environment
wherever possible
Our aim is to reduce the need for necessary inputs such as water, electricity and materials, to prevent discharges into the environment and to minimise waste/wastewater.
The following measures in the different environmental areas contribute to this objective:
Water protection
We have documented and monitor liquids in production and distribution systems that are hazardous to water. Wherever possible, we replace them with more environmentally friendly materials.
Clean air
Our vehicles and combined heat and power plants emit pollutants. By constantly measuring and minimising operating hours, we keep emissions as low as possible.
Noise protection
The operation of transformers, heat pumps and power plants creates noise. Relevant noise emissions at ewz, however, only occur in certain circumstances. In such cases, we carry out measurements and counteract the emissions – where appropriate – with noise protection measures. Protection against electrical and magnetic fields (EMF): ewz power plants and substations do not exceed specified limits. We have upgraded or shielded our transformer stations. We have recorded the transformers and cable lines that exceed the limit values and will be upgrading them by 2035.
Resource management
The aim of resource management is to minimise the consumption of natural resources such as minerals or metals. Their extraction from the soil is energy-intensive and – especially if it is improperly executed – problematic for the environment.
Our priorities for a sustainable circular economy are:
- Avoiding unnecessary procurement
- Procurement of durable products
- Reuse and recycling of recyclable materials
- Thermal recycling
- Landfilling waste
We have an internal competence centre for waste management and resource efficiency and work with specialist waste disposal and recycling companies.
Sustainable procurement
We procure goods and services according to economic, social and specially defined environmental criteria. In keeping with our climate-prioritised procurement, we give preference to products and services with a comparatively lower carbon intensity.
We are guided by the different life phases of a product. The following factors are considered:
- Manufacture
- Transport
- Operation
- Recycling
- Disposal
We encourage suppliers to ensure that their products are as easy as possible to repair, use energy efficiently and recycle. As far as possible, we strive to work with suppliers and in networks that can provide evidence of exemplary sustainable business practices.
