Excessive heat waves, tropical storms, droughts, blizzards, tornadoes, and tsunamis are some of the extreme weather events we have witnessed in recent years, and forecasts indicate they will become increasingly common, bringing serious consequences for human populations and natural ecosystems. But what is causing all of this? The so-called Greenhouse Effect.

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural phenomenon that traps part of the heat radiated by the Earth and makes life on the planet possible. When solar energy reaches the top of the Earth’s atmosphere, part of it is absorbed by the oceans and the Earth's surface, and part is reflected back into space. Another portion is trapped by gases, warming the planet, this is the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are naturally present on Earth’s surface. In fact, they are responsible for warming the planet. Without this natural warming, the Earth’s average temperature would be –18°C (0°F), whereas under normal conditions, the planet’s average temperature remains around 14°C (57°F).

In the past, the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere was balanced, allowing just the right amount of radiation to be retained and maintaining ideal temperatures. Today, however, their concentration is much higher, trapping more radiation and consequently causing greater warming.

The origin of these elevated GHG concentrations is anthropogenic, meaning caused by human activity, which has led to a global crisis due to the changes imposed on the climate and the risks posed to communities around the world.

According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, which analyzed impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability with contributions from scientists in 195 countries, the current 1.1°C increase in global temperature is already causing losses and damages, especially among populations in situations of vulnerability. We have reached a stage in which the climate crisis is driving increasingly irreversible consequences. (ALVES, 2022)

For 28 years in the market, Grupo K1 has carried out its mission of ensuring that all people can live in the home of their dreams. As the largest furniture group in Latin America, and understanding our responsibility toward all stakeholders and the environment, we develop sustainable and responsible practices on a daily basis.

The essence of our business lies in nature. Everything began with the forests, the source of our main raw material, wood. They made it possible for us to reach a manufacturing area of more than 200,000 m², with over 2,000 employees. Throughout these 30 years of history, the desire for all people to live in the home of their dreams has become our purpose.

Driven and forward-thinking, we constantly pursue innovation, which has enabled us to look beyond, recognizing that to fulfill our purpose, it is essential to align well-being, quality of life, and environmental preservation, elements increasingly threatened by frequent climate change.

Therefore, concerned about the environmental impacts of industrial processes, Grupo K1 has prepared its Greenhouse Gas Inventory since 2021, guided by the methodology of the GHG Protocol Brazil.

According to ABNT NBR 14.064-1:2022, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (GGI) is a list of GHG-generating sources and removals. Through the GGI, we were able to identify critical points in the generation of gases and the improvements needed. At this moment, Grupo K1 is focused on minimizing its impacts through actions such as changing the energy matrix by purchasing 100% clean energy, implementing reverse logistics for packaging, and carrying out several improvements within the industrial process.

Since 2023, Grupo K1 has proudly earned the Silver Seal awarded by the GHG Protocol Brazil to companies that fully complete their GHG Inventories. This seal is a source of pride and reaffirms that Grupo K1 is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, fully aware of its responsibility as the largest furniture group in Latin America.

Each of us also has a role in helping reduce the effects of climate change by seeking solutions to adapt to this new reality. The planet needs our help.

Access the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory at the link below:
https://registropublicodeemissoes.fgv.br/participantes/4585   

Since 2022, 100% of the electricity consumed by Grupo K1 has been renewable and certified through I-RECs, reducing CO₂eq emissions. In addition, after identifying the use of fossil fuels in forklifts as one of the main sources of greenhouse gases, Grupo K1 has been gradually replacing gas-powered forklifts with electric models, which will result, by 2030, in an 11% reduction in the Group’s total emissions compared to 2024.

Maritime Transportation Reduces Emissions

In 2023, road transportation accounted for approximately 12% of total global GHG emissions, while maritime transportation represented only 3%. Additionally, while a ship can carry an enormously larger volume of cargo, making it more efficient in terms of emissions per ton-kilometer, road transport vehicles (such as trucks) are individually more polluting.

Grupo K1 prioritizes maritime transportation for its products, both in the domestic and international markets.