You have already read tips on how you can work more sustainably in your workshop and which sustainability projects are being implemented in the MAHLE Aftermarket.
In this part, we want to provide you with an insight into the measures MAHLE, as an international corporation, is taking worldwide and what we have already achieved. As a foundation-owned company, we aim to fulfill our social responsibility.
Our task is to be an innovative catalyst for efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.
A significant amount of energy is required for our production processes, such as material melting, machine processing, and soldering.
To permanently reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources, the CO2-Roadmap project coordinates a set of measures. Regenerative power generation, including the use of our own photovoltaic systems, is one of several measures within MAHLE's CO2 strategy, which the company is actively advancing with significant financial investment.
In addition, the procurement of carbon-neutral electricity and the improvement of energy efficiency in production and development (aiming for two percent annually) are further components of MAHLE's CO2-Roadmap.
Saving energy and generating it oneself makes sense not only from a climate protection perspective but also from a business standpoint. The flagship project in Parma, the headquarters of the Service Solutions Center, which was acquired in 2020, demonstrates how this can be achieved.
State-of-the-art technology ensures virtually zero emissions at the facility. It is the first energy-efficient and CO2-neutral MAHLE plant with an A+++ energy efficiency rating.
MAHLE is also pursuing ambitious goals beyond its own business sectors. By 2030, emissions in the supply chain are targeted to be reduced by 28 percent, and emissions resulting from the use of our products are also aimed to be reduced by 28 percent. In doing so, MAHLE aims to make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the automotive value chain.
To be prepared in all areas related to climate neutrality, MAHLE has implemented sustainability as an organizational focus in its headquarters and business units. This is where all projects converge, and strategies are developed. In addition to the CO2-Roadmap, this includes projects aimed at ensuring globally sustainable procurement while upholding human rights and environmental protection in the immediate supply chain. The company sets its own goals as a benchmark for its suppliers as well. The possibility of incorporating recycled materials into its own products is another aspect that is being explored and implemented.
In product development, MAHLE is placing increased emphasis on contemporary mobility. The focus is on reducing fuel consumption and emissions from combustion engines while manufacturing components for alternative propulsion systems.
For example, the innovative MAHLE Battery Management System with integrated thermal management enhances the fast-charging capability of batteries in electric vehicles. By enabling faster charging, smaller and lighter batteries can be used, improving the CO2 footprint of the electric vehicle while simultaneously reducing the demand for globally scarce raw materials used in battery production.
The MAHLE Group emitted less CO2 in 2022. We were able to reduce our CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels (Scope 1) and emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2) by 12 percent compared to the previous year, as shown in our recently published sustainability report. Furthermore, MAHLE is expanding its CO2 emission targets to include Scope 3, which encompasses the significant areas of the supply chain and product usage. By 2030, we aim to reduce these emissions by 28 percent. Starting from 2040, MAHLE plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its production.
MAHLE receives significant positive feedback from customers for its efforts. For example, Volvo awarded the Green Energy Award to Chengdu MAHLE Automotive Thermal Systems last year for being a supplier that exclusively uses electricity from water and wind energy. Additionally, the plant in St. Michael ob Bleiburg was recognized by the Austrian Ministry of the Environment last year for its portfolio of climate and environmental protection measures.
Generating energy from renewable sources is a crucial lever on the path to global climate neutrality. For instance, the roof and covered parking areas of the Indian MAHLE plant, ANAND Thermal Systems, have been equipped with solar panels. The site now has a total solar installation spanning 16,844 square meters, capable of generating approximately 1,250 megawatt-hours of electricity per year. This reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 1,000 tons annually.
Another example is the new photovoltaic system at the MAHLE plant in Montblanc, Spain. With a capacity of 2,200 kilowatts-peak (kWp), it is the most powerful photovoltaic system within the corporation. The 10,000 square meters of solar panels produce 3,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, saving around 700 tons of CO2 per year. The system covers approximately ten percent of the plant's annual electricity demand.
Kathrin Apel, Global Head of Sustainability & HSE at MAHLE, is responsible for the company's sustainability management. This includes not only climate protection but also health, safety, and environmental management.
Ms. Apel, what drives the company's sustainability efforts?
The biggest drive comes from within the company itself. Additionally, we are motivated by the expectations of our stakeholders, especially our customers. It is important for our employees to work for a company that operates sustainably. This motivates us to set ambitious goals.
What are those goals?
Firstly, our technical innovations focus on efficiency and sustainability. Secondly, we work in a way that supports our economic stability. Climate protection is also a high priority: by 2030, we aim to reduce our CO2 emissions by at least 49 percent compared to our 2019 emissions and achieve global climate-neutral production by 2040. Our German plants already produce carbon-neutral today.
How does MAHLE plan to achieve this?
As an industrial company, the self-production of electricity and reducing consumption are the most important measures for us. We have implemented photovoltaic reference projects in Italy, Spain, and India - and more will follow. This helps us reduce our emissions and become more independent from the energy market. We are also intensively working on improving the energy efficiency of our locations. In 2022, we saved 27 megawatt-hours through energy efficiency projects. Sourcing CO2-neutral electricity is also part of our measures.
Sustainability is more than just climate protection. Where else does MAHLE focus its efforts?
We are implementing a system for our suppliers that allows us to globally track sustainable procurement and ensure the respect of human rights. Because our employees are important to us, we also aim to further improve occupational safety. Furthermore, we are committed to increasing the use of recycled materials. When we think and act sustainably at MAHLE, synergies are created. These initiatives reinforce each other, benefiting us as a company, our employees, our customers, and the environment.
Thank you for the insightful conversation, Ms. Apel.
If you want to learn more about sustainable projects, feel free to check out one of the following articles: