Energy management

uvex Winter Holding and its subsidiaries (uvex Arbeitsschutz, uvex safety gloves, uvex sports Lederdorn, B-S-A Gesellschaft für Kunststoffverarbeitung und -handel mbH and Filtral) were again successfully audited in line with ISO 50001:2018 in July 2023. This international standard defines requirements for energy management systems that support businesses in efforts to improve energy-efficiency and reduce energy costs.

For this certification, the updated Guidelines on the Use of Company Vehicles, which promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, garnered particular praise. Moreover, targets aimed at reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, reinforced with concrete measures to achieve the aims, were also highlighted.

One of the focal points in the area of sustainability is the use of renewable energy. The uvex group already operates several photovoltaic (PV) systems at various locations, which make a key contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. In 2023, a total of 194.7 kWp in PV output was installed across the group, split between Obernzell (65.8 kWp), Burgfarrnbach (99.9 kWp) and Neukirchen (29 kWp). Further PV projects are in the pipeline for 2024 in Rednitzhembach (approx. 780 kWp) and in Fürth (1.4 MWp), which will further increase energy efficiency and ecological added value. These projects demonstrate the uvex group’s commitment to a sustainable future and responsible corporate management.

Our green electricity is obtained from sources such as biomass, in addition to hydroelectric, wind and solar power. This makes an important contribution to our climate protection ambitions. The green electricity sourced by uvex locations since 2014 is 100% TÜV-certified, renewable electricity from hydropower and also promotes new facilities across the region. The uvex group has been procuring green gas since 2016, with the emissions generated on the basis of gas combustion offset by projects that first contribute to CO2 reduction, and second, support sustainable development and job creation, in addition to improving social, ecological and sanitary conditions in the respective country.

The building into which uvex sports Austria has now moved, located in Neukirchen in the district of Zell am See, was renovated so that operations could successfully commence in financial year 2022/23. The construction measures included the installation of a PV system with an output of 29 kWp to cover the company’s own electricity requirements, as well as a connection to the municipal district heating supply. In this context, uvex sports Austria’s heating supply is secured by way of wood chips from sustainable forestry. In addition, the building was insulated to minimise heat loss and bring it up to date with the latest technology. In terms of mobility solutions, two charging points for electric vehicles were also installed.