A change in positive at constant speed (after the acceleration). Ernest Quingles, June 2020

The drastic reduction in _CO2 emissions during the lockdown stage is estimated to be temporary. This is assured by all sources. But it depends on responsible decision-making that a constant speed towards the neutrality required by 2050 is achieved.

The commitment to sustainability must be maximum on the part of all economic and social agents, from public administrations, to the industrial and business fabric, non-governmental organizations and finally citizens. We all play an important role and we all have a responsibility to the planet, to a greater or lesser extent.

During this recent health crisis and due to the containment measures of the pandemic, starting with the confinement, there has been a considerable reduction in the environmental impact of each and every one of these agents. Less mobility means less CO2 emissions; less industrial activity, implies less waste and less emissions; less presence of citizens in the streets, implies less environmental footprint, in general. In fact, according to Carbon Brief, the reduction in the month of February in China, perhaps the month and region with the greatest impact of the pandemic, was about a quarter of the total for the same period in the previous year. But, if we look at Spain, Ecologists in Action pointed to 58% less emissions during the month of April. An unprecedented improvement due, in large part, to the decrease in road traffic. However, with the de-escalation measures, pollution levels similar to the pre-confinement stage were already recovering.

The question is: what role should the commitment to sustainability play in this new stage of recovery and in the so-called new normal? The answer should be: sustainability is and must remain a key factor, a clear and direct objective. This is the case for the European Union, which has set the so-called Green Deal as the axis of the recovery. I liked the appreciation of Ecodes, in the mouth of its director Víctor Viñuales who pointed out that “since we must spend public money that we do not have and that our children will pay; let’s invest in things that won’t harm their future.” Those are responsible decisions. At least decisions that take into account more than just the short term. And this has been interpreted by economies as relevant as Germany or France, announcing a millionaire investment plan based on four main pillars: health strategy, reconstruction fund for solidarity and growth, strengthening of European industry and acceleration of the ecological and digital transition. And there I want to stop.

Ecological and digital transition. Two concepts come together almost naturally. Because technology helps to be more sustainable, or at least it should. Starting with actions such as those requested by the Association of Economists of Catalonia, betting on actions that promote energy efficiency, carbon neutralization, electricity from renewable sources or waste reduction. The Climate Change Law already announced by the Ministry of Ecological Transition goes in that direction: a 20% reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and a move towards carbon neutralization by 2050.

What can a technology company and innovation leader like Epson offer? Responsible technological solutions. Resources and innovation to help companies that implement them, that have them in their facilities and ordinary activities, to be more sustainable and respond to that challenge of the new Climate Change Law or the Spain Circular 2030 initiative.

That is why it is so important to take into account certain aspects in technological decision-making. That is why we support companies with initiatives such as #Epson2Metros, helping them not only to adapt their infrastructures to the new normal and the social distancing required – in the short term – but also to achieve those long-term environmental objectives, in terms of energy efficiency, waste reduction and emission reduction. Because we have the only printing technology without heat. Epson’s business inkjet printing, which has been presented as a necessary service during this period of pandemic and confinement, can be equally or more productive than other technological alternatives, but much more sustainable, reducing energy consumption and _CO2 emissions by up to 95%. And interactive projectors for collaborative meetings avoid displacement, adding to the trend of remote collaboration initiated and perhaps consolidated during this health crisis. We have solutions to adapt the business reality to current and future needs.

We even have the ideal partner for the achievement of objectives linked to the Spain Circular 2030 initiative. It’s called Paperlab. The first system of recycling and production of new paper from previously destroyed documents with the highest level of security and confidentiality that exists. All “in-house”, saving logistics costs and external suppliers, improving security and including a circular economy process in the organization itself.

We are Epson, a responsible company that works to help other companies become more sustainable, motivating them to make responsible decisions.

More about the #Epson2Metros initiative in http://www.epson.es/epson2metros

Ernest Quingles
Vice President Epson Europe
CEO Epson Spain, France and Portugal

Company Member of the Private Company and Climate Foundation