VACPA Boudjebel’s Carbon Footprint Assessment: Driving Sustainability in the Global Date Export Industry
At VACPA Boudjebel, sustainability is at the core of our operations. As a leading Tunisian exporter of Deglet Nour dates, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact while delivering premium quality products worldwide. To strengthen our sustainability practices, we have conducted a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment, aligning with international standards and identifying actionable pathways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our operations.
About VACPA Boudjebel
Founded in 1982, VACPA Boudjebel has become Tunisia’s largest date exporter, sourcing from over 600 producers and exporting more than 18,000 tons annually. Sustainability, innovation, and quality are central to our mission, supported by modern production facilities, an in-house ISO 17025 certified laboratory, and certifications including Organic, Kosher, Halal, ISO 22000, and ethical trade standards.
Internal Awareness and Engagement
Our sustainability journey begins with our people. We ensure that all employees, from management to logistics, production, quality, and procurement, are actively engaged in carbon reduction initiatives.
Key awareness actions:
- Kick-off and planning meetings with project teams to define roles and responsibilities.
- Specialized training sessions onclimate change, carbon footprint calculation, and sustainable practices.
- Workshops to establish standardized data collection methods for accurate carbon reporting.
This strong internal engagement ensures that carbon footprint assessment becomes a continuous improvement tool integrated into our corporate sustainability strategy.
Carbon Footprint Calculation Methodology
We calculated our carbon footprint using the ADEME Base Carbone® methodology, in line with the GHG Protocoland ISO 14064 standards.
- Formula:Emissions (kgCO₂e) = Activity Data × Emission Factor (FE)
- Software:BC+ by ADEME – enables automated calculations, transparent reporting, and updated emission factors.
Scope:
- Operational:Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (electricity), Scope 3 (transport, upstream inputs, professional travel, services).
- Organizational:All company-controlled activities, including partial inclusion of outsourced transport.
- Year of Reporting:2023–2024
Key Results and Insights
Our carbon footprint totaled 949,590 tCO₂e, with the following intensity metrics:
- Per employee:~789 tCO₂e/employee/year
- Per ton of dates exported:~73.2 tCO₂e/tonne
- Per k€ of revenue:~23.84 kgCO₂e/k€
Emission Sources:
| Post | Emissions (tCO₂e) | % Total |
|---|---|---|
| Freight | 897,518 | 94.5% |
| Raw materials & packaging | 44,634 | 4.7% |
| Energy | 3,815 | 0.4% |
| Services | 1,456 | 0.15% |
| Business travel | 505 | 0.05% |
| Other | 998 | 0.1% |
| Total | 949,236 | 100% |
Freight represents the largest source, highlighting the importance of sustainable logistics in our carbon reduction strategy.
Action Plan for Sustainable Operations
VACPA Boudjebel is committed to a structured approach to reducing its carbon footprint. A comprehensive action plan is currently under validation, covering all our activities and integrating key areas such as governance, energy efficiency, eco-design, and awareness. This program aims to strengthen our sustainability efforts, enhance internal coordination, and engage our partners in a shared path toward decarbonization.
Conclusion
At VACPA Boudjebel, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond compliance. By measuring our carbon footprint, engaging employees, and implementing concrete reduction actions, we aim to lead the global date export industry toward a low-carbon, environmentally