Giardino’s path to a fossil-free future

Understanding the Carbon Footprint of a New Facility

Garden Trade International, now known as Giardino, has been designing and creating unique outdoor spaces across the Benelux for over 35 years, ranging from cosy city gardens to spacious terraces and stylish driveways. Driven by a strong ambition to contribute to a more sustainable future, the company launched a strategic sustainability initiative in 2022, with a particular focus on reducing its CO₂ emissions.

The main challenge was clear. Giardino was still operating from an older facility that was due to be sold, while simultaneously developing a new 25,000 m² fossil-free site. Without a comprehensive understanding of its current carbon footprint and the impact of future operations, it was difficult to establish a coherent sustainability strategy. In addition, the company lacked the in-house expertise required to accurately measure CO₂ emissions, define Science Based Targets (SBTi) ambitions and translate these into concrete actions.

Strategic and Practical Steps Towards CO₂ Reduction

Giardino partnered with Encon to develop a comprehensive Carbon Strategy.

Encon provided:

• A full Carbon Footprint assessment (Corporate Carbon Footprint).
• A reduction roadmap with concrete and achievable measures.
• Determination of the appropriate ambition level in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• Support with both internal and external sustainability communications.

This approach ensured that both the existing facility and the new development were fully integrated into the company’s carbon strategy, giving Giardino a clear understanding of its environmental impact and the opportunities for emissions reduction from the very beginning.

A Smaller Footprint and Lower Costs

Thanks to its collaboration with Encon, Giardino now has a concrete and measurable CO₂ strategy that delivers both environmental and financial benefits.

Energy Management

Through energy efficiency measures and more conscious energy consumption, the company achieves structural savings on energy costs.

Renewable Energy

Solar panels and green electricity contracts reduce dependence on fossil fuels while helping to stabilise energy costs over the long term.

Sustainable Procurement

Closer collaboration with suppliers and sustainable procurement practices contribute to more efficient processes while reducing exposure to future carbon-related costs, taxes and regulatory risks.

By combining a clear carbon strategy with targeted investments, Giardino has laid the foundations for a future-proof business model that supports both sustainability ambitions and long-term profitability.