JTI Vietnam aims at Net Zero carbon emissions

JTI Vietnam has developed the Net Zero Carbon Emissions programme that includes a series of projects to offset and reduce CO2 in their office and cigarette production. By implementing this program, JTI Vietnam aims to be one of the pioneering carbon-neutral companies in Vietnam. JTI Vietnam further aims to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection among its employees with a focus on shifting mindsets and behaviours, thereby contributing to the reduction of its overall environmental impact and mitigating climate change issues.

In launching the Net Zero Carbon Emissions program, the company has joined together with organizations that have extensive experience in environmental initiatives. One such organisation is the Asian Institute of Technology in Vietnam (AIT-VN) who will analyse and confirm the assessment report of greenhouse gas emissions from the JTI Vietnam office. The company aims to reduce the carbon emissions of its office by 6 per cent against 2019.

In addition, JTI Vietnam’s employees are embracing green consumption and sustainable lifestyle trends by saving energy, water, paper, as well as reducing, sorting waste and plastic use. Once the analysis is complete, the institute will issue a Green Office certificate to JTI Vietnam.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Action for Environment Organization(AFEO), JTI Vietnam kicked off its first project under the Net Zero Carbon Emission program on June 27, 2020. The company teamed up with AFEO to plant 5,400 Cinnamomum bejolghota trees worth VND120 million ($5,200) in buffer zones across Xuan Son National Park in the northern province of Phu Tho. The 15,000-hectare Xuan Son National Park is known as the green lung of northwest Phu Tho province.

It has up to 20ha of bare land, of which Tan Son commune accounts for 8ha. The move aims to increase forest coverage, improve biodiversity, and prevent climate change in protected areas. It also means JTI Vietnam helps offset nearly 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to the total emissions of JTI office in 2019. In addition to environmental protection, the tree-planting project also creates economic value to the local community in the park.

The company decided to grant all 5,400 plants to local households in Xuan Son and Kim Thuong communes, Tan Son district, Phu Tho province. The disadvantaged households will care for and protect the plants, thereby contributing to increasing forest coverage in the park. The company hopes that the households can increase their income through taking care of and fully utilizing the seedling trees.

Another partner, Water Solutions International, will provide wastewater treatment solutions for irrigation and bamboo planting to offset carbon emissions from cigarettes manufacturing plant in Thanh Hoa Factory. JTI Vietnam will also invest in biomass production by capturing carbon in bamboo plantations and removing it from the air.

Over its two decades of operations, JTI Vietnam not only focuses on economic development but now also fully integrating social responsibility as well as environmental protection in its sustainable development business strategy, which are reflected through many and varied nationwide programs. JTI’s approach to sustainability is not only focused on encouraging us to make the right decisions for our company, but also for our people, our suppliers, our customers, and society while preserving natural resources.