In 2021 the European Parliament approved the European Climate Act which sets the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and provides for a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). This law, which is fundamental to the realisation of the European Ecological Pact, aims for Europe to become the first carbon neutral continent.
In 2021 the European Parliament approved the European Climate Act which sets the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and provides for a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). This law, which is fundamental to the realisation of the European Ecological Pact, aims for Europe to become the first carbon neutral continent.
In 2021 the European Parliament approved the European Climate Act which sets the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and provides for a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). This law, which is fundamental to the realisation of the European Ecological Pact, aims for Europe to become the first carbon neutral continent.

At RUSTICASA, we strive every day to minimise our impact on the planet. We produce in a more sustainable manner, seeking to reduce energy costs, recycling waste and ensuring the production cycle by planting trees, not only to ensure the future supply of our raw materials, but also to preserve areas at risk of desertification and reduce our carbon footprint.

To achieve our goal of zero carbon emissions, we have put in place processes and strategies based on four fundamental pillars: the production and use of Renewable Energies; Electric Mobility; Circular Economy and Tree Planting. On this page we explain how we approach decarbonisation and detail the results achieved in each aspect of this ambitious project.

At RUSTICASA, we strive every day to minimise our impact on the planet. We produce in a more sustainable manner, seeking to reduce energy costs, recycling waste and ensuring the production cycle by planting trees, not only to ensure the future supply of our raw materials, but also to preserve areas at risk of desertification and reduce our carbon footprint.

To achieve our goal of zero carbon emissions, we have put in place processes and strategies based on four fundamental pillars: the production and use of Renewable Energies; Electric Mobility; Circular Economy and Tree Planting. On this page we explain how we approach decarbonisation and detail the results achieved in each aspect of this ambitious project.

At RUSTICASA, we strive every day to minimise our impact on the planet. We produce in a more sustainable manner, seeking to reduce energy costs, recycling waste and ensuring the production cycle by planting trees, not only to ensure the future supply of our raw materials, but also to preserve areas at risk of desertification and reduce our carbon footprint.

To achieve our goal of zero carbon emissions, we have put in place processes and strategies based on four fundamental pillars: the production and use of Renewable Energies; Electric Mobility; Circular Economy and Tree Planting. On this page we explain how we approach decarbonisation and detail the results achieved in each aspect of this ambitious project.

The 4 pillars of Carbon Neutrality

Renewable Energies

We produce our own solar energy for self-consumption, by means of 400 photovoltaic panels with 200 kWp of power.

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Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Electric mobility

We provide a charging area for electric vehicles for the company, employees, customers and visitors.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per car/year

Circular economy

We manufacture with sustainable raw materials, turning waste into biomass for energy reuse.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Tree planting

We reduce our carbon footprint by planting trees and reforesting areas at risk of desertification.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Renewable Energies

We produce our own solar energy for self-consumption, by means of 400 photovoltaic panels with 200 kWp of power.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Electric mobility

We provide a charging area for electric vehicles for the company, employees, customers and visitors.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per car/year

Circular economy

We manufacture with sustainable raw materials, turning waste into biomass for energy reuse.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Tree planting

We reduce our carbon footprint by planting trees and reforesting areas at risk of desertification.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Renewable Energies

We produce our own solar energy for self-consumption, by means of 400 photovoltaic panels with 200 kWp of power.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Electric mobility

We provide a charging area for electric vehicles for the company, employees, customers and visitors.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per car/year

Circular economy

We manufacture with sustainable raw materials, turning waste into biomass for energy reuse.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Tree planting

We reduce our carbon footprint by planting trees and reforesting areas at risk of desertification.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

.

Renewable Energies

We produce our own solar energy for self-consumption, by means of 400 photovoltaic panels with 200 kWp of power.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Electric mobility

We provide a charging area for electric vehicles for the company, employees, customers and visitors.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per car/year

Circular economy

We manufacture with sustainable raw materials, turning waste into biomass for energy reuse.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Tree planting

We reduce our carbon footprint by planting trees and reforesting areas at risk of desertification.

0

Reduced CO2 emissions per year

Renewable Energies

We produce more than 75% of the energy we consume through 400 photovoltaic panels with a total power of about 200 kWp. RUSTICASA thus guarantees an important part of its energy autonomy by using renewable energies, not only through self-consumption solar energy production, but also by injecting into the grid surplus energy not consumed during off-peak hours and by purchasing additional “green” energy. In this way we have achieved a significant reduction in CO2 emissions estimated at 114 tonnes per year, which represents more than 84% of the total reductions in the company’s CO2 emissions.

We produce more than 75% of the energy we consume through 400 photovoltaic panels with a total power of about 200 kWp. RUSTICASA thus guarantees an important part of its energy autonomy by using renewable energies, not only through self-consumption solar energy production, but also by injecting into the grid surplus energy not consumed during off-peak hours and by purchasing additional “green” energy. In this way we have achieved a significant reduction in CO2 emissions estimated at 114 tonnes per year, which represents more than 84% of the total reductions in the company’s CO2 emissions.

We produce more than 75% of the energy we consume through 400 photovoltaic panels with a total power of about 200 kWp. RUSTICASA thus guarantees an important part of its energy autonomy by using renewable energies, not only through self-consumption solar energy production, but also by injecting into the grid surplus energy not consumed during off-peak hours and by purchasing additional “green” energy. In this way we have achieved a significant reduction in CO2 emissions estimated at 114 tonnes per year, which represents more than 84% of the total reductions in the company’s CO2 emissions.


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The environmental impacts associated with the process of operating solar energy are practically zero. The technology used for the production of solar energy has the longest life span of any other type of energy production, which makes it much more sustainable.

 

Furthermore, the production carried out by solar panels does not emit polluting gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or any other type of gas that causes the greenhouse effect, for example. For the maintenance of the system, it is not necessary to use water and the energy consumption for maintenance is very low.


Expand

The environmental impacts associated with the process of operating solar energy are practically zero. The technology used for the production of solar energy has the longest life span of any other type of energy production, which makes it much more sustainable.

 

Furthermore, the production carried out by solar panels does not emit polluting gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or any other type of gas that causes the greenhouse effect, for example. For the maintenance of the system, it is not necessary to use water and the energy consumption for maintenance is very low.

  • Graph of production and energy consumption in a 24 h cycle

In this way, the environmental gains resulting from the production of photovoltaic energy are superior to any other renewable energy source, even considering the environmental impact of the production of the solar panels which is compensated after the first year of use.

  • Graph of production and energy consumption in a 24 h cycle

In this way, the environmental gains resulting from the production of photovoltaic energy are superior to any other renewable energy source, even considering the environmental impact of the production of the solar panels which is compensated after the first year of use.

  • System performance and environmental gains in 2023

Electric mobility

Electric mobility in Portugal is growing strongly and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. There are many advantages in the growth of electric mobility, including the decarbonisation of the economy, the reduction of energy dependence, the reduction of the carbon footprint and noise, and the increase of the energy efficiency of transports.

At RUSTICASA, we are committed to using electricity produced from renewable sources as the main vector for reducing our carbon footprint. This naturally includes the transition from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.

 

Thus, we provide a charging area for the electric vehicles of the company, its employees, customers and visitors, of free use through a Smart Mobility application. Each kilometre travelled by an electric car avoids the emission of 134.35 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere, compared with the same journey made with a combustion vehicle. This means that, on average, each electric car avoids the emission of 2 tonnes of CO2 net into the atmosphere per year. This figure includes the emissions associated with the manufacture of the batteries. According to the study “Cleaner Cars from Cradle to Grave”, conducted in 2015 by UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), the emissions associated with the manufacture of these batteries are offset during the first year or 15,000 kilometres of driving of an electric car.

In addition, we replace internal combustion material handling vehicles with electric counterbalanced forklift trucks. Compared to internal combustion forklift trucks (diesel or gas/petrol), electric ones have similar operating performances, but are noiseless and generally smaller in size. The big difference is in the CO2 emissions they emit, contributing to the protection of the environment.

Furthermore, with electric forklifts, the noise level is reduced, allowing easier communication and less operator fatigue. When a gas or LPG powered forklift truck is used inside, emissions are produced that can be harmful to employees and products if not properly treated. Electric forklift trucks do not generate any CO2 emissions. This helps to keep employees healthy and reduce the impact of indoor emissions.

Electric mobility in Portugal is growing strongly and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. There are many advantages in the growth of electric mobility, including the decarbonisation of the economy, the reduction of energy dependence, the reduction of the carbon footprint and noise, and the increase of the energy efficiency of transports.

At RUSTICASA, we are committed to using electricity produced from renewable sources as the main vector for reducing our carbon footprint. This naturally includes the transition from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.

 

Thus, we provide a charging area for the electric vehicles of the company, its employees, customers and visitors, of free use through a Smart Mobility application. Each kilometre travelled by an electric car avoids the emission of 134.35 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere, compared with the same journey made with a combustion vehicle. This means that, on average, each electric car avoids the emission of 2 tonnes of CO2 net into the atmosphere per year. This figure includes the emissions associated with the manufacture of the batteries. According to the study “Cleaner Cars from Cradle to Grave”, conducted in 2015 by UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), the emissions associated with the manufacture of these batteries are offset during the first year or 15,000 kilometres of driving of an electric car.

In addition, we replace internal combustion material handling vehicles with electric counterbalanced forklift trucks. Compared to internal combustion forklift trucks (diesel or gas/petrol), electric ones have similar operating performances, but are noiseless and generally smaller in size. The big difference is in the CO2 emissions they emit, contributing to the protection of the environment.

Furthermore, with electric forklifts, the noise level is reduced, allowing easier communication and less operator fatigue. When a gas or LPG powered forklift truck is used inside, emissions are produced that can be harmful to employees and products if not properly treated. Electric forklift trucks do not generate any CO2 emissions. This helps to keep employees healthy and reduce the impact of indoor emissions.

Electric mobility in Portugal is growing strongly and is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. There are many advantages in the growth of electric mobility, including the decarbonisation of the economy, the reduction of energy dependence, the reduction of the carbon footprint and noise, and the increase of the energy efficiency of transports.

At RUSTICASA, we are committed to using electricity produced from renewable sources as the main vector for reducing our carbon footprint. This naturally includes the transition from combustion vehicles to electric vehicles.

 

Thus, we provide a charging area for the electric vehicles of the company, its employees, customers and visitors, of free use through a Smart Mobility application. Each kilometre travelled by an electric car avoids the emission of 134.35 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere, compared with the same journey made with a combustion vehicle. This means that, on average, each electric car avoids the emission of 2 tonnes of CO2 net into the atmosphere per year. This figure includes the emissions associated with the manufacture of the batteries. According to the study “Cleaner Cars from Cradle to Grave”, conducted in 2015 by UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), the emissions associated with the manufacture of these batteries are offset during the first year or 15,000 kilometres of driving of an electric car.

In addition, we replace internal combustion material handling vehicles with electric counterbalanced forklift trucks. Compared to internal combustion forklift trucks (diesel or gas/petrol), electric ones have similar operating performances, but are noiseless and generally smaller in size. The big difference is in the CO2 emissions they emit, contributing to the protection of the environment.

Furthermore, with electric forklifts, the noise level is reduced, allowing easier communication and less operator fatigue. When a gas or LPG powered forklift truck is used inside, emissions are produced that can be harmful to employees and products if not properly treated. Electric forklift trucks do not generate any CO2 emissions. This helps to keep employees healthy and reduce the impact of indoor emissions.

Circular economy

Every year 2.5 billion tonnes of waste is produced in the European Union (EU). The EU is currently updating its waste management legislation to promote the shift from a linear to a circular economy.

But what do we mean when we mention circular economy? What are the reasons and advantages of such a shift?

 

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.

 

In practice, the circular economy involves reducing waste or residues to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life cycle, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible through recycling. They can then be used again and again, creating more value. The circular economy contrasts with the traditional, linear economic model based on the ‘produce-use-dispose’ principle. This model requires vast amounts of cheap and easily accessible materials and a lot of energy.

Every year 2.5 billion tonnes of waste is produced in the European Union (EU). The EU is currently updating its waste management legislation to promote the shift from a linear to a circular economy.

But what do we mean when we mention circular economy? What are the reasons and advantages of such a shift?

 

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.

 

In practice, the circular economy involves reducing waste or residues to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life cycle, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible through recycling. They can then be used again and again, creating more value. The circular economy contrasts with the traditional, linear economic model based on the ‘produce-use-dispose’ principle. This model requires vast amounts of cheap and easily accessible materials and a lot of energy.

Source: European Parliament

Source: European Parliament

Source: European Parliament

Source: European Parliament

Rusticasa is constantly seeking ways to minimize the environmental impact of its industrial activity. For that, we adopt strategies that follow the principles of circular economy, aiming the environment preservation and the responsible use of natural resources.

Rusticasa uses certified wood in its productive processes, assuring the origin and sustainability of its raw material. Besides, the company reduces the production cycles to the maximum through prefabrication, reducing the amount of waste and the energy spent.

 

We value the residues that are transformed into biomass, used as calorific energy necessary for drying the wood itself, as well as for heating the installations, in order to guarantee the thermal conditions indispensable for the production process, generating savings and contributing to the environment. The reuse of leftovers and packaging is adopted in the production or allocated to other works. The remanufacturing of wood for other purposes and the recycling of materials at the end of their useful life are measures that considerably minimise the environmental impact of the production processes.

Rusticasa is a responsible company which always tries to maximize the usefulness of the materials used, making them more sustainable and promoting the efficiency and the responsible use of the natural resources.

Rusticasa is constantly seeking ways to minimize the environmental impact of its industrial activity. For that, we adopt strategies that follow the principles of circular economy, aiming the environment preservation and the responsible use of natural resources.

Rusticasa uses certified wood in its productive processes, assuring the origin and sustainability of its raw material. Besides, the company reduces the production cycles to the maximum through prefabrication, reducing the amount of waste and the energy spent.

 

We value the residues that are transformed into biomass, used as calorific energy necessary for drying the wood itself, as well as for heating the installations, in order to guarantee the thermal conditions indispensable for the production process, generating savings and contributing to the environment. The reuse of leftovers and packaging is adopted in the production or allocated to other works. The remanufacturing of wood for other purposes and the recycling of materials at the end of their useful life are measures that considerably minimise the environmental impact of the production processes.

Rusticasa is a responsible company which always tries to maximize the usefulness of the materials used, making them more sustainable and promoting the efficiency and the responsible use of the natural resources.

Tree planting

In 2020, RUSTICASA® joined the community of partners of the non-governmental organisation One Tree Planted.

 

As an environmental charity, One Tree Planted is committed to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. including Portugal. All this by planting trees!

 

Founded in 2014, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted year on year. Today, the organisation works with reforestation partners around the world who help put trees in the ground to restore forests after fires and floods, create jobs, build communities and protect habitat for biodiversity.

 

52,793,657 trees were planted in 2022, and over 44 million are already confirmed to be planted in 2023!

 

Rusticasa is a company committed to sustainability, which uses certified wood in its production processes. This certification guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, with respect for the environment and the lives of the workers involved in the production chain.

 

The use of certified wood is an important measure for the preservation of forests and the promotion of a responsible market. By guaranteeing that the wood used in its processes is sustainable, Rusticasa reaffirms its commitment with the environment preservation and takes an important position in the sustainable building sector.

 

Besides guaranteeing the reforestation of the felling areas through the forest certification programs, for each house built, RUSTICASA® also contributes with the plantation of trees in areas in risk of desertification. We are thus establishing the necessary link between forests and consumers. We also contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet, as each tree planted absorbs 10 kg of CO2 per year. With 1100 trees planted in Portugal since 2020, we have accumulated a positive balance of 11 tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere each year, which represents 8% of the total reductions in our CO2 emissions.

In 2020, RUSTICASA® joined the community of partners of the non-governmental organisation One Tree Planted.

 

As an environmental charity, One Tree Planted is committed to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. including Portugal. All this by planting trees!

 

Founded in 2014, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted year on year. Today, the organisation works with reforestation partners around the world who help put trees in the ground to restore forests after fires and floods, create jobs, build communities and protect habitat for biodiversity.

 

52,793,657 trees were planted in 2022, and over 44 million are already confirmed to be planted in 2023!

 

Rusticasa is a company committed to sustainability, which uses certified wood in its production processes. This certification guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, with respect for the environment and the lives of the workers involved in the production chain.

 

The use of certified wood is an important measure for the preservation of forests and the promotion of a responsible market. By guaranteeing that the wood used in its processes is sustainable, Rusticasa reaffirms its commitment with the environment preservation and takes an important position in the sustainable building sector.

 

Besides guaranteeing the reforestation of the felling areas through the forest certification programs, for each house built, RUSTICASA® also contributes with the plantation of trees in areas in risk of desertification. We are thus establishing the necessary link between forests and consumers. We also contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet, as each tree planted absorbs 10 kg of CO2 per year. With 1100 trees planted in Portugal since 2020, we have accumulated a positive balance of 11 tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere each year, which represents 8% of the total reductions in our CO2 emissions.

In 2020, RUSTICASA® joined the community of partners of the non-governmental organisation One Tree Planted.

 

As an environmental charity, One Tree Planted is committed to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. including Portugal. All this by planting trees!

 

Founded in 2014, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted year on year. Today, the organisation works with reforestation partners around the world who help put trees in the ground to restore forests after fires and floods, create jobs, build communities and protect habitat for biodiversity.

 

52,793,657 trees were planted in 2022, and over 44 million are already confirmed to be planted in 2023!

 

Rusticasa is a company committed to sustainability, which uses certified wood in its production processes. This certification guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, with respect for the environment and the lives of the workers involved in the production chain.

 

The use of certified wood is an important measure for the preservation of forests and the promotion of a responsible market. By guaranteeing that the wood used in its processes is sustainable, Rusticasa reaffirms its commitment with the environment preservation and takes an important position in the sustainable building sector.

 

Besides guaranteeing the reforestation of the felling areas through the forest certification programs, for each house built, RUSTICASA® also contributes with the plantation of trees in areas in risk of desertification. We are thus establishing the necessary link between forests and consumers. We also contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet, as each tree planted absorbs 10 kg of CO2 per year. With 1100 trees planted in Portugal since 2020, we have accumulated a positive balance of 11 tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere each year, which represents 8% of the total reductions in our CO2 emissions.

In 2020, RUSTICASA® joined the community of partners of the non-governmental organisation One Tree Planted.

 

As an environmental charity, One Tree Planted is committed to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. including Portugal. All this by planting trees!

 

Founded in 2014, One Tree Planted has doubled the number of trees planted year on year. Today, the organisation works with reforestation partners around the world who help put trees in the ground to restore forests after fires and floods, create jobs, build communities and protect habitat for biodiversity.

 

52,793,657 trees were planted in 2022, and over 44 million are already confirmed to be planted in 2023!

 

Rusticasa is a company committed to sustainability, which uses certified wood in its production processes. This certification guarantees that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, with respect for the environment and the lives of the workers involved in the production chain.

 

The use of certified wood is an important measure for the preservation of forests and the promotion of a responsible market. By guaranteeing that the wood used in its processes is sustainable, Rusticasa reaffirms its commitment with the environment preservation and takes an important position in the sustainable building sector.

 

Besides guaranteeing the reforestation of the felling areas through the forest certification programs, for each house built, RUSTICASA® also contributes with the plantation of trees in areas in risk of desertification. We are thus establishing the necessary link between forests and consumers. We also contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet, as each tree planted absorbs 10 kg of CO2 per year. With 1100 trees planted in Portugal since 2020, we have accumulated a positive balance of 11 tonnes of CO2 removed from the atmosphere each year, which represents 8% of the total reductions in our CO2 emissions.

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