ENERGY AND EMISSIONS

We continuously monitor our energy consumption at the Karben site using appropriate software. This enables us to allocate energy consumption to the respective energy consumers. Only with a precise analysis of the consumption data can we identify potential savings and check the effective implementation of measures.

Our energy management system is certified in accordance with the international standard DIN EN ISO 50001 and is subject to an annual external audit. This enables us to ensure continuous improvement.

The following chart provides an overview of the development of energy consumption from 2015 to 2023.

The main energy sources in 2023 were electricity (~33 %), wood (~30 %) and fuels (~28 %) for the company‘s own fleet of trucks and cars. The wood comes from residual materials from production and is a CO₂-neutral energy source. Electricity and fuels were therefore our main sources of CO₂ emissions.

Our wood is used to heat all rooms and the production halls. Wood consumption is largely dependent on the weather.

In 2023, significant energy savings were achieved in electricity and natural gas. The electricity savings are due to technical investments in lighting, extraction systems and the modernization of the paint shop. The reduction in natural gas consumption is due to the consolidation of the powder plants. In 2023, two of the four powder plants were decommissioned, while the two existing plants were optimized.

König + Neurath operates its own photovoltaic system. The electricity it produces is used for the company‘s own supply. The following graph shows the annual electricity generation volume. This essentially depends on the duration of sunshine and any system malfunctions.

The CO₂ emissions resulting from energy consumption are calculated using the respective emission factors. The following chart provides information on the CO₂ emissions of the different energy sources.

The guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol represent the established de facto standard for the categorization of greenhouse gas emissions. A distinction is made between three scopes in greenhouse gas reporting:

• Scope 1: direct emissions generated in processes within the company
• Scope 2: indirect emissions from energy purchases from other companies (at König + Neurath this is electricity)
• Scope 3: Scope 3 emissions always represent Scope 1 and Scope 2 -emissions in the greenhouse gas balances of other companies and individuals.Scope 3 emissions include, for example, purchased goods and services, waste at the site, business travel and employee commuting.

Electricity and fuels are responsible for 90 % (2023) and 88 % (2022) of CO₂ emissions at the König + Neurath production site in Scope 1 and Scope 2.

Compared to 2015, CO₂ emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 were reduced by 49.9 % (2023) and 48.2 % (2022) respectively.