Sustainability
At a time when climate change is one of the biggest global challenges, we at the L&M Group are aware that we must take responsibility for our ecological footprint.
One of the keys to tackling the climate crisis is to clean up heavy industry, which is responsible for 40% of all global CO2 emissions. The steel industry alone is responsible for more than 7% of global Co2 emissions.
In a world where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, companies have a significant responsibility to minimize their environmental footprint.
The L&M Group is aware of this responsibility and is taking a significant step towards sustainability by voluntarily offsetting its CO2 emissions in accordance with Scope 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Sustainability out of conviction
For us, sustainability is not just a word, but a long-term commitment. That is why we continue to be committed to environmental protection and plan to further improve our carbon footprint in the coming years.
As a company, we are committed not only to reducing our emissions, but also to offsetting unavoidable emissions. We are proud to report that in 2024 we offset our CO2 emissions from 2023 as part of a regional project in the Sauerland region. This project is being carried out in close cooperation with regional forestry authorities. The sustainability of the project is certified by the German Institute for Sustainability and Economics.
The parent stock principle
Specifically, with our support, a total of 13,091 m² of forest area was reforested according to the so-called mother stock principle. Various tree species were planted on this area, including: Oaks (10%), beeches (36%), Douglas firs (14%), pines (10%), larches (19%) and other deciduous and coniferous tree species (11%).*
The "Mutterstockprinzip" project differs significantly from other initiatives. The "Mutterstockprinzip" is a concept for sustainable reforestation and forest management that aims to preserve natural forest structures and promote resilient forests. It is based on the idea that after an intervention in the forest - for example by felling trees - not all the soil is exposed.
Instead, "mother sticks" or deadwood trunks from the previously damaged stands are preserved at a height of approx. 1.50 meters. By planting in the cane axis, more water is delivered to the seedling on the main weather side when it rains. In addition, the shade provided by the deadwood trunk ensures more wind rest and less evaporation. The already dead trunks also bind a large amount of CO², which can be reintroduced into the natural cycle. The slowly rotting trunks create a habitat for many insect species, which in turn provide a source of food for many songbirds.
By creating a habitat, more seed is spread over the areas. Birds of prey will also be able to continue to hunt on the land and help to decimate mouse populations, thus avoiding the use of poisons that would have to be used in conventional afforestation.
We were able to achieve this compensation through this innovative reforestation project, which covers the emissions of our entire value chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3). This is an important step towards making our business operations climate-neutral, preserving biodiversity and restoring healthy, stable forest ecosystems that have a positive impact on the local climate.
The commitment of the L&M Group
Generation Future
For the L&M Group, sustainability means much more than just environmental protection, but rather generational thinking in a family business. It also encompasses key issues such as health, safety, human rights, anti-discrimination, responsible risk management and a solid governance structure. Our commitment to offsetting CO2 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is an impressive demonstration that business success and sustainability can go hand in hand. By taking responsibility for our environmental footprint, the L&M Group is setting a strong example for the industry and actively contributing to a more climate-friendly future.
What is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) is an internationally recognized framework for recording, measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions that is used by companies, governments and organizations worldwide. It was developed to provide a standardized method for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a guideline for reporting on environmental impacts and climate strategies.
The GHG Protocol sets out the principles according to which companies and institutions can record and communicate their emissions in the categories Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions through energy consumption) and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions along the value chain). It helps to create transparency in order to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
We want to generate sustainable and above-average added value for our customers and employees in the long term.
CO2 compensation in action
L&M Rohstoffhandelsgesellschaft has offset emissions from:
1,842.378 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 184.2378 ha, or, converted:
For our aluminum shredder, we have offset emissions from:
1,117.009 tons of CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 111.7009 ha, or, converted:
Carboleg GmbH has offset emissions from:
1,221.528 tons of CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 122.1528 ha, or, converted:
For our material aluminum from waste incineration, we have offset emissions from:
165.795 tons of CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 16.5795 ha, or, converted:
We offset the calculated CO2 emissions from transport and processing for aluminum shredders and aluminum from waste incineration plants through voluntary compensation in 2023 and can speak of a "climate-neutral material" here.
By continuously expanding our recycling facilities, we are acting today for a greener, cooler and healthier planet tomorrow. The importance of forest areas for climate neutrality cannot be overemphasized. Every tree we plant, every forest we preserve, helps to keep our planet liveable for future generations.
By harnessing the power of trees, we can slow down climate change, preserve biodiversity and shape a sustainable future.
A step in the right direction
For L&M, sustainability means not only taking the environment into account, but also addressing the issues of health, safety, human rights, discrimination and risk management/governance.
The L&M Group's commitment to offsetting its CO2 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol proves that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. By taking responsibility for its environmental footprint, the company is setting a positive example for others in the industry and helping to shape a more climate-friendly future.
L & M THINKS SUSTAINABLY
We act today for a better tomorrow
L&M Rohstoffhandelsgesellschaft has offset emissions of:
1,842.378 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 184.2378 ha or, converted,
110,543 trees
Carboleg Rohstoffhandelsgesellschaft für Carbonprodukte und Legierungen mbh has offset emissions of:
1,221.528 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 1,221.528 ha or, converted,
73,292 trees
For our aluminum shredder, which we have processed by our subsidiary BARM GmbH, we have offset emissions of:
1,117.009 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 111,7009 ha or, converted,
67,021 trees
This also applies to our aluminum material from waste incineration plants:
165,795 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 16,5795 ha or, converted,
9,948 trees
