Sustainability and energy efficiency are playing an increasingly important role for companies. To tackle the associated challenges, KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH has formed the 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network with nine other local companies.
At the beginning, an energy consultation was conducted to assess the respective energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and efficiency potentials. Based on this, the participating companies have set specific goals for the nearly three-year duration of the network. By the end of 2026, concrete measures are to be implemented that will save at least 2,400 MWh of energy annually - equivalent to a reduction of CO2 emissions by 1,200 tons per year. Furthermore, the network community is focusing on expanding renewable energy: At least 1,700 kWp of renewable energy capacity is to be added during the network's duration.
In addition, there is regular exchange of experiences among the energy, environmental, and sustainability experts of the companies, which lays the foundation for investments in energy cost savings as well as contributions to the energy transition and climate protection within the individual companies.
Kyocera's energy-efficient and sustainable projects in Mannheim
With the goal of developing the city of Mannheim into a sustainable, climate-neutral, and inclusive city by 2030, citizens have the opportunity, as part of the initiative 'Mannheim gestalten gemeinsam', to present and implement projects and measures to achieve this goal together with local companies. Kyocera is also participating in this initiative and is contributing, among other things, with the following projects:
1. Energy-efficient LED lighting
Since replacing the light bulbs in the existing buildings with energy-efficient LED lighting, Kyocera saves around 286,000 kWh of electricity annually.
2. New construction of an administrative, production, and logistics building
To contribute to sustainable building, Kyocera uses renewable raw materials such as wood for new constructions. These will also be equipped with extensive green roofs and a photovoltaic system with an installed capacity of about 250 kWp.
3. Investment in highly efficient manufacturing systems
The new production systems are expected to lead to significant savings in energy costs in the long term. The waste heat from the production processes is efficiently utilized to heat both the systems and the surrounding buildings through an internal heating network. Cooling of the production and administrative buildings in summer is also possible.
4. Renewal of the compressed air supply
The compressed air supply was renewed in 2023. The old compressors were replaced with new ones. The electricity savings from the new compressors compared to the old ones amount to approximately 150,000 kWh per year.
Armin Kayser, Managing Director of KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH emphasizes: 'According to the Kyocera philosophy 'Respect the Divine and Love People', we take our responsibility regarding environmental protection and careful handling of natural resources very seriously. We handle resources responsibly and protect our environment. This is reflected in our business decisions and actions.'
The HSE management of KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH also supports the joint project: 'The 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network is a great initiative that we are happy to be a part of. Together with the participating companies, we have set ambitious long-term goals to make the region in and around Mannheim even more sustainable and efficient. As all parties are pulling together, we are convinced that we will achieve the set goals.'
About the 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network
The 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network is part of the federal initiative Energy Efficiency Networks and is organized and moderated by the Mannheim Climate Protection Agency. The ten participating companies have set themselves the goal of increasing their energy efficiency and expanding their sustainability activities in this long-term project. In addition to KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH, the network includes Stadtpark Mannheim GmbH and the companies Diringer & Scheidel Unternehmensgruppe, Wabco Radbremsen GmbH, Papierverarbeitung Hanns Julius Lichtenberger GmbH, Haag Streit GmbH, Sax & Klee Bauunternehmung GmbH, ES Elektroanlagen + Systemtechnik GmbH, Lochbühler Aufzüge GmbH, and Berrang SE.
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