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 with the many challenges involved in achieving ambitious climate protection targets. At the same time, we are striving to reduce CO2 emissions ourselves. We aim to reduce emissions through measures such as the implementation of programs in building technology that focus on energy optimization. The focus here is on the areas of air conditioning, heat pump systems, compressed air generation and IT. One example is the installation of charging stations, which we are using to drive forward electromobility in order to drastically reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve our 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.
A large proportion of our emissions are attributable to procured and externally purchased energy such as gas, electricity, heating oil and district heating. Our energy requirements, the purchase of goods and services, employee commuting and the use of our vehicle fleet have the greatest direct impact on our greenhouse gas emissions.
As a technology developer with a focus on the automotive sector, we are constantly working on processes to further reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in vehicles. In the reporting year, the main focus in the divisions was on increasing efficiency, saving energy and thus reducing CO2 emissions. Within the company, we set a good example by using consumption-optimized company vehicles and replacing 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 2022/2023 financial year was 3,168 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 comprises three pillars: genetic diversity, species diversity and the diversity of ecosystems. The influence on biodiversity in the automotive industry is rather indirect. This makes it all the more important to analyze the entire value chain. The protection of ecosystems must also be ensured by our business partners. We anchor our vision with our suppliers through appropriate agreements and regulations.
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.
