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Case Study
From commitment to impact: how Capital A takes responsibility for emissions
A CONVERSATION WITH
Capital A Investment Partners (‘Capital A’) is a leading investment firm with a portfolio of more than 40 companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
1982
25 FTE
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Capital A faced three key challenges to achieve its climate ambitions:
Emission measurement and reduction across a diverse portfolio: How can we develop a reliable and uniform method to measure, monitor, and reduce the CO₂ emissions of our own organization and those of our diverse portfolio companies? Each sector and company faces unique challenges related to energy consumption, logistics, and operational processes. A standardized approach was essential to achieve real progress.
Responsible offsetting of residual emissions: In addition to internal reductions, Capital A wanted to offset unavoidable residual emissions with high-quality, verified carbon projects. The challenge was to select projects that not only capture carbon but also contribute to broader sustainable development, without the risk of greenwashing.
Aligning climate action with the core mission: How can we integrate our climate strategy into our existing mission—promoting sustainable growth and value creation—without compromising financial goals? It was crucial to find an approach that offers both environmental and economic value to our portfolio companies and stakeholders.
Capital A opted for a dual strategy, focused on both reduction and offsetting:
Internal & Portfolio Emission Reduction: Capital A implemented a series of measures to reduce operational and portfolio emissions. This included:
Energy efficiency: optimizing energy consumption in offices and portfolio companies, for example, by switching to green energy and promoting energy-saving technologies.
Sustainable practices: integrating ESG criteria into investment decisions, such as promoting the circular economy and reducing waste and water consumption.
ESG integration: systematic evaluation of sustainability performance in new and existing investments, with concrete KPIs as indicators for emission reduction.
Offsetting residual emissions: For emissions that cannot (yet) be avoided or reduced, Capital A collaborates with Regreener to support two selected, high-quality carbon projects. These projects go beyond mere carbon offsetting and contribute to environmental and social progress.
Project Selection: Nature Restoration with Local Impact Capital A selected two projects that combine nature restoration with socio-economic benefits for local communities:
Tree Planting in Desa’a, Ethiopia: this project focuses on restoring the Desa’a forest, a crucial ecosystem that combats desertification and improves water security. With 23,123 hectares of restored land, 22.5 million trees, and support for 16,642 families, it not only delivers carbon sequestration but also improves livelihoods through agroforestry, beekeeping, and efficient cookstoves. The project contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction and climate adaptation.
Restoration and Conservation of the Katingan Peatland, Indonesia: this initiative protects and restores peatlands in Borneo, one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the world. With 9,299 hectares of restored peatland and 7.5 million tons of CO₂ removed, it also provides protection for 711 endangered species and creates over 500 local jobs. The project is verified according to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and provides sustainable income for local communities.
Verifiable and transparent impact: The projects are third-party verified, ensuring measurable impact.
Climate leadership: By offsetting residual emissions through projects with measurable environmental and social benefits, Capital A Partners demonstrates a concrete commitment to climate action. This approach goes beyond compliance and positions the firm as a leader in responsible investing.
Increased portfolio value: The focus on ESG performance has led to an enhanced reputation and attractiveness for investors and partners who value sustainability.
Stakeholder engagement: Transparent reporting on climate initiatives—including annual updates on the impact of the supported projects—builds trust among portfolio companies, investors, and the broader community.
Contribution to global goals: The projects directly contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically:
SDG 1 (No Poverty): by creating local employment and income for communities in Ethiopia and Indonesia.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): through carbon capture and emission reduction.
SDG 15 (Life on Land): through biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration.
