Reduce climate impact

We want to reduce adverse impact from our fleet and submit science-based targets

Climate changes and global health are highly interlinked. According to WHO, climate change is the single biggest health threat. CO2 emissions from health care systems are fairly high and under-addressed. As a healthcare service provider, we want to do our part. We strive to advance healthcare while we reduce our climate impact.

It is our current assessment that Falck’s single biggest direct adverse impact on the climate derives from the fuel consumption of our fleet. We have therefore begun the transition from diesel and petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles and adopting the use of biofuels. Read more

We are aware that our operations impact the climate in other ways, e.g., through the energy consumption in buildings, the equipment used in our ambulances and the business travel of our employees, cf. scope 1-3 guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. That is why we are widening the scope to also set targets for our indirect emissions (scope 2, e.g. electricity/heating) and our value chain (scope 3, e.g. goods & services) emissions.

Commitment to Science Based Targets initiative

Falck has committed to Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Hereby, we are committed to setting targets supporting Paris Agreement goals. We will set science-based targets for scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

To deliver on our commitments, we need to find levers within existing, smarter, new & transformational ways of working. We are working for a green transition while advancing sustainable healthcare. We strive to reduce emissions within existing ways of working by electrification of our fleet. We work smarter by enabling digital solutions and thereby reducing the use of our fleet. We innovate new solutions like using drones instead of our fleet. We look into digital solutions where patients can have treatment 24/7 at home.

Read about our 4 ways to advance healthcare

Targets set for emissions

50% reduction in 2030

CO2 emissions, total (scope 1) (Baseline year 2021)

10% reduction year-on-year

CO2e emissions, relative (scope 1) Tonnes / Revenue (Baseline year 2021)

Transitioning to a green fleet

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Phase 1: Passenger Cars

In 2021, we implemented our 100% electric company car policy in Denmark. All new passenger cars ordered by Falck after 1 January 2021 must be 100% electric (not hybrid). In scope are approximately 130 company cars, 130 station/support cars and 330 seated patient transport vehicles which are changed to electric when existing lease contracts expire. These account for 56% of our total fleet of passenger cars.

We are implementing the electric car policy to more markets.

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Phase 2: Vans

Ambulances and patient transport account for the majority of all direct CO2 (scope 1) emissions in Falck.

Today, an ambulance is built to provide the first life-saving treatment to patients on the scene of the accident before driving to a hospital. Once the van is converted and fitted with the necessary equipment, the weight of the vehicle and its power consumption while operating are significant. With current battery technology, an electric ambulance will therefore not be able to meet all the requirements for speed, range and weight in order to be certified as an ambulance.

However, technology advances rapidly and we aim to switch to electric or other zero emission vans as soon as this is feasible without compromising the quality of the ambulance service delivery. In 2021, we have ordered a number of electric vans as support vehicles to test their functionality. We are also testing other solutions for vehicles which allows us to trial and pilot the future of sustainable emergency healthcare.

Phase 3: Heavy Duty Fire & Roadside Assistance Vehicles

Our roadside assistance and firefighting trucks account for some 10% or less of our direct CO2 emissions. Fire vehicles, in particular, have a very small impact on a per vehicle basis given limited kilometers per year. The electric solutions are limited, currently, and we will start transitioning when possible and sensible.

In 2017, Falck Sweden started testing and using biofuels. In 2021, HVO biofuels accounted for more than 70% of all fuel used in Falck Sweden. Between 2020-2022, Falck Denmark also tested and used biofuels in Denmark, following the success in Sweden. We’re monitoring and following the development of biofuels as they can play a role in bridging the gap between fossil fuel vehicles and zero emission vehicles.

HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a 100% fossil-free product made from renewable and sustainably sourced fats and oils, including waste and residue from food industries. It has the same or better technical properties as regular diesel and can be used in existing vehicles, where the manufacturer has approved HVO. HVO100 can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. Its tailpipe CO₂ emissions are considered zero, as the amount of carbon dioxide released upon combustion equals the amount the renewable raw material has absorbed earlier.