ESG Insights at KUBO: Ultra-Clima® certification and Sustainability Progress

Ultra-Clima® shows what real sustainable value looks like in greenhouse horticulture

By now it is clear to everyone that the energy transition is no longer something abstract or distant. Governments continue to tighten climate goals and society is more critical than ever when it comes to the environmental impact of businesses. At KUBO, we do not see sustainability as an obligation. We see it as an opportunity to innovate, to make a real difference and to show what we stand for. Our recently obtained ISO Footprint certification is a tangible example of that.

Independent validation: lower CO₂ emissions and significant energy savings

On May 1st, we officially received the ISO Footprint certificate for our Ultra-Clima® greenhouses. The certification is based on an in depth analysis by Preferred by Nature. They conducted a comparative study between tomato cultivation in an Ultra-Clima® greenhouse and in a traditional Venlo greenhouse at Schenkeveld. The results speak for themselves:

• 18.5% less energy consumption
• 25.4% lower CO₂ footprint
• 92% lower CO₂ dosing

These figures show that our technology not only enables better yields. They also show that it represents a meaningful step toward climate friendly greenhouse horticulture. Interested in learning more about the certification process? Feel free to contact us.

Ultra-Clima® in perspective: scientifically proven impact

In addition to the comparison with the Venlo greenhouse, we also looked at the broader market. Using the well known KWIN report from Wageningen University & Research, we benchmarked against the national average in tomato cultivation. The conclusion is clear. Tomatoes grown in our Ultra-Clima® greenhouses have the lowest CO₂ footprint of all production methods analyzed.

This provides valuable insights for growers worldwide. A greenhouse concept that not only performs well but is also demonstrably more sustainable. Curious about the technology behind Ultra-Clima®? Take a look at our technology page.

Collaboration with Underground Forest: sustainability beyond the greenhouse

For us, sustainability does not end at the greenhouse door. That is why we entered into a partnership with Underground Forest, an organization dedicated to long term CO₂ storage in the soil. Through this collaboration, we can support customers in further reducing and compensating their climate impact. You can read more about this partnership on our news page.

Family businesses leading the way in sustainable transformation

KUBO is a family owned company. That is not a small detail but an important strength. Research by Maastricht University, BDO and AFAS shows that family businesses are often better positioned to implement sustainable change because of their long term focus, regional roots and strong values.

We recognize many of these insights in the way we operate. We do not focus on quick wins. We focus on building a sector that is truly future proof.

Ongoing project: Carbon Reduction Plan 2024

At the moment, we are working with Holtara on the Carbon Reduction Plan 2024. We are collecting and analyzing emission data and exploring next steps to further reduce our carbon footprint. The report is expected to be published in September.