PALFINGER has been committed to sustainability for more than 10 years. As a responsible employer, we produce sustainable products in an eco-efficient manner and we stand for equitable economic activity. In a fourpart series, we want to introduce the four sustainability areas and how we at PALFINGER live up to them on a daily basis.
Interview of the sustainability area: ECO-EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION
Energy efficiency and climate protection are relevant over the entire production process at PALFINGER. We are aware of our ecological responsibility and in our own interests, we have set for ourselves the goal of economic and efficient resource management on a continuous basis.
DAVID ASCHL, Environmental and Energy Officer of the Lengau Production Plant, will now answer a few questions on the “Eco-efficiency in Production” sustainability area.
1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have held the position of Environmental and Energy Officer at the Lengau location for 2 years. My field of activity includes all topics pertaining to waste, wastewater, the environment, and energy. I have been dealing with the topic of sustainability for many years and here as well, I try to be a good role model for my children.
2. What is your daily work routine like?
I monitor energy consumption values, the temperatures in the factory buildings, and the wastewater treatment plant on a daily basis. On a regular basis, I also perform on-site inspections in the factory buildings and on the grounds in order to make sure that waste is being disposed of and stored properly, and whether waste containers are labeled in a manner compliant with the regulations.
I also dedicate considerable time to carrying out projects such as converting the factory buildings to LED lighting, planning and carrying out modifications to heating systems, and training colleagues.
Around a quarter of my working hours are reserved for external audits and appointments with regulatory authorities. In order to stay up-to-date as well as gain ideas for the future, periodic surveys of innovative companies and projects, as well as participation in discussion rounds with other environmental and energy officers are very important to me.
3. What does sustainability mean to you, and how far has your area come in this respect over the last few years?
To me, sustainability means that we manage our resources in such a way that future generations will also enjoy the same conditions and opportunities as we. This entails continuously striving for improvements, for example in order to replace environmentally hazardous materials in a methodical manner.
Topics pertaining to the “energy and environment” area have consistently gained in importance over the past few years. This has also become very evident in dealing with authorities, which are monitoring compliance with requirements more and more closely, for example through unannounced inspections.
4. And what’s the outlook for the future? Where do you want to go?
The major goal of the coming years is to decouple energy consumption from business growth and to firmly anchor resource efficiency in all Areas.
Other interviews
Responsible employer
Employees are a material factor of PALFINGER’s success. PALFINGER’s ultimate goal is to be an attractive employer. Therefore, their motivation, qualifications and, first and foremost, their health and safety are given high priority. Nikolinka Koleva, the person responsible for people development in Bulgaria, will answer some questions on the “responsible employer” sustainability field.
Sustainable products
Along with maximization of safety during product use, minimization of power consumption, costs, and emissions throughout the entire product life cycle is essential. Research, development, and innovations contribute to the sustainability of the PALFINGER business model. Michael Völker, Head of Product Management Loader Cranes EMEA, will now answer a few questions on the “Sustainable Products” sustainability area.
Fair Business
Economic efficiency is reflected in the goal of earning a profit as well as growing in a sustainably profitable manner. Topics such as the Code of Conduct, corruption prevention, fair taxation and digitalization are in the focus. Patrick Schornböck, PALFINGER 21st Innovation Strategy Analyst, will now answer some questions on the “Fair business” sustainability field.
