Breaking stories and in‑depth analysis: up‑to‑the‑minute global news on politics, business, technology, culture, and more—24/7, all in one place.
MADRID – Technology and sustainability firm NDD has planted 1.7 million trees as part of a carbon offsetting initiative, aiming to provide a verifiable and scalable model for corporate environmental responsibility. The company, which operates across Europe, Portugal, and Brazil, is expanding its operations with a new strategic hub in Madrid, according to CEO EMEA and APJ Richard Schulze.
NDD’s approach centers on direct management of reforestation projects, rather than simply purchasing carbon credits. The company owns and manages pine plantations, having planted the 1.7 million trees over the last decade, offsetting over one million tons of CO2. This direct control, Schulze explained, ensures adherence to strict quality standards and avoids the “greenwashing” prevalent in the carbon offset market.
“We quickly understood that our growth could not be detached from the environmental impact of the sector in which we operate,” Schulze stated in an interview. “We didn’t want sustainability to be a mere advertising addition, but a central component of our business model.”
The company’s reforestation efforts are regulated by Brazilian legislation and audited by the Brazilian National Forest Office (ONFB), ensuring compliance with international standards. A dedicated team of over 30 people manages the planting and maintenance of the forests. NDD provides clients with fully valid carbon compensation certificates, backed by audited data, allowing them to integrate the information into their annual sustainability reports.
NDD’s projects also utilize Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which Schulze described as essential for legal compliance and effective forest management. The FSC standard ensures responsible forestry practices, including pest control and strategic pruning to maximize carbon capture. The company also integrates livestock grazing into its land management, aiding access, reducing fire risk, and fostering a diverse ecosystem.
“Traceability is the engine of trust,” Schulze said. “NDD develops climate awareness programs supporting companies that want to build a legitimate sustainable story. Our purpose is to facilitate reverse climate change with data, not intentions.”
Beyond its environmental initiatives, NDD is focused on providing secure and efficient data management solutions. Its NDD Orbix platform, developed in Spain with Brazilian roots, offers security, high availability, and data analytics for sectors like banking and healthcare. The platform centralizes the monitoring and management of printing devices and IT equipment, collecting data remotely and enhancing operational efficiency.
NDD Orbix’s billing system relies on continuous data transmission from devices, preventing revenue loss due to offline equipment. The platform also proactively monitors hardware to prevent technical failures, minimizing disruptions to productivity. The company provides direct support in Spanish, addressing a common barrier in the managed services market.
The new Madrid facility will serve as a logistical and technical support hub for NDD’s expansion into France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and as a launchpad for future ventures in Asia and Africa. Schulze acknowledged bureaucratic challenges in Spain, stating that administrative processes can hinder the agility required for global competition.
“For Spain to be the true technology hub that we are already projecting, We see essential that the Administration simplifies the procedures,” Schulze said. “The speed of the global market does not wait for the times of local bureaucracy.”
Schulze highlighted the difficulty in navigating regulations related to forestry projects, citing a lack of clear information and a complex administrative structure with multiple, often overlapping, authorities. He noted the “labyrinthine” nature of the Spanish administration as a disincentive to green investment.
NDD intends to export its integrated approach to responsibility as it expands into new markets, aiming to be recognized not only for its technological leadership but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
