Effinet@SCHOTT: Saving 30,000-megawatt hours of energy and protecting the climate
11 January 2024, Mainz, Germany
- Energy-intensive company aims to become climate-neutral in production by 2030
- Network project drives forward energy efficiency measures
- Savings of up to 30,000 megawatt hours (MWh) and 11,000 tons of CO2 per year
Increasing energy efficiency – and thus significantly reducing CO₂ emissions at six German melting and production sites – is the goal of SCHOTT technology group’s network project, called Effinet@SCHOTT 3.0. Scheduled to run for two years, Effinet@SCHOTT 3.0 is the successor to previous successful efficiency networks and is part of the technology group's strategy to achieve climate-neutral production. "A total of 45 individual measures have already been initiated and are expected to save 30,000 megawatt hours of electricity, natural gas, and district heating per year. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 6,500 single-family households," explains project manager and energy officer Matthias Hofmeister. "With these savings, climate-damaging CO₂ emissions can be reduced by more than 11,000 tons.”
The measures planned by SCHOTT's energy and climate experts are aimed primarily at glass melting, cooling in post-processing, air compression, refrigeration, and the use of waste heat from glass melting and further processing. Per Hofmeister: "The investments usually pay for themselves within a few years. In addition, some efficiency measures are supported by government subsidies. Further energy savings are also achieved through local projects. These include the use of waste heat to heat private homes at the SCHOTT Pharma site in Müllheim, Germany; the installation of solar panels at the plant in Lanškroun, Czech Republic; and which is powered by 100% green electricity.
For the duration of the network, the industry association BV Glas will also be on board as the network organizer, and specialists from Energie Consulting GmbH in Kehl will act as moderators and consultants, providing information on current energy-related topics, laws, and updates.
Against the backdrop of high energy costs, security of supply, and the corporate goal of "climate neutrality by 2030", the Mainz-based technology group has made energy and climate protection a particular focus. To that end, in addition to technological changes in the operation of energy-intensive melting tanks, intelligent energy saving is one of the Group's most important areas of action. In the future, green hydrogen and electricity from renewable energy sources will replace climate-damaging fossil fuels such as gas used to heat glass furnaces. Tests have already been successfully completed.
SCHOTT's commitment to climate protection has also been publicly recognized: the special glass manufacturer received top honors in two categories of the German Sustainability Awards, and once again received an EcoVadis Gold Rating. It is also important for the company to align its climate goals with the current state of climate science. The Group has therefore joined the global Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), whose members are pioneers in the decarbonization of the economy. The initiative is considered the gold standard for science-based climate targets.
For the duration of the network, the industry association BV Glas will also be on board as the network organizer, and specialists from Energie Consulting GmbH in Kehl will act as moderators and consultants, providing information on current energy-related topics, laws, and updates.
Against the backdrop of high energy costs, security of supply, and the corporate goal of "climate neutrality by 2030", the Mainz-based technology group has made energy and climate protection a particular focus. To that end, in addition to technological changes in the operation of energy-intensive melting tanks, intelligent energy saving is one of the Group's most important areas of action. In the future, green hydrogen and electricity from renewable energy sources will replace climate-damaging fossil fuels such as gas used to heat glass furnaces. Tests have already been successfully completed.
SCHOTT's commitment to climate protection has also been publicly recognized: the special glass manufacturer received top honors in two categories of the German Sustainability Awards, and once again received an EcoVadis Gold Rating. It is also important for the company to align its climate goals with the current state of climate science. The Group has therefore joined the global Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), whose members are pioneers in the decarbonization of the economy. The initiative is considered the gold standard for science-based climate targets.
Pioneering. Responsibly. Together.
These attributes characterize SCHOTT as a manufacturer of high-tech materials based on specialty glass. Founder Otto Schott is considered its inventor and became the pioneer of an entire industry. Always opening up new markets and applications with a pioneering spirit and passion – this is what has driven the #glasslovers at SCHOTT for more than 130 years. Represented in 34 countries, the company is a highly skilled partner for high-tech industries: Healthcare, Home Appliances & Living, Consumer Electronics, Semiconductors & Datacom, Optics, Industry & Energy, Automotive, Astronomy & Aerospace. In the fiscal year 2021, its 17,300 employees generated sales of 2.5 billion euros. SCHOTT AG is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the oldest foundations in Germany. It uses the Group's dividends to promote science. As a foundation company, SCHOTT has anchored responsibility for employees, society and the environment deeply in its DNA. The goal is to become a climate-neutral company by 2030.
Christine Fuhr
Communications Manager