Paf has generated one gigawatt-hour of solar energy

Paf’s own solar panels, which are installed at the headquarters in Mariehamn, have reached a milestone. So far, 1,000 MWh of clean solar energy has been produced. At the same time, Paf chooses to support a solar energy project in India to offset its environmental impact in 2022.

Paf’s head office on Åland was completed in 2016, and built as a passive house with sloping walls. This design allows the solar panels, decorating the facade, to receive maximum sunlight.

“Our 742 solar panels have been generating 100% renewable energy since their installation. One gigawatt-hour of energy is a significant amount that has remarkably reduced our emissions in Scope 2,” says Anna Ingman, Environmental Specialist at Paf.

With one GWh of energy, you can heat up 17 million liters of water, keep a sauna warm for over 19 years, or drive an electric car that consumes 18 kWh per 100 km around the Earth 142 times.

Paf’s climate impact for 2022

Paf’s total climate impact in 2022 resulted in 1,867 tons of CO₂e, indicating a 23.2% increase compared to 2021. Paf has been calculating its operational climate impact since 2016 following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG), which measures emissions in three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3*. The primary reason for the increase is the rise in business travel by staff and increased usage of gaming machines onboard, largely due to the easing of pandemic restrictions. As in previous years, Paf’s largest emissions are in Scope 3.

“All companies, regardless of size and industry, have a role to play in reducing their climate impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. Currently, we are reviewing our emissions and developing a plan to align our climate impact with the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement,” says Anna Ingman.

Supporting climate projects

Paf chooses to finance its entire climate impact in 2022 by supporting the solar energy project Bhadla Solar 2 in India and the forestry project Tropical Mix in Central America.

“We have chosen to support climate projects that promote the global transition to sustainable energy and projects that replant rainforests. The Bahdla Solar 2 solar park, along with other power plants, will replace coal-fired power in the Rajasthan district, near the Pakistani border, an area heavily affected by pollution and high temperatures,” says Anna Ingman.

The Tropical Mix project plants new rainforests on previously deforested or abandoned land, creating a home for 15 endangered species. The project also generates 150 long-term jobs and has so far contributed to a CO₂e reduction of nearly 1.3 million tons. This forestry project is triple-certified with Gold Standard, FSC, and UTZ, making it the only one in the world to hold such certifications.

Read our climate audit for 2022 here.

* Scope 1 / Direct emissions
Direct emissions of greenhouse gases from sources owned or controlled by Paf (e.g. service vehicles).

Scope 2 / Indirect emissions from purchased energy
Emissions from heating, cooling and production of electricity purchased by Paf.

Scope 3 / Indirect emissions from business activities
Indirect emissions caused by Paf’s activities such as business and customer travels, purchased technology, energy consumption from our physical games and cloud services.