Climate change is a reality brought on by human activity. Lowering GHG emissions without affecting Gross Domestic Product requires, among other measures, the development of clean industrial technologies, substitution of fossil energy consumption for renewables, and a rationale for change in production and use in order to make these processes efficient by employing resources, and energy in particular, proportionally in order to obtain satisfaction and foster development and opportunities for everyone. This poses a challenge, not only for governments, but for businesses and citizens alike.

Along these lines, we implemented an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2008. Since then this inventory enables us to measure the GHG emissions associated with all company activities. This system is based on an internal norm that is comparable to international standards.

In 2008, 2009 and 2010, the inventory, conducted in accordance with this norm, was audited by an independent external entity, and the results have been published since 2009 through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

The purpose of the inventory is to gain in-depth knowledge of the direct and indirect GHG emissions of each one of our activities, thereby enabling us to: draw up annual reduction plans, label our products and services, and evaluate suppliers according to the GHG emissions associated with the products and services they provide.

The scope of this norm encompasses:

• Scope 1. Direct emissions, associated with sources that are under Abengoa’s control.
• Scope 2. Indirect emissions associated with the generation of acquired electricity or thermal energy.
• Scope 3. Indirect emissions associated with the production chain of goods and services acquired by Abengoa.

The inventory forms part of the metric for determining the economic, social and environmental footprint of the company’s activity, and constitutes yet another parameter from which to boost sustainability.

In 2011, estimates showed a CO₂ reduction of 360,000 t with respect to 2010 levels, calculated according to the activity parameters of the range of Abengoa companies. This figure exceeds the total published in the 2011 CSRR, which was computed based on initial preparation of the reduction plans established for last year by the group’s companies.

Calculating emissions and quantifying efforts to reduce them is a task that is linked to our businesses; a duty deriving from the business model of consistency between the provision of innovative solutions for sustainable development and the commitment to sustainability and combating climate change.