From «climate compensation» to «climate contribution»
20.2.2024
Translation: Katherine Martin
The terms «climate compensation» and «climate neutral» have outlived their usefulness. Not only can they be misleading, they’re also frequently misused. If you want to help protect the climate when shopping on Galaxus or Digitec, you’ll now be clicking on the «climate contribution» option.
Three years ago, we became the first online shop in the world to give customers the chance to offset their carbon footprint at the checkout. The feature has been well used ever since. At the same time, we’ve taken a number of other measures to protect the climate. We’ve committed to a science-based greenhouse gas reduction programme (SBTI), implemented a variety of schemes to reduce energy consumption and packaging, equipped our warehouses with large-scale solar panels, launched an emission-free flash delivery option, integrated sustainability filters into the shop – and much more. Meanwhile, the legal framework and regulatory requirements have also evolved. As has the terminology used in public discussions about climate protection. With this in mind, we’ve decided to change the name of our «voluntary climate compensation» option to «climate contribution». There are good reasons for doing so.
From greenwashing to green hushing
The European Union is taking bold steps to regulate and, in the best case scenario, ban greenwashing by 2026. All companies are under increasing pressure to be transparent about their climate protection measures and publicly outline their impact. Supervisory authorities have been assessing companies’ carbon reduction programmes and cracking down on misleading statements. The press has also published fairly critical, detailed reports on sustainability initiatives. On occasion, this has led to a phenomenon known as green hushing, whereby companies set themselves climate targets but keep them quiet out of fear of public criticism. This criticism – sometimes justified, sometimes misguided – has prompted all stakeholders to rethink their strategies and terminology around how climate protection initiatives are communicated. It’s also motivated companies to adopt a proactive, clear and transparent approach to climate projects.
Now more than ever, climate action is urgently needed. If we’re to keep global warming within the target of 1.5 degrees, the measures currently in place are far from sufficient. The voluntary CO₂ market continues to offer a measurable, proven way of implementing urgently needed climate protection measures. However, the original term «climate compensation» has been misused by some players in the past, particularly emissions-intensive industries. As a result, we’ve scrapped the «compensation» approach. Responsible businesses should be recognised for their sustainability efforts and be able to communicate them confidently. By using clear, simple language, companies can avoid misunderstandings.
Saving the planet costs money
At Galaxus, the «climate contribution» option will continue to be available to customers on a voluntary basis. It invites them to take up their responsibility to the environment and contribute to the global fight against climate change. We’re well aware that there’s still a lot to do when it comes to climate protection. The voluntary CO₂ market and existing climate protection projects are far from perfect – they need to be improved and made more transparent. However, they work, they’re science-based and they make it possible to set up and finance climate protection projects on every continent. Projects that otherwise wouldn’t receive funding or generate measurable results.
Together, we’ll continue to support various initiatives to promote climate protection and help improve living conditions in the communities where they’re carried out. We want to keep giving the Galaxus Community the opportunity to invest in certified climate projects and drive change towards a sustainable, climate-friendly society.
Tobias Billeter
Head of Corporate Communications
Tobias.Billeter@digitecgalaxus.chMaking sure employees and media know what's up at Digitec Galaxus is my job. But without fresh air and a lot of exercise, I basically stop functioning. The great outdoors provides me with the energy I need to stay on the ball. Jazz gives me the tranquility to tame my kids.
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