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On June 5, 1972, the first major conference on environmental issues was held in Stockholm, Sweden, under the umbrella of the United Nations. The aim was to develop a common position on how to address the challenge of preserving and improving the human environment. Several months later, the United Nations declared June 5 as World Environment Day.
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. We all have an obligation to do something to limit global warming and reduce CO2 emissions – companies included. NORMA Group has implemented a range of initiatives at its sites around the world to reduce CO2 emissions and address climate change.
Dandenong South, Australia
In Australia, sites are being equipped with solar power systems to provide the warehouse with a supply of renewable energy. In Dandenong South, around 66 percent of electricity requirements can be covered with this system.
Hustopeče, Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, waste heat from compressors is used to heat the premises. This has reduced gas consumption for heating water by around 432,000 kWh and has also lowered CO2 emissions.
New trash containers have also been placed on the premises to facilitate waste separation.
Subotica, Serbia
Meadows and trees are extremely important, not only for bees and all other organisms living there, but also for clean air for people. Trees store carbon in their roots and release oxygen into the atmosphere. They thus contribute to neutralizing carbon dioxide in the air we breathe. That’s why colleagues at this site are planning to plant flowers and trees.
Maintal, Germany
An initiative to reduce electricity consumption was launched at the Maintal site. The tips are not only simple and straightforward to implement while working, they can also be integrated into everyday life. The tips include, for example, switching off the lights when leaving a room or using LED lamps instead of incandescent bulbs.
LED retrofits have already been made in Maintal in 2021. This will save 320,000 kWh this year and in the coming years. Furthermore, many rooms have been converted from light switches to motion detectors to ensure that the light is only switched on when someone is in one of these rooms.
At the end of last year, investments were also made in a new emission reduction system in the FBS area. This ensures significant savings in electricity and CO2.
Guichen, France
A mobility plan has been introduced in Guichen. This is a package of measures to optimize and increase the efficiency of employee travel. The objective of the mobility plan is to reduce harmful emissions and promote the use of alternative means of transport.
The use of electric bicycles is promoted by offering reduced purchase prices for employees. Annual passes for public transportation are reimbursed at 50 percent. Internal tools and websites facilitate the creation of car pools.
Bird feeders and nesting boxes were also installed in the trees around the site as part of NORMA Help Day. Climate change also poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Many animal species that existed a few decades ago have already disappeared. This is due, among other things, to the loss of their habitat. Nest boxes are a perfect substitute for natural nests and offer birds the opportunity to nest in safety.
Pilica, Poland
In Pilica, nesting boxes have also been installed on the walls of the buildings, helping to protect species.
Águeda, Portugal
At the NORMA Group site in Águeda, all of the plant lighting has been converted to LED luminaires. These not only reduce energy consumption, they also lower CO2 emissions.
The “Online Production Output” project is another sustainable project in Águeda. Colleagues in Portugal have switched from a paper-based production control process to a digital process. As a result, the project is helping to reduce paper consumption, among other things.
Additional water meters will also be installed to reduce water consumption at the site. The goal is to reduce consumption by five percent.
With numerous regional projects, NORMA Group is helping to ensure that the company as a whole is committed to sustainable business practices. Further projects that contribute to climate protection are being planned for the future.
