We calculated CO₂ emissions for the GS1 Foundation and then planted 1,710 beech trees to offset the Regional Forum’s carbon footprint.

On October 18-21, 2021, we had the pleasure of participating in GS1’s Regional Forum, which was attended by representatives from all of the company’s European subsidiaries. Meetings of this kind generate a large carbon footprint, which our partner decided to offset in full.

We have calculated and offset the carbon footprint

According to the methodology adopted by our foundation, developed jointly with scientists of the Polish Academy of Sciences, we calculated the carbon footprint of this conference at 128 tons of carbon dioxide, the offsetting of which required the planting of 1,710 trees. We are pleased that we have the opportunity to plant just beech trees, which have a greater capacity to offset carbon dioxide than the assumed average. In simpler terms, the planted beech trees will be able to offset almost 150 tons of CO₂.

How did we offset the carbon footprint? 

As part of the Time for Forest project, which began almost 17 years ago, we want to plant new trees to offset our partner’s carbon footprint. Any such action is a contribution to climate and environmental protection. It is also part of the implementation of our corporate social responsibility strategy.

For the latest planting we chose beech tree. It is not only one of the most beautiful Polish trees, which produces a fair amount of oxygen per day, but also has medicinal properties.

According to recent calculations, a beech tree can offset almost 900 kilograms of carbon dioxide produced over its one hundred years of life. However, it is important to remember that not every tree planted will survive this period. Unfortunately, we calculate that only one in ten trees will survive that many years.

Our next step, once we have offset the carbon footprint

Many years of single-species forest cultivation have resulted in spruce monocultures dominating the forests of Lewin Klodzko. Forest monocultures are highly susceptible to gradations of harmful insects, in this case the bark beetle. One method of preventing its invasion is to plant trees that are adequate to the conditions of the habitat.

We would like to thank the GS1 Foundation for its contribution to improving the ecosystem by planting 1 710 trees to be planted together as part of the TIME FOR FOREST project.