Emissions
Others Emissions
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Inorganic air emissions
In 2011, our inorganic air pollutant emissions totaled 1,614.4 tons: 1,058.2 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 556.2 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOX).
From 2009 to 2011, Gildan achieved a 23% decrease in SO2 emissions. This correlates with the Company’s substitution of fuel oil for boilers with biomass at our textile facility in the Dominican Republic as well as at our hosiery facilities in Honduras.
In fact, bunker fuel, used primarily for heat generation during the dyeing process phase, represents the first source of emissions. Diesel, which is used by the generators to produce energy when necessary, also constitutes an important source of emissions.
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Ozone depleting substances inventory
Gildan is committed to ensure proactive initiatives and rigorous follow up towards the elimination of HCFCs in our processes. In this perspective, Gildan conducted its first ozone depleting substances (ODS) inventory in 2010. The review revealed that the most frequent ODS that can be found in our facilities was the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) R22 refrigerant, primarily used in our oldest air conditioning units.
In order to minimize the use of synthetic refrigerant materials, we undertook various initiatives to replace HCFCs inventories with chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a natural refrigerant material which has an ODS factor of zero. For instance, HCFCs in existing equipment are being gradually replaced by HFC when refilling becomes necessary. All new equipments purchased are HCFCs free.
As a result of these initiatives, in 2011 on a global scale, our total ODS inventory was approximately 3.0 tons, compared to 3.1 tons in 2010 which represents a 2% decrease.
