devices from the start.
Compensation Programs for Co2 Emissions
Unfortunately, we cannot yet operate entirely without emissions. We are hopeful for political developments, such as hydrogen-powered air travel and mandatory circular economy practices for electronic devices.
We compensate for all unavoidable emissions through various — some certified — programs. Steilpass offsets significantly more CO₂ than it emits, even covering part of our employees’ private emissions.
Key Compensation Milestones:
// 2023: Expansion of the Steilpass project forest in Uganda by 440 trees in cooperation with FAIRVENTURES Worldwide
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270 trees were donated by clients for Steilpass’ 20th anniversary
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170 trees were given by Steilpass to clients as Christmas gifts
// 2022: Compensation of approx. 109 tons of CO₂ by planting 1,200 trees in the Steilpass project forest (FAIRVENTURES)
// 2020: Offset of 40 tons of CO₂ via 3fürsKlima e.V.
// 2019: Offset of 23.5 tons of CO₂ via myClimate (CDM, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo certified)
// 2018: Offset of 52.6 tons of CO₂ via myClimate (CDM, Gold Standard, Plan Vivo certified)
The Steilpass Project Forest in Uganda in Cooperation with FAIRVENTURES
To offset emissions since 2021, Steilpass launched a long-term reforestation project in Uganda with FAIRVENTURES. With an initial investment in 1,200 saplings and a training program, the forest secures jobs and income for local smallholder farmers. The project removes approximately 170 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere by storing it in forest biomass. Importantly, the harvested wood is used for construction, not paper or fuel, further extending CO₂ storage. The project also supports biodiversity restoration.
The project meets the principle of “additionality” — it would not exist without direct investment from Steilpass. As of now, the Steilpass forest includes 1,640 saplings and continues to grow.
Das Steilpass KlimaKonto
Our Steilpass Climate Account
Based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and our investments in climate protection, Steilpass maintains an internal climate account. This ensures that we bind more CO₂ through our programs each year than we emit through business activities.
We are also saving funds to support additional sustainable projects in the future. More details can be found in our 2023 Climate Report.
Want to Support Climate Projects?
Whether as a private individual or a company, you can support climate initiatives too. Get in touch:
The value of carbon offsetting is debated. But we are convinced of its diverse benefits — especially since compensation at Steilpass is always the last resort for emissions we cannot yet avoid.
Our partner FAIRVENTURES provides annual documentation of forest project progress and calculates actual carbon capture using scientific methods. These projects also have positive social effects in one of the world’s poorer regions — such as job creation, seed funding for a sustainable timber industry, and reduced migration drivers.
For more information on compensation programs, visit our partner:
Alliance for Development and Climate: allianz-entwicklung-klima.de
Or check out this factsheet:
2207_Entwicklungswirkungen.pdf (allianz-entwicklung-klima.de)
