Tulikivi Corporation was positively surprised by the results of the calculations concerning the carbon footprint of the Tulikivi fireplaces. They show that in ordinary household use the carbon footprint resulting from the manufacturing process may be cut to zero in 1-2 years, depending on the product and the intensity of use. The calculations also show that the company can achieve savings in procurement and transport, which account for a large proportion of Tulikivi’s carbon footprint.
Opting for a Tulikivi fireplace is an eco-deed because using a fireplace instead of electric heating reduces CO2 emissions. The carbon footprint generated during the manufacturing of the fireplace will be reduced to zero during its use. In Finland, the carbon footprint resulting from the manufacturing process can be cut to zero in 1-2 years or after 130-200 times*, depending on the fireplace model and the intensity of use. On the export markets, consideration must also be given to transport distances. The carbon footprint can be cut to zero so quickly because Tulikivi fireplaces have a lifecycle of several decades. This is very different from products such as motor cars. After all, the emissions generated during car use destroy the chances of neutralising the carbon footprint that result from the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the parts and materials of the fireplace can be recycled when the lifecycle has come to an end.
According to the calculations, transport (the delivery of the fireplaces and the installation services) accounts for most (53%) of the carbon footprint of the Tulikivi fireplaces. The purchasing of raw materials for procured parts and the manufacturing of the parts by Tulikivi’s partners are the second biggest factor (27%), followed by Tulikivi’s own processes (15%), which include the quarrying of soapstone and the manufacturing of the products.
”Calculating the carbon footprint will also bring financial benefits to our company. Even though we have an excellent environmental record in matters concerning our own production, the calculations show that there are areas in procurement and logistics where we can achieve additional savings and reduce the carbon footprint still further,” says Heikki Vauhkonen, Managing Director of Tulikivi Corporation.
The carbon footprint calculations were produced by Tulikivi’s own experts, Quality and Environmental Manager Heli Kasurinen (Ph. Lic.) and Product Development Manager Jari Sutinen (Sc.D.), who cooperated with Tuula Pohjola (Sc.D.) from Crnet Oy. The work was carried out using a documented calculation basis (British Standard PAS 2050).
As far as is known Tulikivi is the first company in the fireplace business to calculate the carbon footprint of its product. In the future, Tulikivi will calculate the carbon footprint each year and will also include other product groups in the process. In keeping with this new approach, the company also expects its partners to put their environmental operations on a more efficient basis.
*Example: The Korhonen family lives in a detached house of 120 m2 and heats the 1200 kg Kipitti fireplace about one hundred times each year. If the family replaces electric heating with wood heating, they will be able to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from the manufacturing of Kipitti to zero during the first heating season.
Further information for reporters:
Heikki Vauhkonen, Managing Director, Tulikivi Corporation, tel. +358 207 636 555
The Tulikivi Group comprises Tulikivi Corporation, a listed family company, and its subsidiaries and is the world’s largest manufacturer of heat-retaining fireplaces. The Group is known for its Tulikivi soapstone fireplaces and for its natural stone products, Kermansavi fireplaces and utility ceramics. The Group’s net revenue is approximately EUR 67 million about half of which is generated by exports. The Group has seven production plants and it employs over 500 people. www.tulikivi.com |