Siema Kitchen & Bath accepted the Net-Zero Challenge
What is Net-Zero? Net-Zero describes the ideal scenario where Greenhouse Gases (GHG) released into the earth’s atmosphere are equipoised by the amount of GHG removed from the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide (co2) is one of the four main gases in the Earth’s atmosphere along with nitrogen, oxygen, and methane. Co2 is essential to trap heat in the atmosphere but too much Co2 leads to negative implications for the environment I.e., Global warming. Extreme environmental climate changes; from heat waves to flooding have been prominent and increasingly worsening over the past two decades because of high Co2 emissions. The emission of CO2 is both a natural process (which is minimal) and a by-product of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels which accounts for 73% of the total GHG emitted into the atmosphere. Businesses play a significant role in emitting toxic gasses into the atmosphere annually. The most copious amounts of Carbon Dioxide released into the atmosphere from human activities are through transport, agriculture, and energy generation. This occurs through the transportation of goods and services, the farming of livestock and food as well as energy generation like the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity.
United Nations & Climate Change:
The United Nations (UN) recognizes the urgency to act now in the fight against climate change as a way to prevent global temperature from rising to a point beyond return. If we continue as we are, it will result in an ecological catastrophe. To avoid this catastrophe, we can do our utmost globally to reduce/ eliminate our carbon emissions. Annually, countries release approximately 50 Gigatons of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. America accounts for an eighth of global emissions. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) has stated that the global Carbon Dioxide output must decrease to 20-30 Gigatons a year and then drop toward zero gigatons a year to stay within budget. In recent years, it has been brought to the forefront of our attention that the global carbon budget is quickly been depleted and action needs to be taken immediately to protect our planet for our future generations’ livelihoods.
The Paris Agreement was the first major global response to achieve net zero which was first introduced to the world on 12th December 2015. This agreement aims to bring all nations together to work towards a better, greener future. The main objective of this agreement is to limit the planet’s temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 193 parties have signed onto this agreement as of today’s numbers. The Paris Agreement has three main objectives: To limit our global temperature to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, review countries’ plans every five years and assess if it is on target to reach net-zero by 2050 and thirdly to provide financing to developing countries. Developed Countries are requested to aid financially to help developing countries reduce their carbon emissions. Canada has joined this agreement as of the summer of 2021, establishing The Net-Zero Challenge as an initiative to bring businesses nationwide on board to seek net-zero by 2050.
Canada has also agreed to the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan which Is a detailed roadmap that outlines a plan to lower emissions released to 40% below 2005 emission reports before 2030 and subsequently achieve complete net zero by 2050. Canada’s commitment to addressing climate change now is not just a way to stay on par with other nations but to protect our beautiful landscapes, and future generations, to create sustainable jobs and to build a strong economy. Canada has looked at each sector and analyzed what processes need to be altered or reprimanded to cut pollution; from farming to health care to transport. We have all the technology available to achieve this; electrical vehicles, renewable power, and clean technologies worldwide so it is a matter of everyone; individuals, small-scale businesses to large corporations to pull together and action the necessary changes to achieve net-zero emissions. The net-zero initiative sets out to encourage businesses to take accountability for how their business negatively impacts the environment and to put actions into place to offset this impact. If we continue to do what we are doing and do not implement adjustments to mitigate our carbon emissions the global temperature is predicted to rocket above 3 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial temperatures. If our planet does reach this temperature the consequences for our planet will be devastating.
Net-Zero and Construction Industry:
The construction industry accounts for over one-third of annual carbon emissions worldwide. This figure includes the extraction of raw materials and manufacturing of construction materials. It is important that this industry plays its part in the fight against climate change. A way developers can approach this is by reconsidering all aspects of their business and analyzing how they can implement more environmentally friendly approaches. One way a developer can hold accountability for their actions is by being transparent and reporting how they are striving to become net-zero by 2050 with each new project. This transparency will not only reduce emissions and encourage their partners to join this challenge it will also attract clients and investors who are seeking to work with more conscious businesses. It creates a generative and competitive race and encourages other developers and leaders in the industry to follow the pursuit so they too will have a competitive edge in the industry. As a result of the formulation of the net-zero challenge, there has been a surge of innovative materials such as low-carbon concrete. By using low-carbon materials it sparks the interest to see how much carbon emissions are generated in each project. A way that developers can track this is by using innovative technologies which allow you to track every material used on-site. This will not only allow you to accurately track the cost of material used but will also reduce waste and create a report that developers can be proud to publish; leaders taking a giant step towards our net-zero future. This idea of tracking emissions can also be carried into the interior of the building, many companies such as Scavolini already have strong environmental procedures in place. Siema Kitchen and Bath as Vancouvers only Scavolini store would happily be part of this reporting process. Siema Kitchen and Bath are also proudly joining the net-zero challenge to further reduce the carbon budget in the projects they take on.
Eiman and Emad Mohammad; founders of Siema Kitchen and Bath are on board the net-zero train. Having been working with Scavolini for the past 15 years Eiman and Emad have always been impressed by the early environmental interventions Italian’s Scavolini Cabinetry company were taking. It has been something they wanted to get involved in and implement more within their own company on a smaller scale. Through the small but significant processes of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Siema Kitchen and Bath of course have been following pursuit but how can they make a greater impact and how can it benefit their company in the long term? By signing onto the Net-Zero challenge they are making the commitment to abide by the goals set out by the government. To make net-zero their default business plan, collaborate and follow the guidance provided, eliminate, reduce, or offset their GHG Output. Siema Kitchen and Bath recognizes there is a growing demand from customers for companies to do their part in protecting the environment. Some of the potential benefits for Siema Kitchen and Bath are; attracting and retaining young professionals: working with a company that actively commits to reducing their carbon footprint and strives to achieve net-zero is an attractive asset as employees want to work for a progressive company which is curtailing the long-term environment effects of their business. Attract environmentally conscious consumers; people are willing to support eco-friendly businesses and pay premium prices for products which are developed sustainably.
On the path for Scavolini’s only Vancouver store to take on the net-zero challenge, they will reduce energy costs by decreasing energy consumption. Reduce Greenhouse Gas emitted into the atmosphere; protecting the beautiful surroundings around us. Enhance Siema Kitchen and Bath’s reputation and brand; as an added attractive selling point, Siema Kitchen and Bath will have a broader appeal and can assess new markets in Vancouver. Siema Kitchen and Bath will stand out from competitors not only as a seller of Scavolini; an internationally renowned brand which has strong environmental principles but also as a Vancouver-born company that practices implementing processes to reduce its carbon emissions. In the coming years, stricter government regulations will be brought about to reach our nation’s net-zero goals; being part of the journey early translates as being ahead of the game and in a better position to help Canada reach its net-zero goals. Almost 90% of human-based carbon emissions are targeted to be reduced under the net-zero commitment for 2050. Businesses that vouch to step up put a detailed road map in place and eliminate or reduce their carbon emissions may benefit from the transition to net-zero. By 2030 revenue is expected to jump to $12 trillion. Financial institutes that are responsible for $130 trillion of capital are committed to striving for a 1.5-degree Celsius future thus, are taking advantage of low-cost green financing. Expansive marketing strategies are in place for businesses that choose to go net-zero. This opens an abundance of growth potential and increases the target market by capturing customers and investors who seek out companies that are committed to taking a greener business approach. Companies that choose to go net-zero are on the market pedestal as they can offer premium prices for their products. Siema Kitchen and Bath taking on the Net-Zero challenge will see a shift in their competitors as some current competitors may not have signed up for the challenge. Eiman and Emad Mohammad hope that with this transition to net-zero it will attract more clients, designers, and contractors who hold the same environmental values as Scavolini & Siema and help grow the business further as they continue to strive and expand their business.
How can we decarbonize our lives?
Every effort from every individual is required to decarbonize our world. One pressing effort to reduce our emissions is to move away from and eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels; oil, gas, and coal. Energy consumption is the cause of a staggering 83% of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. This translates to over 34 billion metric tons of CO2 yearly. To meet our global target of the net-zero our annual global reduction needs to be about 7.6%. Operating our infrastructure and technologies without fossil fuels will be difficult but it is completely achievable- we have everything we need to achieve this, but it will require a collective effort globally; working together to achieve this. We need other companies to join Siema Kitchen and Bath on the journey to net-zero. On an individual scale, we must reduce our own carbon footprint. Through simple mindful steps, we can all do our part. Some areas where easy transitions can be made include our transportation choice. Opting to purchase an electric car as opposed to a gas vehicle will reduce emissions. The use of public transportation will also significantly reduce the emissions released, particularly in Vancouver as many buses are electrically powered.
Walking or cycling to work will not only benefit the environment but also our health. Carpooling with friends or colleagues to work is also an alternative approach which will lift your mood as you also get social interaction which is vital for our health and wellbeing. Consider updating your energy provider at home to an electric source and omit fossil fuel as your primary source. Use energy-efficient appliances, and unplug appliances when not in use. Adopt a less meat-reliant diet; flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan are some of the alternative diet choices one could make. The farming of cattle and lambs produces some of the highest emissions in the agri-food sector; reducing the amount of beef and lamb consumed will see significant reductions in CO2. Reduce, Reuse, recycle. These basic environmental steps which have been long known to benefit our planet are still the easiest and surefire way of decreasing carbon emissions. Making simple swaps from paper towels to fabric cloths. Shop at eco-bulk stores to reduce the amount of plastic purchased. Meal plans and creating a shopping list will reduce the amount of waste being disposed of. Every year we waste approximately $1100 worth of food, by planning and preparing weekly meals will see a reduction in food waste.
Food that is not disposed of in a compost, finds its way into our landfills producing toxic emissions. Recycle plastics, paper, and glass correctly so it does not end up unnecessarily in the landfill. When purchasing a new product think of its longevity; is it high quality, will it last for years to come, does it come with a guarantee? Was the product made sustainably by a company that values the environment and strives to implement the best processes to reduce its negative impacts on the environment? Fortunately, when it comes to Kitchen Cabinetry all these questions ring true for Scavolini and subsequently Siema Kitchen and Bath. These simple measures can be implemented daily with a bit of conscious effort. At Siema Kitchen and Bath; Eiman and Emad Mohamad make conscious efforts to ensure that the cardboard, paper, and plastic are separated from general waste and compost materials. Siema Kitchen and Bath reuse paper and try to reduce printing where possible. These small activities take little time out of the day but require being mindful and the team having a combined goal of wanting to do their part to protect the environment. At Siema Kitchen and Bath, many employees opt to walk, bike, or use public transport to get to and from work daily. Car-pooling is also a frequent practice when colleagues are going in the same direction or to a job site.
Scavolini: Their commitment to the environment.
Scavolini has long been committed to protecting the environment. It is ingrained in their company values that luxury high-quality products are synonymous with sustainable considered processes and responsibly sourced materials. Scavolini has been ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing such values to protect the environment. They have been recognized many times by environmental protection associations for their efforts to decrease carbon emissions. Scavolini obtained the FSC Chain of Custody (COC) Certification FSC C168055 in 2021. This certificate acknowledges that Scavolini has undergone extensive measures to source its raw materials from sustainable resources. The materials Scavolini chooses for their high-end luxury kitchen cabinetry are sourced from responsibly managed FSC forests. When they were awarded the FSC COC they knew it was a step forward in the right direction. This certificate states that their materials are traceable to their original raw form I.e., FSC forests. Winning this award informs clients, designers, contractors, and realtors alike that Scavolini has reliably sourced their materials. This adds further value to the high-end cabinetry because as well as the detailed craftsmanship in each product the environment was not harmed in its production. The FSC certificate also evaluates each step in the process from procurement to processing, sale, and distribution. Scavolini surpassed the standards expected at each stage to receive the FSC award. This stands as a testament that Scavolini is a conscious company that is continuously determined to lower its carbon footprint. It is companies like Scavolini which set the bar for protecting the environment and act as proof that through determination, solid values, and community it is possible for businesses to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It is by working with Scavolini for numerous years and seeing them surpass obstacles to lowering their GHG emissions that Eiman and Emad Mohammad have been inspired and motivated to take on the Net-Zero Challenge.
Siema Kitchen and Bath plans for decarbonization by accepting the net-zero challenge
Eiman and Emad of Scavolini’s only Vancouver store is taking the leap committing to the Net-Zero challenge. How are they doing this? One way of offsetting CO2 emissions entering the atmosphere is by protecting the carbon sinks. Carbon Sinks such as trees, oceans, and soil, absorb more CO2 than they emit and therefore are vital to regulating our carbon environment. Siema Kitchen and Bath have done their research and have found that each average-sized kitchen constructed, requires approximately 50 cubic metres of wood. This is the equivalent of two trees of 40 ft tall and 1.5ft wide. Each tree of this statue produces 24.5 square metres of wood. Each tree absorbs about 50kg of carbon dioxide each year. The Mohammad brothers will offset this loss by creating a “Tree Planting Programme.” In this programme for every average size kitchen sold, they will plant two trees to replace the loss of trees and offset carbon emissions in our atmosphere. This tree planting programme will also be used for other areas of the home such as a bathroom, living room, and closets and the equivalent number of trees will be planted. This initiative has many benefits as not only will the trees help offset the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, but they will also tell a story. A story of how Siema Kitchen and Bath are doing their part for climate change, provide the client with a tree they can plant in their garden to mark the beginning of their life in their new home or indeed with their Scavolini Kitchen cabinetry. Siema Kitchen and Bath also plans to liaise with the Vancouver City Council to offer trees for parks and other areas within Vancouver.
Emad and Eiman Mohammad also have plans to offset their own carbon emissions by considering the number of employees who have cars. They plan to offset the carbon emissions associated with these cars. Each day a gasoline-fueled car produces 250g of carbon dioxide. It takes 1.85 trees to counteract these emissions annually. Siema Kitchen and Bath will plant two trees for every car owned by an employee. As with every company, a lot of paper is used daily. Siema Kitchen and Bath will plant trees to neutralize the loss of trees associated with the amount of paper used. North Americans use approximately 26kg of toilet paper per year which amounts to 760 rolls. An average tree 40ft tall and 1.5ft wide produces 1500 rolls of paper. Siema Plans to offset these by planting one tree for every two employees. This is just the beginning of Siema’s journey to a net-zero future, through small conscious daily decisions we can create a better future for our planet and our succeeding generations. Join the Net-Zero challenge and become part of the movement to an exciting future with us. This initiative is the first of many Siema Kitchen and Bath have planned to take part in. Stay tuned to upcoming articles to keep updated with how Siema Kitchen & Bath will lower their carbon emissions and achieve Net-Zero by 2050.
