In addition to reviewing its absolute energy consumption, fischer assesses energy efficiency by linking energy consumption with defined reference values. This type of key figure creation is oriented on the definition of the technical degree of usage: Output (usage) with regard to input (expenditure) within defined system limits. In accordance with ISO 50001, these key figures are called “Energy Performance Indicators” (EnPIs). Energy is considered as system input here. An example of system output is the processed material quantities in the production areas. In this way, production capacity utilisation is considered a main influencing variable for energy consumption, increasing the validity of the assessment.
Since the introduction of ISO 50001, fischer plans to increase energy efficiency by at least 1.5 % per year. This goal, which is anchored in the company strategy, has since been achieved every year.
The following aspects have contributed to the achievement of this goal:
With the optimisation of manufacturing processes as part of the fischer ProcessSystem, production output has been increased to a greater degree than the amount of energy required for it. With regard to input, energy consumption has been reduced continuously by implementing energy saving measures. This positive development is reflected in the development of energy key figures. An internal energy team, comprised of managers from energy-related departments, works across locations and ensures constant and systematic improvement of energy efficiency. Improvement measures include, for instance, procuring more efficient production systems, ongoing optimisation of peripheral devices, for instance air compressor and process cooling; switching conventional lighting systems to LED technology, and installing more efficient ventilation and pump systems.
Furthermore, the successive establishment of the energy meter structure increases the transparency of the energy flow. In this way, additional areas and systems are monitored in order to identify optimisation measures and implement them in a targeted manner.
New tools, such as Material Flow Cost Analysis (MFCA) can be applied to identify further areas of potential improvement and define measures. This also improves energy efficiency
In order to assess environmental impact from noise emissions, fischer keeps a noise register that assesses and documents the acoustic impact of German factories on neighbouring residential areas. The noise register is updated if there are any significant changes.
Indirect CO2 emissions from upstream and downstream company activities.
Total CO2 emissions for German fischer locations (balance area scope 1 plus scope 2) in 2017 were 18,646 t. Of this, around 79% was indirect emissions from energy suppliers’ electricity generation.The share from Scope 2 was completely saved, since all German locations have been supplied with green electricity since the start of 2018. All of this comes from renewable energy plants. The corresponding certificates from the energy providers have been provided.
Furthermore, fischer is striving to further reduce its greenhouse gases, despite planned revenue growth.
fischer automotive has prepared a CO2 balance sheet with the support of an external consulting company. This focused in particular on Scope 3. The Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) for the Horb am Neckar and Ivanovice na Hané locations was calculated for 2015 (base year), 2018 and 2019. This data serves as the basis for relevant measures. In the Automotive area, CO2 neutrality is becoming an ever more important criteria in new projects awarded by OEMs. In addition, in the further “Product Carbon Footprints” (PCF) will be calculated for selected product groups.