Dry-cleaning firm relinquishes use of 'carbon neutral' phrase, citing plans for carbon emissions reductions via offsetting methods
In the world of corporate sustainability, changes are afoot, and Grab, a ride-hailing giant operating in eight Southeast Asian countries, is no exception. The company, known for its carbon offsetting initiative, the Green Programme, has recently dropped the term "carbon neutral" from its scheme.
The decision to rebrand the Green Programme comes amidst evolving regulatory scrutiny, particularly the EU Green Claims Directive, which will bring closer scrutiny of corporate green claims globally, including the use of carbon offsets. However, Grab has refuted suggestions that this shift was prompted by the Directive.
The Green Programme, which charges customers for reducing the climate impact of their journeys, includes the purchase of carbon credits from the Katingan Mentaya peatland restoration project in Central Kalimantan. This project has been the subject of controversy, with Greenpeace concluding that it is ineffective at reducing emissions, while Permian Global, the carbon finance firm managing the project, has vehemently rejected such allegations.
Last year, RimbaWatch, a Malaysia-based environmental watchdog, called into question the credibility of Grab's initiative, specifically its use of credits from the Katingan Mentaya project. The latest change in the Green Programme's branding, according to RimbaWatch, "reflects the programme's broader environmental ambition" and includes support for nature-based solutions, technological innovations, and community initiatives.
Despite the controversy surrounding its carbon offsetting scheme, Grab remains committed to supporting "credible, high-impact environmental efforts" across the region. The company has not changed its 2040 carbon neutrality pledge, which is also promoted on its website.
It is important to note that no verifiable or recent data can confirm the current status or impact of Grab's Green Programme regarding its carbon offsetting after abandoning the "carbon neutral" term. For the most accurate and current insights, it is advisable to consult Grab's official sustainability reports, press releases, or statements directly from their corporate website or credible sustainability news sources.
In the broader context, carbon offsetting is the most common form of greenwashing in Southeast Asia, according to a study by RimbaWatch. As companies continue to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and carbon accounting, it is crucial to maintain transparency and credibility in their environmental claims.
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