Carbon Management and Emissions

Glass recycling collection vehiclesThe company met its energy and operational efficiency targets set for 2009/10, and also undertook a fundamental review of its approach to carbon management and recording of energy use. This was, in part, driven by the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRCEES) but generally it is recognising the increasing importance of carbon accounting in business. This has resulted in the recruitment of a dedicated Carbon and Energy Efficiency Manager whose responsibilities will include driving through the key energy saving initiatives identified in the energy efficiency surveys.

Data collection systems will continue to be developed and will form one component of the requirements for producing the CRCEES evidence packs.

2009/10 saw an increase in the Viridor recycling capabilities both through acquisition and facility development. To date no assessment has been made of carbon savings through the replacement of virgin resources by recycled materials. However, the supply of 117,438 tonnes of glass for remelt and glass fibre production has resulted in savings of 32,950 CO2te compared with the use of virgin materials*.

A UK Government report anticipating the greenhouse gas effects of the UK's main waste streams between 2005 and 2031 showed that recycling and energy recovery has significant benefits over landfill, particularly in terms of reduced carbon emissions for non-ferrous metals, plastics, textiles, paper and card, and food and garden waste (particularly by anaerobic digestion, producing heat and power).**

* Using British Glass Manufacturers Confederation Life Cycle Analysis Glass Recycling Protocol.
** Carbon Balances and Energy Impacts of the Management of UK Wastes. ERM & Golder Associates Report for Defra, March 2006

The company undertook a fundamental review of its approach to carbon management and energy useAccording to the UK Committee on Climate Change, carbon emissions in the UK waste sector were reduced by 58% from 1990 to 2006, making it one of the most effective industries in this important area. The Committee estimates that 11% of further reductions should be achieved by 2020 through continued increases in recycling and energy from waste, and Viridor continues make significant contributions in these vital areas.

The company operates a vehicle collection fleet of 720 trucks. Fuel use and associated emissions are negative impacts and transport services are managed in order to minimise and reduce these where feasible.

Initiatives include:

  • Keep It In The Green' driver training, whereby a league table for drivers is produced every month based on fuel efficiency achieved for individual trucks.
  • Standard procurement of Euro 5' high specification engines across the company.
  • Participation in the Freight Transport Association Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme.
  • Trialling of hybrid vehicles and evaluation of alternative fuels.

One negative aspect for the year has been the reported increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the Company's landfills. This is contrary to the downwards trend of previous years. The principal cause is the significant reduction of inputs into the landfills as a result of the economic downturn, rise in landfill tax and increased recycling. This resulted in operational cells of sites remaining uncapped for longer than the normally planned 12 months.

CARBON MANAGEMENT AND EMISSIONS 2009-10
Total landfill emissions as CO2 equivalents 1,273,804 tCO2e
Total transport related emissions as CO2 equivalents 44,466 tCO2e
Composting emissions as CO2 equivalents 72,733 tCO2e
Thermal treatment emissions as CO2 equivalents 33,055 tCO2e
Total energy related emissions as CO2 equivalents 44,495 tCO2e
Total Viridor emissions 09/10 1,468,553 tCO2e
GAS VOLUMES AND UTILISATION 2009-10
Total energy generated from landfill gas 555 GWh
Amount of landfill gas 549,232 tonnes
Gas flared 13.92% 119,967 tCO2e
Gas used for power generation 70.11% 603,873 tCO2e
Gas vented 15.97% 549,964 tCO2e
Efficiency of gas capture 84.03%
Total Viridor landfill emissions 09/10 1,273,804 tCO2e