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Finco Fuel tempts the market with cleaner fuels

Fuel supplier Finco Fuel has recently obtained a level 3 certificate on the CO2 Performance Ladder. What drives an organization that also transports fossil fuels to aim for sustainability? And how did this organization manage to implement the requirements of the Ladder? Kirsten Barnhoorn (director FinCo Renewables) speaks.

Fuel supplier Finco Fuel has recently obtained a level 3 certificate on the CO2 Performance Ladder. What drives an organization that also transports fossil fuels to aim for sustainability? And how did this organization manage to implement the requirements of the Ladder? Kirsten Barnhoorn (director FinCo Renewables) speaks.

What exactly do you do?

'We are a supplier of transport fuels,' says Kirsten. 'We handle trading, supply, blending, storage and distribution to wholesale, retail and customers with our own fuel storage. Our current fuels already contain a share of sustainable fuels and we want to expand this share as much as possible. We also try to include our customers in this. Our product portfolio consists of a large number of sustainable fuels, and we offer sustainable solutions for all modes of transport. We supply road transport, sea and inland shipping and look for suitable fuels for each target group. '

How can a company that also transports oil be sustainable?

Kirsten: 'We are a major player in the fuel market: 25% of the Dutch market runs through us. As a major player you are in a position to get a transition in motion. And this is exactly how we see our role: to guide as many parties as possible to choose a fuel with lower CO2 emissions. ' Kirsten: 'Studies indicate that in 2030 90% of the market will still consist of liquid fuels. Despite the fact that electric driving is also on the map and that plans are being made for hydrogen, for example. It is precisely in this transition period that liquid fuels with low CO2 emissions play an important role. We do not wait until completely sustainable solutions exist, it is important to do what we can now. '

'Finco Fuel works actively with partners in the development of biofuels, among other things. Kirsten: 'For example, we supply synthetic diesel, also known as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). HVO is a high-quality biofuel, made from residual raw materials such as used cooking oil and animal waste. These raw materials are second-generation, they cannot compete with food. ' FincoFuel also supplies blends with, for example, HVO or FAME. Kirsten: 'By mixing, the fuels remain affordable, while we still reduce CO2 . We see the blends as an intermediate step towards truly sustainable fuels. We are now one of the largest suppliers of sustainable fuels in the Netherlands. '

What is the role of the government in the transition to sustainable fuels and in stimulating the purchase of sustainable fuels by large companies?

Kirsten: 'The government certainly has an important role. When public parties include certain sustainable criteria in the tender, you see that by definition they are also willing to pay more. In addition, there are incentives that are issued to stimulate sustainable purchasing and there is legislation on the minimum share of sustainable fuels in road transport. We are often asked for advice about this framework by governments and industry organizations. With our knowledge and insights, we provide input about what is needed to increase the share of sustainable fuels in the system. We really take our pioneering role in this. '

Why did you opt for the CO2 Performance Ladder and which measures do you apply?

'First of all, we think it is very important to ensure that the fuels we supply, so our scope 3 emissions, emit as little CO2 as possible,' says Kirsten. But our own emissions must also be reduced. We use the CO2 Performance Ladder as a method for this. With the Ladder we have been able to provide insight into our emissions and with the pragmatic approach of the CO2 Performance Ladder, the entire organization is involved in realizing our goals. In concrete terms: we want to reduce CO2 by 30% on the transport of our own fuels in three years and we want to reduce CO2 by 70% in our own office and mobility. ' Kirsten explains that the use of one of the fuels developed by FincoFuel, Change-TL, is used as a measure to reduce CO2 on our own transport by ship. 'This fuel already delivers a 16% reduction in CO2 ' Kirsten continues: 'We installed solar panels at our office this summer and are looking at the possibility of solar panels at our terminal in Farmsum, looking at extra sustainability in mobility for employees (such as more electric driving and stimulating the use of public transport) and try to encourage all employees to see for themselves what they can do. Everyone can contribute and we notice that this is really alive within the organization. We actively include the CO2 impact in the assessment of the choices we make. Quite a challenge, but we will do it. '

More sustainable fuel consumption can be a measure for the CO2 Performance Ladder. Do you also supply fuel to Ladder-certified organizations?

Kirsten: 'Yes, we supply certified government agencies, dredgers, construction companies, transporters and we have customers in agriculture. And we also try to ensure innovation in the distribution chain. ' Kirsten explains the concept of 'GoodShipping', an impact program of subsidiary the GoodNRG Group: 'Organizations and companies that want to reduce the scope 3 emissions of their freight transport can have a so-called' fuel switch 'realized via GoodShipping. GoodShipping helps its customers with verified CO2 calculations, and ensures that the corresponding volume of fossil fuel is replaced on their behalf by a sustainable alternative. In this way, the logistics partners of these companies do not have to invest in (more expensive) sustainable fuel, and GoodShipping can still actually help customers to phase out fossil fuel. '


Kirsten continues: 'Via GoodShipping, a freight owner therefore chooses fuel with lower CO2 emissions. Every customer receives from GoodShipping a verified certificate (the 'impact statement') on which the reduced CO2 volume is stated. The customer can then claim this reduction in the scope 3 footprint. It is clear that FincoFuel sees itself as the party with an innovation role within the sector. '

FinCo is one of the leading companies in the distribution and supply of fuels in its home markets that sets the world in motion every day. Innovation and a strong customer focus are the main drivers to realize a low carbon future. Want to know more? Go to the website