LOGISTICS
RENEWABLE ENERGY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS Green authenticity is crucial. The most important thing is not to simply give lip service to sustainability but actually follow through with strategic action. In this interview, Roman Mayer, CEO Swissterminal talks transparent and sustainable logistics and why opting for renewable energy is good for business, the economy and the planet Can you please give a brief overview of Swissterminal’s operations? At Swissterminal, we operate a leading integrated container terminal, port and hinterland service network. Our comprehensive logistics portfolio includes everything from container handling, storage and repair to warehousing and intermodal services. Across our five container terminals in Switzerland and our three inland ports in France, our dayto-day operations are quite diverse, focusing on solving our customers’ end-to-end supply chain needs.
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Please give a brief overview of the hydropower project As a company, our mission is to achieve net-zero emissions and we strive for clean operations to protect the climate. We set ourselves the target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the short-term and as part of this we made the decision to operate our terminal sites in Switzerland exclusively with renewable energy. Today, all of the energy used at our terminals in Switzerland is generated 100% from Swiss hydropower and has a CO2 factor of 0 kg/GJ. How does the supply of hydropower work to the terminals? We have developed a strategy that enables us to purchase the electricity on the market ourselves. In this way, we can ensure what we are using is 100% green.
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Photo Swissterminal
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Does Swissterminal already use or intend to use other renewable energies in future? As we continue to take strides towards our goal of net-zero emissions, we are constantly evaluating new opportunities. Our hydropower agreement is a very important step for our company, but we recognise we must go even further. We are already involved in some promising projects and hope to be able to communicate additional progress soon.
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8 All of the energy used at its terminals in Switzerland is generated 100% from Swiss hydropower
What are the benefits of hydropower both in terms of the bottom line and reducing carbon emissions? Opting for renewable energy is good for business, the economy and the planet. Through buying green hydropower, we completely eliminate our indirect greenhouse gas emissions from electricity purchases. At the same time, we are preparing our company for rising energy prices and CO2 costs. As a family business, we think in generation, and we believe it is our duty to preserve our planet and its resources for the next generation.
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18 | WINTER 2022
8 Roman Mayer, CEO Swissterminal
Photo Swissterminal
Why did you choose hydropower specifically above other renewable energy? Switzerland is endowed with extraordinary conditions for hydropower and as a resul, it is our country’s most important domestic source of renewable energy. In fact, around 60% of electricity produced in Switzerland already comes from hydropower. As a Swiss company, choosing hydropower was a sensible, eco-friendly and forwardlooking choice.
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