Climate Direction 2030
Different methods are used in the Sustainability Strategy to account for the progress in the goals for the five tracks in a transparent and consistent way. The methods used are primarily based on national standards or internal guidelines and calculation methods.
The goals related to green gashouse emissions contribute to the overall direction and benchmark of a 68% reduction in CO2 emissions in Central Denmark Region by 2030. The region’s work to reduce its green gashouse emissions will result in a 68% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2018, if all the formulated goals are met. To achieve a 68% reduction, several prerequisites must be met e.g., that each individual goal in the Sustainability Strategy is reached, and that the Paris Agreement’s maximum two-degree target is fulfilled by the global community.
The 68% reduction is our benchmark towards becoming climate-neutral in 2050. If it becomes necessary to change calculations and methods during the process, this will be indicated in a revised method section.
The largest source of Central Denmark Region’s CO2 emission is goods and services. The way we calculate CO2 emissions from goods and services is continuously developed and improved. As this work progresses and new methods are introduced, there may be changes to the 68% reduction benchmark.
Responsible Consumption
Progress in the track Responsible Consumption is measured by emissions from consumption, the number of projects focusing on circular economy, as well as total waste volume and the proportion of recycled waste.
To determine the region’s total emission from consumption, the region’s expenditures are converted to CO2 emissions using CO2 factors from the Exiobase database – both original industry factors and adapted material factors. The calculation of CO2 emissions in Central Denmark Region is constantly adapted. This is done by calculating CO2 at product group instead of industry level.
Customized factors from Exiobase are also used to calculate CO2 emissions from different waste fractions. This ensures that the calculated climate impact of waste can be compared with the rest of the climate accounts.
Energy and Construction
Progress in the goals for the track Energy and Construction is measured partly by internal evaluation of construction projects and partly by evaluation of energy reduction initiatives.
Construction is measured by evaluating if the Sustainable Construction Design Guide has been applied to major construction projects in Central Denmark Region, if initiatives promoting biodiversity have been implemented, and if a climate adaptation strategy has been developed and implemented for all properties. Energy consumption is measured as a reduction in kilowatt-hours at project level. A method for assessment of maturity in energy management audits is currently developed. Water consumption is measured as a reduction in cubic meters at project level. Toxins in wastewater are measured both theoretically and through actual measurements according to current protocols.
Mobility and Transport
Progress in the goals for the track Mobility and Transport is measured by liters of fuel consumption when possible, and otherwise by kilometers driven. Consumption is then converted into CO2 emissions using emission coefficients from the Danish Energy Agency and the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.
Social Responsibility
Progress in the goals for the track Social Responsibility is measured based on staff data. Work accidents are reported in the region’s annual occupational health and safety report. Gender distribution and number of staff employed on special terms are reported in the region’s annual staff report.
Leadership and Governance
Leadership and Governance is a new track in the Sustainability Strategy. Follow-up will be done using both qualitative and quantitative methods e.g., through the annual survey of employees’ experiences and work with sustainability in Central Denmark Region and administrative reports in the region. The methods will be developed concurrently with development of initiatives and efforts in this new track. This involves an iterative learning process, where data is collected and analysed in parallel with the ongoing development of the area and the methods used for follow-up. This approach allows for reflection and adjustment of methods based on the challenges and new insights that arise.