Energy management
Monitoring audit in line with ISO 50001
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.
Photovoltaics as the energy supplier of the future
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.
Focus on green electricity and green gas
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.
New office space for uvex safety Austria
uvex safety Austria has moved. The new office space, which is located in Wels (Upper Austria, around 30 mins drive from Linz), underwent an energy-orientated refurbishment, with the building additionally brought in line with the latest technological standards.
Electromobility in Fürth
At the Fürth headquarters, additional charging stations were installed to cater for the rising number of electric vehicles. Plans are also in place to gradually expand the number of charging stations over the coming financial years.
Energy assessment of a building at the Fürth headquarters
To aid our transformation in the direction of greenhouse gas neutrality, the uvex academy building (Siemensstrasse 6) in Fürth was assessed on the basis of a feasibility study.
Development and target-setting for specific energy consumption within the scope of DIN EN ISO 50001
Fleet
The Guidelines on the Use of Company Vehicles have been updated
Since January 2020, uvex group fleet management has placed an even greater focus on fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions generated with the introduction of the updated Guidelines on the Use of Company Vehicles. More fuel-intensive vehicles naturally mean significantly higher contributions payable by employees or a need to settle for a lower specification vehicle.
An overview illustrated by the traffic light system demonstrates the positive impact of low fuel consumption on sustainability and the resultant cost advantages and disadvantages to all those in the process of acquiring a new vehicle. As a result, drivers are encouraged to opt for a vehicle with the lowest possible fuel consumption.
In financial year 2022/23, the existing Guidelines on the Use of Company Vehicles were comprehensively revised, with the aim of generating an even more drastic reduction in the current carbon footprint of the fleet.
Additional measures were successfully implemented in the uvex group with effect from January 2023, which included:
Introduction of a mobility allowance
Vehicle users (with the exception of field staff) have the option of choosing between a company car or a mobility allowance. The mobility allowance gives employees the opportunity of freely deciding whether they would prefer to use other means of transport (e.g. local public transport, e-bike) in return for attractive financial compensation terms.
Consistent reduction in mileage
All company vehicle users (again, field staff excluded) are limited to driving a maximum of 25,000 kilometres per year. In line with this, drivers are encouraged to optimise their driving behaviour accordingly.
Promotion of electromobility
The promotion of electromobility is a key aspect of our sustainability strategy. For this reason, four charging stations for electric cars and 12 charging points for e-bikes have been installed at the Fürth headquarters. In this way, the uvex group is enabling employees, customers and visitors to charge their vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner.
For choosing a low-emission electric vehicle as a new car, drivers will receive a number of benefits. The aim is to gradually replace the existing vehicle fleet (conventional combustion vehicles) with fully electric vehicles.
- Energy traffic light system for new vehicle choice: reduced fuel costs for electric vehicles lead to lower contributions payable by employees
- Option of tax-free employer allowance for home charging points (currently EUR 70 per month)
- Provision of a charging card that can be used throughout Germany
- Benefits in relation to company car taxation (0.25% or 0.5% rather than 1% flat rate)