We act against climate change with carbon-neutral shipments
At MARNYS® - Martinez Nieto S.A. we are deeply committed to sustainability and minimising our environmental footprint.
As of 1 January 2022, all our shipments to Spain and Portugal are carbon neutral.
How do we do this?
Thanks to a partnership with the Spanish start-up ClimaticCo, we calculate the carbon footprint of each shipment and compensate for the CO2 produced by financing environmental protection projects. These offset projects are certified by the United Nations and, in addition to protecting the environment, help to improve the future of the communities in which they are developed.
MARNYS® - Martínez Nieto, S.A., continues with its firm commitment to sustainability and the reduction of its environmental footprint. As of 1 January 2022, all its shipments to Spain and Portugal have become carbon neutral.
MARNYS’® CEO Roberto Martínez explained that the aim is to "calculate the environmental impact generated by our activity and to be able to compensate and neutralise this carbon footprint in order to be an increasingly sustainable company". "We care about the effect that our activities may have on the environment, so we calculate and offset the carbon footprint of each of our shipments," he adds.
Our offset projects
Nitrous Oxide Reduction in Pakistan
From June 2023, we will be supporting this emission reduction project at the Pakarab Fertilizer Ltd plant in Pakistan. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a chemical compound that is generated during the production of nitric acid. The mass emission of this compound contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect and is responsible for the deterioration of the ozone layer.
To avoid this, the plant has been retrofitted with a tertiary N2O abatement unit in the tail gas stream. Specifically, this project prevents the emission of 657,026 tonnes of CO2eq into the atmosphere.
This project improves local air quality and reduces the ozone hole. It also serves as an example to the chemical industry in the area to reduce their emissions.
Achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Our offset projects have the strictest international certification from the United Nations. They are located in developing countries so that, in addition to acting on the climate, they generate real social benefits in the local communities where they are conducted.
This offset project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Previous projects
La Confluencia hydroelectric power plant, Chile
From the end of June 2022 until May 2023, we have been working on the La Confluencia hydroelectric project in Chile, specifically in the valley of the Tinguiririca River. Thanks to a 163 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, renewable and clean energy is being supplied to Chile's Central Interconnected System, which is mainly powered by natural gas or diesel combined cycle plants and is currently experiencing a fuel supply crisis.
This project avoids the annual emission of 423,120 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
In addition, the plant employs local staff, the infrastructure in the area has been improved and the project includes a community sponsorship programme to promote education, training and the development of new businesses in the local communities.
Reforestation in Colombia
Between February and the end of June 2022 we collaborated with the reforestation project in the Chinchiná river basin in Colombia.
This project restores the Chinchiná river basin, located in the central and southern region of the department of Caldas, using reforestation, agroforestry and assisted natural regeneration. Overall, the project involves an annual reduction of around 24,000 tonnes of CO2.
Deforestation of watersheds creates serious problems of water regulation and availability, so halting their degradation means protecting their inhabitants and improving the supply of fresh water for the local communities, around 600,000 people.
In addition, this project helps the sustainable marketing of forest products, diversifying and improving the economy in the area.
It also improves biodiversity with the reintroduction and conservation of wildlife such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) or the yellow-eared parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis).
Chacayes hydroelectric power plant, Chile
Following the completion of the announced project on the Laja River, the first project financed by MARNYS® was the hydroelectric power plant in Chile, located in the Cachapoal Valley. This project has offset the footprint generated in shipments in January 2022.
This is the 111 MW Chacayes plant, which enables the annual reduction of 234,271 tonnes of CO2, producing clean energy for some 300,000 homes.
This plant contributes to meeting the country's growing demand for electricity with clean energy, while reducing its dependence on imported diesel.
At the same time, this project generates employment in a very disadvantaged region, provides necessary communication routes and develops education, health and welfare projects in local communities.
In addition, to minimise the impact of this plant on the Cachapoal Valley, a design and construction that won it multiple international awards was used. For example, it received the Hydro Project of the Year Award in 2011 for the wide range of environmental measures and initiatives implemented.