Planting trees to offset CO2 emissions

A few years ago, Czechia had to cut down a massive amount of trees infested by a bark beetle to prevent the disease from spreading. Petr Prochazka, Gosselin Czechia country representative, suggested that Gosselin plant 1,000 trees to help rebuild these forests and to make a personal contribution to the efforts to fight climate change.

Petr is aware of the moving industry’s CO₂ emissions and knows we still have a long road to travel. “In Czechia, only around 10% of electricity comes from renewable energy. Everything else comes from nuclear sources, and coal and gas,” Petr explains. “I wanted to do my part when it comes to the CO₂ emissions from our moving activities.” Petr calculated that 1,000 trees would absorb 500 tons of CO₂ during their lifetime and immediately contacted a company that plants large amounts of trees every year.

The company charges €1 for every tree, and together with 30 volunteers, Petr helped plant them. “I went back to that location in March and the trees were already 30 centimeters tall!” Petr ordered a placard and made a wooden sign. No fewer than 5,000 trees were planted there in one day and while spruce trees originally grew there since they grow faster, the forest authority opted for oak and beech trees which are less prone to bug infestation and are more resilient to the weather. Most of all, they also help to prevent landslides and ensure better water accumulation in the landscape.

About Gosselin

Gosselin is a leading provider of international moving and destination services. Our clients are multinationals, relocation management companies, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private persons. With 56 offices in 34 countries, Gosselin has a strong presence in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. 

Gosselin is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 800 that generates more than 270 million Euros in sales.