Energy management
Recertification audit DIN EN ISO 50001
uvex Winter Holding and its subsidiaries (uvex Arbeitsschutz, uvex safety gloves, uvex sports Lederdorn and Filtral) underwent another successful recertification audit in line with ISO 50001:2018 in July 2024. This international standard defines requirements for energy management systems that support businesses in their efforts to improve energy-efficiency and reduce energy costs.
The successful recertification is valid until October 2027.
Photovoltaics as the energy supplier of the future
One of the focal points in the area of sustainability is our use of renewable energies. The uvex group already operates several photovoltaic (PV) systems at various locations, which make a key contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. In 2024, uvex advanced additional PV projects. At the new logistics centre in Rednitzhembach, a PV system with an output of 768 kWp was put into operation, while in Fürth the uvex group’s largest PV installation to date (1,441 kWp) will be operational in the near future.
In Fürth, 90% of the energy generated is to be used directly at the company’s headquarters on Würzburger Straße, with just 10% fed into the public grid. From a group-wide perspective, the uvex group can use the new PV system to generate around 20 percent of the current annual electricity consumption at the Fürth site through solar energy alone.
Green electricity and green gas
The green electricity sourced by uvex locations since 2014 is 100% TÜV-certified, renewable electricity on the basis of hydropower and solar energy, which we generate from proprietary PV installations. 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.
Mobility
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)
In financial year 2023/24, the measures outlined above continued to be successfully implemented, which brought about the following positive impacts:
- 30% of the employees impacted ultimately opted for the mobility allowance instead of ordering a new company car (excluding field staff).
- 25% of orders of new company cars were for electric vehicles (excluding field staff).
- Average fuel consumption in terms of litres per 100km travelled in cars with conventional combustion engines was reduced by 18% versus the prior year.