Sustainability
In a time when climate change represents one of the greatest global challenges, we at L&M Group are conscious of our responsibility to address our environmental footprint.
One of the keys to tackling the climate crisis is refurbishing heavy industry, which is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions. The steel industry alone accounts for more than 7% of global CO2 emissions.
In a world where the effects of climate change are increasingly being felt, companies bear a significant responsibility to minimize their environmental footprint.
The L&M Group has consciously embraced this responsibility and is taking a significant step towards sustainability by reducing its CO2 emissions in accordance with Scope 1, 2, and 3 analyses based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol through voluntary offsetting.
Sustainability out of conviction
For us, sustainability is not just a word, but a long-term commitment. Therefore, 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 compensating for unavoidable emissions. We are proud to report that in 2024, we offset our 2023 CO2 emissions through a regional project in the Sauerland region. This project is 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 mother stock principle
Specifically, with our support, a total of 13,091 m² of forest area was reforested using the "mother tree" principle. Various tree species were planted in this area, including: oaks (10%), beeches (36%), Douglas firs (14%), pines (10%), larches (19%), and other deciduous and coniferous tree species (11%).*
The „mother stand principle“ project differs significantly compared to other initiatives. The mother stand principle 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 – the entire ground is not exposed.
Instead, „mother stumps“ or deadwood logs from previously damaged stands are retained at a height of approximately 1.50 m. Planting in the stump axis allows more water to be delivered to the seedling on the prevailing windward side during rain. Additionally, the deadwood log's shade provides more wind protection and reduces evaporation. The already dead logs also bind a significant amount of CO², which can be reintegrated into the natural cycle. The slowly decaying logs create a habitat for many insect species, which in turn serve as a food source for many songbirds.
By creating habitats, more seeds are distributed on the land. This also provides opportunities for birds of prey to continue hunting on the land and help reduce mouse populations, thus avoiding the need for poisons that would be used in conventional reforestation.
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, conserving biodiversity, and contributing to the restoration of healthy, stable forest ecosystems that positively influence the local climate.
The L&M Group's Commitment
Future Generation
For the L&M Group, sustainability means much more than mere environmental protection; it is about intergenerational thinking in a family-owned business. It also encompasses key issues such as health, safety, human rights, anti-discrimination, responsible risk management, and a solid governance structure. Through our commitment to offsetting CO2 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, we impressively demonstrate that business success and sustainability can go hand in hand. By taking responsibility for its ecological footprint, the L&M Group sends a strong signal to the industry and makes an active contribution to a more climate-friendly future.
What is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) is an internationally recognized framework for the recording, measurement, and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, used by companies, governments, and organizations worldwide. It was developed to provide a standardized method for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a guide for reporting on environmental impacts and climate strategies.
The GHG Protocol establishes the framework by which companies and institutions can measure and report their emissions in the categories of Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy consumption), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions along the value chain). It helps to create transparency to promote greenhouse gas emission reduction and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Our long-term goal is to generate sustainable and above-average added value for our customers and employees.
Carbon offsetting in action
L&M Raw Materials Trading Company has offset emissions from:
1,842,378 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 184.2378 hectares, or, converted:
For our aluminum shredder, we have offset emissions from:
1,117,009 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 111,7009 ha, or, converted:
Carboleg GmbH has offset emissions from:
1,221,528 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 122.1528 hectares, or, converted:
For our material, aluminum from WEEE, we have offset emissions from:
165,795 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 16.5795 hectares, or, converted:
The determined CO2 emissions from the transport and processing of aluminum shredder and aluminum from waste incineration plants were offset by voluntary compensation in 2023, allowing us to refer to it as „climate-neutral material.“.
Through the continuous expansion of 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 overstated. Every tree we plant, every forest we preserve, contributes to keeping our planet livable for future generations.
By harnessing the power of trees, we can slow down climate change, preserve biodiversity, and create a sustainable future.
A step in the right direction
For L&M, sustainability means not only considering the environment, but also addressing issues of health, safety, human rights, discrimination, and risk management/governance.
The L&M Group demonstrates with its commitment to offsetting its CO2 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. By taking responsibility for its ecological footprint, the company sets a positive example for others in the industry and contributes to shaping a more climate-friendly future.
L&M THINKS SUSTAINABLY
Today, we act for a better tomorrow.
L&M Raw Materials Trading Company has offset emissions from:
1,842,378 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 184.2378 hectares, or converted,
110.543 trees
The Carboleg Raw Material Trading Company for Carbon Products and Alloys Ltd. has offset emissions from:
1,221,528 t CO2.
This corresponds to a forest area of 1,221.528 hectares, or converted,
73,292 trees
For our aluminum shredder, which is processed by our subsidiary BARM GmbH, we have offset emissions from:
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 16,579.5 hectares, or converted,
9,948 trees
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