Environmental protection is one of the top priorities in DESFA’s daily operation. The mission of DESFA is to protect the natural and cultural environment and to promote a model of sustainable development.
DESFA, during construction adheres to the strictest environmental standards provided for by Greek and European legislation. For this purpose a relative procedure is applied by DESFA or the Contractors and Subcontractor of projects.
In the context of a more rational management of natural resources, of minimization of environmental impacts, a proper Environmental Management System (EMS) according to ELOT EN ISO 14001:2004 is established in all our facilities. In particular EMS includes:
- Environmental Performance Software
- Environmental benchmarking in DESFA’s facilities
- Environmental Monthly Report for each facility
- Strict compliance with European & Greek Legislation
- Environmental management of hazardous and non-hazardous materials
- Procedures & Work instructions
- Environmental Emergency Plans (EEP)
The receiving LNG Facilities at Revythousa operate with even stricter environmental specifications than those imposed by the European Union. At the same time, in cases of accidents, an emergency plan has been drawn up, which applied in cooperation with the Fire Brigade, according to the Safety Manual.
According to the European directive 2003/87/EC and Greek corresponding legislation (Κ.Υ.Α Η.Π 54409/2632/27-12-2004), DESFA participates in the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) with receiving LNG Facilities of Revythousa. In order to monitor, record and manage the greenhouse gas emissions relevant software has been developed. The new Compressor Station of Nea Mesimvria is expected to join EU ETS on October, 2011 according to Annex 1 of the directive.
In cooperation with Alternative Waste Management Systems DESFA manages various types of wastes such as lubricants, chemicals, waste oil, batteries, mobile phones, packages, electric and electronic equipment. Furthermore large quantities of paper, plastic and aluminum are collected and recycled.
DESFA participates in the European Research Project “NaturalHy” which is an integrated Project, co-financed by the European Commission. The main objective of the project is to contribute to the preparation for the hydrogen economy by:
- Identifying and removing the potential barriers inhibiting the development of hydrogen as an energy carrier, using the existing natural gas system as a catalyst for change;
- Initiating the near-future practical transition towards the hydrogen economy
DESFA supports, in its sphere of influence, the ten principles of the Global Compact with respect to core values as human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Global Compact is a practical framework for the development, implementation, and disclosure of sustainability. Overall, the Global Compact pursues two objectives:
- Mainstream the ten principles in business activities around the world
- Catalyze actions in support of broader UN goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
DESFA’s employees daily apply 10 Energy Saving Measures that lead to significant reduction of electricity and natural gas consumption and also offices CO2 emissions. Drivers apply 5 simple tips for eco-driving that promote safely and efficiency driving and save fuel, money, CO2 emissions for a more sustainable fleet of cars.
The carbon footprint is defined as the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused, directly or indirectly, by an operating organization.
The carbon footprint is defined as the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused, directly or indirectly, by an operating organization.
The quantitative measurement of carbon footprint allows the proper environmental management of all processes of DESFA and the maximum preservation of natural wealth. Thus DESFA calculated the carbon footprint according to the International Standard PAS 2050:2011 and the indicators recorded were:
- Electric Energy Consumption
- Natural Gas Consumption
- Vented Gas
- Gasoline consumption
- Oil consumption
- Liquefied Natural Gas Gaseous Emissions
In 2011 DESFA was the first European National Natural Gas System Opperetor to ever record it’s carbon footprint.
With a sense of Corporate Social Responsibility and targeting at increasing our environmental performance, DESFA constitutes an official member of the Athens Green 360o, which is the first Green Business Network in Greece operating in the Attica basin.
The purpose of Athens Green 360o is the reduction of Carbon Footprint, the reduction of energy consumption and the reduction of pollutant emissions by 1.000.000 t CO2. As part of the environmental public awareness conservation, actions are promoted for the protection of Attica’s climate and the upgrade of the quality of life for residents by investing in green development.
With continuous and demonstrable actions of Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, D.E.S.F.A will assist with specialized expertise in management and environmental protection and with innovative tools available for the prevention of environmental impacts, measurement and control of environmental risks and of the environmental performance of it’s facilities.
Specific objectives of D.E.S.F.A & Athens Green 360o:
- Reduction of business carbon footprints
- Reduction of energy consumption and operating cost
- Creation of the first voluntary emissions exchange system in Greece (Carbon Fund).
- Implementation of environmental actions in Attica using all the proceeds from the disposition of voluntary emission of Athens Green Carbon Fund for the implementation of specific environmental projects in Attica. 1,000,000 trees planting in the area of Attica, replacing energy-intensive lamps in public buildings and contribution to the energy efficiency of schools in Attica (green schools).
The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate
Change, the Municipality of Athens and ΣΚΑΙ Group is the media sponsor.
For more information:
Athensgreen360
