www.bfpa.co.uk 67 together the topics of energy efficiency and climate protection across the entire supply chain into a field of action that is now managed holistically. This has led to a consolidation of the sustainability strategy to concentrate on the following key areas: CO2 reduction and energy efficiency, technical education, environment, resource and material efficiency, people at Festo, and ethics and governance. Some of these areas are explained in more detail below. CO2 reduction and energy efficiency This large, restructured area of activity is the key focus of Festo’s sustainability efforts. On the basis of the corporate carbon footprint (CCF) calculated for the first time in 2021 in accordance with the GHG Protocol, Festo participated in the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) in 2023. The calculated emissions from the use of its products at the customers’ sites represent the major CO2 reduction opportunity for the company. Internally, Festo continues to invest in new photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency measures at its global locations. As a result of these measures, it expects an additional 2500 MWh per year of the company’s own renewable power generation creating annual energy savings. In addition to its production network, these measures also apply to Festo’s international sales companies. These companies were included in primary data collection on energy consumption and CO2 emissions for the first time in 2023. This creates the base conditions for CO2 neutrality for the entire Festo Group by 2026. In terms of the materials usage, Festo continues to focus on improving the quality of data on their CO2 values and is exploring the use of lower-CO2 materials through a series of targeted projects. The same applies to distribution logistics. On the one hand, Festo increases the transparency and resilience of the CO2 balance sheet. What are SS5, AA6 and AA7 and a bit lower down SS8 referring to? On the other hand, it is continuing to systematically switch moving individual products from air freight to sea freight. Furthermore, Festo continues to develop the existing products and services to increase energy efficiency for customers under the banner Energy Saving Services. High energy prices, rising cost pressure and a growing awareness of climate protection have made industrial energy efficiency a key priority for many businesses. Festo has invested in aligning with the ISO11011:2013 standard because it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and evaluating the energy efficiency and technical performance of compressed air systems. This standard outlines a detailed methodology for accurately interpreting and reporting data across the entire spectrum of a compressed air system, from its generation to the final point of use. This standard will ensure that Festo GB Technical Services are not only optimised for energy efficiency but also meet the highest technical standards. This commitment to quality and sustainability directly enhances the value and reliability of the services Festo provides to its customers, reinforcing our dedication to excellence and environmental responsibility. The Festo Energy Saving Services are offered on a modular basis to precisely meet customers’ specific requirements. Customers can choose whether they want to take advantage of the PreAudit, individual service modules or a comprehensive audit. In addition, the ISO11011:2013 is well suited to be integrated within a company’s ISO50001 energy management system. Technical education The technical training and further training of customers at the company’s training division Festo Didactic is another important pillar of the company’s sustainability efforts. Examples of Festo’s activities are: Making high-quality learning content accessible to as many people as possible with the Festo LX digital learning portal. Learning solutions as the key to environmentally friendly innovations. Getting young people excited about technical topics with Bionics4Education. Promoting learning through competitions with numerous activities. The introduction of an environmental management system according to ISO 14001 is planned for Festo Didactic SE and the Canadian plants of Festo Didactic. One of the many training packages offered by Festo is Wind Power Systems TP 8012-1. This facilitates the study of wind power production systems and addresses stand-alone power systems for AC or DC loads. As with other Festo training packages, Wind Power Systems TP 8012-1 comprises a modular approach, allowing it to be combined with other topics. Environment, resource and material efficiency In 2022, Festo restructured the topics in this field of activity. At its own locations, Festo continues to work on the efficient use of materials, operating materials and waste reduction and the economical use of water as part of its ISO 14001-certified international environmental management. With regard to the entire value creation process, the focus is on products and their packaging. The focus here is on saving materials and using materials that do not contain any critical ingredients or have a comparatively lower carbon footprint. In 2023, Festo assessed its potential contribution to the circular economy and identified some specific measures. People at Festo Within this area of action, Festo continues to work on the long-term issues relating to the qualification and further development of its employees, the expansion of occupational health promotion and safety, and equality and diversity in the company. Award recognition In November 2023. Festo was presented with a prestigious German Sustainability Award (DNP) in the hydraulics, pumps and compressors category at a ceremony in Düsseldorf. The DNP is based on the goals of the German government’s Agenda 2030 and thus on key areas of transformation such as climate, biodiversity, resources, supply chain and society. During 2023, Festo was also named a successful practice company in the field of sustainability by RWTH Aachen University and the Complexity Management Academy. “So, sustainability plays a central role in Festo’s operational remit and will continue to develop over the coming years,” concludes Aryanfard.
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