Our contribution to environmental protection
In addition to compliance with the law, the environment and the conservation of resources are also very important to us. In this respect, an energy-saving heating system and optimised hall lighting are only a small contribution to environmental protection. For instance, one of our current projects revolves around feeding the electricity produced by our regenerative brakes directly back into our plants.
In order to save further energy, a special tracking procedure ensures that temporarily unused units are automatically switched off. The collection of consumption data from our facilities is also an important component in the area of energy management. This allows us to identify performance peaks in our plants and to determine and optimise energy-intensive capacities. Two plants already have reactive current compensation systems to be able to keep the base load at a level. By optimising our halls and warehouses, we have already exceeded the government’s climate target for 2030 with 65% C02 savings compared to 1990.
We want to continue to make all phases of our production even “greener”. Therefore, we organise regular idea competitions around the topic of environmental protection and are in constant exchange with our employees. In this way, potential for improvement can be identified as quickly as possible and implemented with the help of environmentally friendly technologies. Only together are we able to lay a sustainable foundation for tomorrow.
Sustainability guidelines
Sustainability is a long-term strategic success factor not only for Otto Knauf GmbH, but also for suppliers and subcontractors. With the new sustainability guideline for our suppliers, sustainable management is actively demanded. The aim of this policy is therefore to establish a common standard of performance, raising awareness and commitment to responsible business operations.
Our Sustainability Policy defines the following requirements for our suppliers:
- Compliance with internationally recognised human and labour rights
- Outlawing child labour and forced labour
- Compliance with legal standards and environmental guidelines
- Preventive environmental protection
- Compliance with and promotion of business ethics
We also expect our direct suppliers to ensure compliance with this policy by their subcontractors and suppliers. They are encouraged to communicate the contents of this policy to all participants in their supply chain and actively promote compliance.
Environmentally friendly production
With regard to environmental issues, we proceed according to the precautionary principle, take initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility and encourage the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies.
In all phases of production, OKS Otto Knauf GmbH ensures optimum environmental protection. This includes a proactive approach to avoid or minimise the consequences of accidents that can have a negative impact on the environment. Particular importance is attached to the application and further development of energy- and water-saving technologies. These are characterised by the use of emission reduction, reuse and recycling strategies.
Environmentally friendly products
All products manufactured along the supply chain meet the environmental standards of their respective market segment. This includes all materials and substances used in production. Chemicals and other substances that pose a hazard when released into the environment are identified and a hazardous substance management system is established. This is the only way we can ensure an effective approach to transport, storage, reprocessing, reuse or disposal.
Sustainable recycling
The construction material steel plays a major role in the sustainable use of resources. Due to its special properties, steel is the most recycled material in the world. It can be recycled repeatedly and, above all, without loss.
For this reason, we return over 6,000 tonnes of production waste directly back into the steel cycle.
Green Steel
As an energy-intensive industry, the steel industry is undergoing change and the topic of green steel is omnipresent. In order to make steel production as environmentally friendly as possible, steelworks are constantly developing their technologies and for us, too, Green Steel is not just a label, but also a lived philosophy. In order to be able to supply you with “Green Steel” in the future through our full-service business, we are in intensive exchange with potential suppliers.
In all our production steps, we consistently pay attention to saving resources and C02. All the materials we use are tailored and processed in the most environmentally friendly way possible. We also attach great importance to the fact that primary material with the “Green Steel” label continues to live up to this label even after processing. This makes us a meaningful partner in a green and environmentally friendly supply chain.
