In order to contribute to a sustainable future, Nölken manufactures its products in an environmentally conscious manner: emissions caused by the production process are being reduced, and unavoidable carbon emissions offset.
Getting to net zero
To assess its climate impact, Nölken calculates the CO2 emissions from its headquarters as well as its production sites in Windhagen, Germany and Nowogrodziec, Poland. Together with external partner ClimatePartner, a recognized solution provider in climate protection for companies, the company calculates its Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) as well as its Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), taking into consideration the entire production process. It is thereby able to reduce its emissions to the greatest possible extent across both upstream and downstream stages of production. The remaining footprint is offset in partnership with two forest protection projects in Germany and Papua New Guinea which reduce the entry of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Continuous operational improvement
Nölken continues to be committed to improving its ecological footprint. The company regularly adapts its own processes in order to reduce energy consumption, uses 100% certified green electricity, operates two efficient combined heat and power plants (CHP) and has mostly installed LED light sources. Other measures include hybrid and electric vehicles for business trips and support for employees in financing e-bikes. By 2030, all conventionally operated forklifts are to be replaced with electric forklifts. Nölken also plans to equip its production hall with a photovoltaic system and to gradually convert all production halls with intelligent lighting. In early 2021, seven electric car charging stations were built for employees on its premises.
Transparency for real impact
Since 2020, Nölken has been a climate neutral company. The company publishes an annual Sustainability Report comprehensively documenting what has already been implemented and what measures are planned in the future. Future goals are defined quantitatively and further developed based on the KPIs of the total share of renewable energy and the total share of energy generated on-site. The carbon reduction and offsetting project laid the basis for further measures regarding CO2 emissions.
In order to offer its customers more climate neutral products, the company is continuously identifying the areas in the product life cycle where investments in climate protection can have the greatest impact. The next step for Nölken will be the calculation of emissions of organisations across its value chain, in order to seek to further reduce its indirect impact on climate.