Gesvalt, a leading company in the consultancy, valuation and technical services sector, has become the first company in the sector to achieve a net positive carbon footprint. After analysing our carbon footprint and achieving the seal that certifies the compensation of greenhouse gases, several campaigns will be launched to further increase the scope of CO2 reduction in the atmosphere, thus achieving a net positive impact in curbing global warming.
This action forms part of the company's business strategy, which is committed to sustainability as a transversal axis for growth. In this way, we apply within the company itself the measures that we recommend to our customers within the line of business focused on the assessment of corporate sustainability, which makes us a pioneer in the commitment to sustainability.
Prior to the implementation of any measures, Gesvalt was audited by an independent consultant who analysed all the company's assets. This review found that Gesvalt emitted an average of 71.79 tonnes of CO2 in 2021, of which 59.6% were direct, 36.5% indirect from energy and 3.9% from other indirect sources.
Following this analysis, the company is committed to reducing its emissions by 25% by 2027, with measures such as the periodic renewal and replacement of the most polluting fleet of company vehicles, the review and control of office air conditioning systems, the selection of energy suppliers with a 100% renewable Guarantee of Origin, the commitment to the use of shared workspaces and the strategy of raising awareness and training our employees in efficient driving and sustainability, among others.
To achieve the carbon neutrality of our activity, we have decided to compensate the rest of the carbon footprint through collaboration with Bosques Sostenibles, a company dedicated to the creation, recovery and conservation of degraded spaces and forests of high natural value. Together with them, we will plant 384 trees, consisting of Scots pine, birch and rowan, which will occupy a total of 2,500 m2 in Ordazuelo-Gredos, achieving a reduction in emissions equivalent to 69 tonnes of CO2. In addition, this initiative will also generate 5 local jobs between the implementation phase, maintenance and subsequent management of the trees.
In the words of Sandra Daza, CEO of Gesvalt: “obtaining the seal that guarantees the compensation of our carbon footprint was a challenge for us with which we wanted to demonstrate Gesvalt's commitment to sustainability both with our clients and with the environment. However, we didn't want to stop there; thanks to additional campaigns, Gesvalt is not only the first real estate consultancy firm in the sector to certify its carbon footprint and offset it, but we will also be the first company in the market to be net positive”.
A Spotify playlist to strengthen our internal engagement
At Gesvalt we wanted to go one step further to contribute to this goal by launching an additional charitable action to increase our contribution to planting forests beyond offsetting net emissions. To this end, we have created a collaborative Spotify playlist with the participation of both our employees and our customers, adding songs related to sustainability, the environment, water and care for the planet. With each song added to the playlist, and every time the initiative is shared on social networks, an additional euro will be donated to Bosques Sostenibles S.L.'s actions.
Business line focused on sustainability
On the other hand, and as part of the global ESG positioning strategy, at the beginning of the year we announced the expansion of the company's services portfolio by launching a new line of business specialising in sustainability led by Diego Vilaró.
With this business line, we provide specific support to our customers in the initiatives they take to promote the energy transition and the sustainability of their activities. The company has two lines of sustainability consultancy. The first is focused on the real estate sector, aimed at helping to obtain the different energy certifications for buildings, the management of NextGen subsidies for refurbishment, advice on the GRESB Benchmark, or the performance of Environmental Due Diligence. On the other hand, from the Corporate Advisory area, we provide comprehensive support in the ESG certification and ratings processes, carry out sustainability audits and EINF reports, verify GRI sustainability reports and help companies obtain green financing.
With this step within the company's internal management, we aim to become a success story that reflects to its customers the potential of applying these services in their organisation in order to stay ahead of regulation and foster the energy transition.
About Gesvalt
Gesvalt is a benchmark company in the consultancy, valuation and technical services sector. More than 25 years of experience, a team of highly qualified professionals and a firm commitment to offering a top quality service are the keys to becoming strategic partners of the main private companies and public entities.
It has a large number of offices in Spain, Portugal and Colombia. The firm is also part of the VRG international network, which allows it to operate in the main countries of the world.