Today (24 July) marks Earth Overshoot Day, the day on which humanity’s consumption and use of ecological resources and services exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in that year.
With this day arriving a week earlier than in 2024, there is a pressing need for businesses worldwide to intensify their sustainability efforts and strive towards net-zero carbon goals.
CDE, a leader in wet processing solutions for the natural and waste recycling sectors, has published its 2024 sustainability report, marking a significant step in its commitment to green business practices.
Darren Eastwood, Business Development Director at CDE, says that the commitments in the report are about doing what is right.
“CDE’s purpose is to create our best world, a ton at a time, and we have driven that through our ambitious recycling systems around the world. Our sustainability plan has three key focus areas, people, planet and economic development and is driven by a sustainability taskforce.”
The self-declared report focuses on the environmental impact, social responsibility, and transparent governance of CDE’s operations, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report highlights CDE’s commitment to achieving net zero by pledging to decrease its scope 1 & 2 net emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. CDE is committed to reducing both water consumption and steel scrap waste by 10% by 2025.
CDE follows the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) and, as such, has implemented PV arrays, EV charging facilities, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting, as well as other carbon reduction initiatives such as green electricity contracts and carbon literacy training.
The report also showcases CDE’s commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives focused on mental health, employee wellbeing, and community engagement. These include STEM outreach programmes, volunteering opportunities, and a robust safety and wellbeing strategy supported by a dedicated committee.
Darren comments: “Our people are the driving force behind our progress. By fostering a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation, we’re building a business that’s fit for the future. One that delivers for our customers, our communities, and the environment.
“Sustainability is embedded in our DNA at CDE. We have supported customers to divert over 230 million tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill. Every tonne of material we help our customers recover is a step toward a more circular, resource-efficient future. This report reflects our commitment to transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement as we work together to protect our planet and empower our people.”
To read the full report or learn more about CDE’s sustainability efforts, visit CDEGroup.com/sustainability
