Strategic Environmental Plan 2007-2010
Download - Strategic Environmental Plan
We at Inditex view sustainable growth as a strategic asset. This approach requires that we constantly monitor all of our business model processes and that we review the environmental efficiency of all business areas for the purpose of determining where and how they may be improved.
This is the guiding force behind Inditex's Strategic Environmental Plan 2007-2010. The plan’s overall goals are as follows:
- To reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- To encourage the spread of renewable energies.
- To maximise efficient use of energy in manufacturing.
- To raise employee awareness and enhance staff training.
The Strategic Environmental Plan 2007-2010 centres on five key projects:
Sustainable Store (Store Sustainability System)
Our shops are at the core of our business and account for the greatest share of the Group’s energy use. Our goal is to develop in-store sustainability and energy efficiency standards through three main initiatives:
- The eco-efficient store model: Inditex, in conjunction with the University of Vigo, is designing an eco-scientific store model. In keeping with this model, store lighting is being updated to favour energy-saving and high-efficiency systems.
- Sustainable packaging: This initiative includes certification of compliance with environmental standards on all bags used by the Group (international standards such as FSC and PEFC) and the use of biodegradable materials in plastic bags. In addition, it calls for authorised handlers to manage store waste and for the re-use and recycling of materials such as cardboard boxes, clothes hangers and office waste.
- Training and raising awareness among store personnel about the environmental impacts of daily store activities.
Inditex’s Pro-Kyoto Project
Inditex's distribution system is one of the company's main business assets. Our commitment to sustainability, climate change and the Kyoto agreement in our distribution activities centres on the following:
- An up-to-date fleet whose personnel are trained in fuel-efficient driving. The project stems from a working plan developed in conjunction with our logistics suppliers and stipulates that all vehicles belonging to the Zara fleet must comply with the European Commission’s EURO 5 regulation (the most stringent rules governing the emission of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulates and fumes), which took effect in 2009, putting Inditex more than two years ahead of the implementation deadline. The policy includes a training course on fuel-efficient driving for members of staff.
- The use of environmentally-friendly electric vehicles in factories and distribution hubs, replacing the petrol-fuelled fleet.
- A programme through which all personnel are given information and training on the Manual of Best Practices in Transportation and Sustainable Mobility.
Energy and Environmental Integration Project (IEMA):
The goal of this project is to install sources of renewable energy, such as wind energy, solar photo-thermal and photovoltaic solar energy, at the company’s distribution hubs and reduce energy use to a minimum.
Inditex’s facilities in Arteixo (A Coruña), site of the Group’s headquarters and the headquarters of Zara, Zara Home and Kiddy’s Class, the distribution hub and 11 textile factories, share an integrated energy system which includes a 5,000-KW cogeneration plant, a 1,500-square-meter photo-thermal solar unit, and an 850-KW wind turbine. This system meets more than 50% of the Arteixo complex's energy needs.
The Group now aims to implement similar ventures at its other head offices. The plan calls for the following:
- Photovoltaic solar units at distribution hubs in Meco (Madrid), Zaragoza and León, and at Group subsidiaries' headquarters in Tordera (Barcelona) and Elche (Alicante).
- Reducing carbon monoxide emissions by replacing fuel-oil with natural gas to generate heat and steam for ironing at Arteixo and Sallent (Barcelona).
- A new cogeneration plant in Tordera (compared with a conventional system, cogeneration reduces CO2 emissions by 64%; cuts nitrogen oxide output by 73%, slashes sulphur emissions by 99%, and entirely eliminates solid particulate emissions).
- Raising awareness and promoting the use of renewable energy sources through the Energy Website.
The Carbon Footprint Project. Analysis of the Textile Life Cycle.
The term carbon footprint refers to the environmental impact of a given activity. Our goal is to gauge our manufacturing processes’ carbon footprint so that we can implement measures to reduce it. The University of Santiago de Compostela is assisting with this project.
The Terra Project, the End of the Cycle.
For Inditex, tree-planting is an additional initiative geared towards closing the energy and CO2 cycle. Our goal is to create, in as-yet-to-be-determined locations, the forest biomass needed to absorb 100% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the use of electricity at our Arteixo headquarters.