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.
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.
We have had our science-based climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
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. By implementing DIN ISO 50001, we have taken an important step toward increasing energy efficiency and reducing our energy consumption.
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
The values listed in Scope 3 in the table may still change after recalculation due to the introduction of a new software system and the associated use of a different emissions database.
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.
Biodiversity encompasses genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. As a development services provider, Bertrandt’s business activities primarily have an indirect impact on biodiversity, particularly along the upstream and downstream value chains. Therefore, biodiversity-related aspects are taken into account when evaluating business relationships and supply chains.
To mitigate potential negative impacts, requirements related to environmental and sustainability standards are incorporated into relevant procurement and supplier processes. In addition, Bertrandt supports its customers in developing resource- and material-efficient solutions and in incorporating circular economy principles into development projects.
The sourcing and procurement of raw materials are generally the responsibility of the respective suppliers and manufacturers. Bertrandt aims to promote sustainable practices along the value chain within the scope of its influence.
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.
