Company news

Adieu CO2: Digitec Galaxus introduces climate contributions at the checkout

11.6.2020

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Customers at digitec and Galaxus can now make a voluntary contribution against emissions of CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide etc. caused by their online purchases. The underlying carbon footprint calculator factors in the value chain – from sourcing the raw materials to home delivery.

As of now, shopping at digitec and Galaxus can be done carbon neutrally. Thanks to a voluntary fee paid at the checkout, customers of both online shops have the possibility to contribute towards climate protection. The amount of the fee varies depending on the product. Digitec Galaxus developed the calculation model together with ETH spin-off and climate solution provider South Pole. The calculator takes into account the entire value chain – all the way from sourcing the raw materials to doorstep delivery.

A representative survey conducted by the market research institute GfK revealed that every third person in Switzerland would like to be able to make a contribution against the CO₂ emissions caused by their online purchase directly in the shop. Under thirties and high earners are particularly open to this contribution solution. «More and more people would like to do their bit against climate change – also when they’re shopping,» says Florian Teuteberg, CEO at Digitec Galaxus. «Our job is to provide information, create transparency and give shoppers the option to make their buy climate neutral.»

Climate contributions made by Digitec Galaxus customers will go towards projects certified by South Pole. Some of them are listed below.

Forest conservation and community:

Renewable energy / Energy efficiency

«I hope our initiative gets many customers on board,» Teuteberg adds.

The footprint determines the contribution

Digitec Galaxus applies the following formula to calculate the voluntary fee:

CO₂ contribution = product carbon footprint in CO₂ tons * price of compensating one ton of CO₂, whereby emissions of other greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide or fluorocarbons are shown equivalently in tons of CO₂.

The sourcing of raw materials, production, sale and home delivery are all taken into account.
To determine a product’s CO₂ footprint, the carbon calculator primarily takes a look at the product group, product weight, price and the manufacturer behind it. Provided that the information is available, the composition of materials is also considered in the calculation. What’s more, the calculation model is continuously improved. Two factors that are currently not taken into account are the use and the disposal of the products. More information on the model is available here:

Behind the scenes
Our climate contribution model
by Alex Hämmerli

Whether they’re buying a laptop, a blender or a sofa – customers can see the carbon footprint of their purchase as soon as they put the items into their shopping cart. Anybody wanting to make up for the carbon footprint of their shopping can do so at the checkout.

Contact for media representatives

Digitec Galaxus AG
Corporate Communications
Pfingstweidstrasse 60, CH-8005 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 575 96 96
E-mail: media@digitecgalaxus.ch

Images for free use

Solar panels on the roof of the Digitec Galaxus warehouse in Wohlen (AG)

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Rico Schüpbach

Public Relations Manager

rico.schuepbach@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm passionate about my job as a PR story writer. I've always been fascinated by advertising, magazines and media products of all kinds – from trashy Britney to highly intellectual Judith Butler. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time sharpening my critical view of society and deconstructing clichés. Nothing's more unneccessary to me than falling back into outdated role models again and again.

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