Sustainability consists of different facets. In the environmental strategy area, we see it as our corporate responsibility to grow sustainably and to use resources and energy efficiently. We continually work to reduce the impact on the environment through our business activities.
In automotive development, we support our customers in meeting the diverse challenges to achieve ambitious climate protection goals. At the same time, we actively commit to reducing CO2 emissions ourselves. Through measures such as implementing energy-optimizing programs in building technology, we aim for significant emission reductions. Our focus areas include air conditioning, heat pump systems, compressed air generation, and IT. An example of this is the installation of charging stations, which we use to promote the expansion of electromobility. This allows us to drastically reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve the goal of being CO2-neutral by 2039.
The focus of Bertrandt's environmental management system is on improving and measuring environmental performance and preventing environmental incidents. We review our corporate processes annually in internal and external audits to ensure that they comply with current environmental legislation and adapt them where necessary. Bertrandt has a reporting process for environmental incidents such as breaches of environmental regulations or pollution caused by uncontrolled spills. Necessary measures are taken to reduce the environmental impact of the incident in question. All environmental incidents are recorded and processed internally. If necessary, Bertrandt reports immediately to the relevant authorities. The environmental incidents are analyzed in order to determine their cause and prevent future incidents. By implementing the energy audit in accordance with energy audit DIN EN 16247, potential energy savings are discovered. From 2025, we will optimize our options and focus on implementing the energy management system in accordance with ISO 50.001 in the long term. We hope to achieve greater energy savings potential by identifying potential in production processes or improving existing production processes.
The Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHG Inventory) is an important tool for measuring and reducing a company's greenhouse gas emissions. It is divided into different categories, known as scopes. Scope 1 and Scope 2 encompass the direct and indirect emissions resulting from the company's activities.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 includes all direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources within the company. These include:
Combustion of fossil fuels: Emissions from burning natural gas, heating oil, gasoline, and diesel in company-owned facilities and vehicles.
Industrial processes: Emissions from chemical reactions and other industrial processes occurring within the company.
Fugitive emissions: Emissions from leaks and other uncontrolled releases of greenhouse gases, such as refrigerant losses.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Energy Consumption
Scope 2 includes the indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the company's energy consumption. These include:
Electricity: Emissions from the generation of purchased electricity used by the company to meet its energy needs.
District heating and cooling: Emissions from the generation of purchased district heating and cooling used by the company to heat or cool its buildings.
Measures to Reduce GHG Emissions
To reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we have implemented various measures:
Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and processes to reduce energy consumption.
Renewable Energy: Utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar power to meet our energy needs.
Fleet Optimization: Using low-emission and electric vehicles to reduce emissions from our fleet.
Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly monitoring and reporting our greenhouse gas emissions to measure progress and identify further improvements.
Through these measures, we actively contribute to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and support climate protection.
A significant portion of our emissions comes from the use of purchased energy such as gas, electricity, heating oil, and district heating. Our energy consumption, the procurement of goods and services, employee commuting, and the use of our vehicle fleet significantly contribute to our direct greenhouse gas emissions.
As an engineering service provider with a focus on the automotive sector, we continuously work on methods to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in vehicles. In the reporting year, our company areas focused on increasing efficiency, saving energy, and the associated reduction of CO2 emissions. Internally, we set a good example by using fuel-efficient company vehicles and renewing our vehicle fleet every three years.
A responsible approach to the environment also includes producing as little waste as possible. We encourage our employees to avoid waste wherever possible and to consistently separate waste where it is produced. Waste is always recycled by certified waste management companies. Ongoing employee training on waste avoidance is a firmly implemented measure. The amount of waste generated in the 2023/2024 financial year was 2,593 tons.
We try to prioritize the use of recycled materials and renewable raw materials in order to reduce our need for primary raw materials. This improves our energy and resource efficiency. Together with our business partners, we are reducing our use of natural resources and thus our impact on ecosystems. As part of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Water Disclosure Project (WDP) initiatives, we regularly report on our activities in the area of climate protection and water conservation.
At Bertrandt, we pay attention to the conscientious use of natural resources such as energy, water, soil and air. We measure our electricity, energy and water consumption in all areas - from administration to the technology laboratories to the test benches - in order to be able to analyze and continuously improve the ecological impact of our business activities. In our day-to-day business activities, water is only required as a process medium and for sanitary purposes. No large quantities of water are required for production processes.
Biodiversity encompasses three pillars: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. The impact on biodiversity in the automotive industry is rather indirect. Therefore, analyzing the entire value chain is all the more important. Ensuring the protection of ecosystems is also the responsibility of our business partners. We embed our vision with our suppliers through appropriate agreements and regulations.
Engineering service providers can play a significant role in promoting biodiversity in the automotive industry. Here are some measures they can take in collaboration with manufacturers:
1. Sustainable Product Development:
2. Environmentally Friendly Production Processes:
3. Research and Innovation:
4. Supply Chain Management:
The supply chain is diverse, complex, globally ramified and subject to constant change. We try to achieve the optimum with our sustainable procurement concept. Issues such as the circular economy and decarbonization are just as important as resource efficiency and biodiversity. We expect our suppliers to also protect the environment and comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and standards. A continuous risk analysis is used to identify risks in the value chain in good time and intervene if necessary.
These regulations are ensured by corresponding agreements.
