European Awards for the Environment 2002 - EDZ - ArchiDok€¦ · Global context → Responsibility...

European Commission

EUROPEAN AWARDSfor the environmentEUROPEAN AWARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT2002

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Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2003

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Table of contents 1

OVERVIEW

Foreword by Margot Wallström → Make the environment your business ....................................................................................................2

Interview → Interview with Cristina García-Orcoyen.............................................................................................................................................3

Global context → Responsibility is a universal concept.......................................................................................................................................4

Accession focus → Historic ventures in innovation ................................................................................................................................................6

Background on awards → Rewarding innovation.......................................................................................................................................................7

History of awards → Providing incentives for innovation since 1987 ..........................................................................................................9

WINNERS

B&Q → A QUEST for quality, ethics and safety..........................................................................................................................................................10

COATO → Co-operation for sustainable agricultural production....................................................................................................................11

STMicroelectronics → Setting measurable targets for environmental neutrality .............................................................................12

Anton Steinecker Maschinenfabrik GmbH and Bofferding Brasserie National SA

→ Merlin works its magic during the brewing process ..........................................................................................................................................13

Gea-SOL → Solar tile–high performance, affordable, cost effective .....................................................................................................14

Achmea Schadeservice BV → Green car insurance policy accelerates in the Netherlands ..........................................................15

Integral Umwelt- und Anlagentechnik, Austria → Environmentally friendly catalyst regeneration.....................................16

BP → Innovative “green” fuel improves air quality.............................................................................................................................................17

TT-Solution A/S → Green traffic light signals energy savings.........................................................................................................................18

Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)

→ Turning challenges into opportunities in Malaysia .............................................................................................................................................19

NOMINEES

Grundfos → Grundfos’ environmentally friendly management approach to making heat pumps...........................................20

Borealis GmbH → “To save it, don’t risk it”.............................................................................................................................................................21

Dekati Ltd → MassMo enables cleaner engine exhausts from fine particles........................................................................................22

International Hispacold S.A. → Air conditioning friendly to the environment....................................................................................23

Intermediate Technology Consultants (ITC) → Glowstar - Clean light for millions...........................................................................24

Polyamid 2000 AG, Gemeinschaft umweltfreundlicher Teppichboden e.V. (GUT)

→ Process for recycling polyamide carpets.................................................................................................................................................................25

Supertrae A/S → Supercritical wood impregnation ...............................................................................................................................................26

Masonite Ireland Ltd → Re-designing of paint coating technology...........................................................................................................27

Diageo plc → Water of Life...................................................................................................................................................................................................28

Klinge Pharma and Co → Proactive environmental management for the 21st century.................................................................29

Overview2European Awards for the Environment 2002

Make the environment your businessForeword by Margot Wallström

Europeans are profoundly concerned about environmentalissues. This reflects an ever-growing awareness of environmen-tal challenges and a deep commitment to protecting the Earth'svital natural resources. It is no surprise that EU citizens aredemonstrating this as consumers and also taking an increasedinterest in what companies are doing to reduce their environ-mental impacts.

As our health and quality of life are dependent on the state ofthe environment, the drive toward sustainable consumption andliving is a matter for all of us. While it may be a complex andvaried subject, every one of us - as businesses, public authorities,citizens or NGOs (non-governmental organisations) - must befully involved and committed to the cause. The search forinnovative, workable and sustainable solutions to environ-mental challenges means this partnership is key. Partnershipsbetween business and communities, business and NGOs andpublic authorities can unlock extraordinary potential todevelop balanced and thoughtful solutions.

Partnership decision-making is sustainable development inaction. Since 1987, the European Awards for the Environmenthave advanced this. Businesses committing to environmentalcare continue to bring benefits year after year. Benefits in termsof recognition, enhanced brand image, motivated staff, signifi-cant savings and reduced costs through lower emissions andwaste. One past winner noted that the awards enhanced thecompany’s image. It helped promote the business to customersand proved that “looking after the environment, in most cases,can lead to cost advantages in terms of savings on raw materi-als, savings on energy or savings on water”. Others talk ofenhanced branding and reputation. Put together, these canbring substantial benefits to the business bottom line, andprove the enormous profitability of sustainable developmentmeasures in business.

Award winners have embarked on pioneering efforts to developinnovative processes, products or management approaches thatdeliver financial success, whilst at the same time significantlyreducing their environmental impacts. Indeed, they have struckthe right balance between these two, just as the EuropeanCommission must do.

Our aim is to design environmental policies that motivate firmsto improve their environmental performance, whilst leavingthem that vital flexibility to innovate. We aspire to designpolicies that advance the health and quality of life of EU citi-zens, without slowing down economic growth.

The awards are part of this campaign, which is enshrined inthe EU’s sixth environmental action programme as is, every-thing we do from initiatives to boost citizens’ information todeveloping voluntary agreements and driving environmentalinnovation in business.

In a nutshell, the awards stimulate commitment to sustainabledevelopment within industry big and small, east and west, andpromote the spread of best practice.

Join me in congratulating the latest winners and participants,along with the long list of earlier winners.

Overview 3

Interview with Cristina García-Orcoyen

Interview

Ms. Cristina García-Orcoyen (EPP) is aMember of the European Parliament’sinfluential Environment Committee.After having been Managing Director ofthe World Wildlife Fund in Spain, sheheld various senior positions in environ-mental government and established anew NGO called the FundaciónEntorno, which specialises in businessand sustainable development(http://www.fundacion-entorno.org/).

In your opinion, and in terms of theEU’s environmental priorities, whatare the most effective ways to pro-mote environmental responsibility ?

I believe that to build strong, lastingenvironmental behaviour in business,which goes beyond compliance withappropriate environmental laws, wemust identify strategies and tools todemonstrate that environmental respon-sibility means a competitive advantage.The first priority in any business isprofit. We must work with this to showthat environmental responsibility andcare need not be a burden, but actuallyan advantage. And an advantage thatcan be turned into competitive, busi-ness reality.

What are key strengths of the EUenvironment business awards ? And,in your opinion, what is the singlegreatest value of the EU EnvironmentAwards ?

I think the greatest strength and valueof the EU Environment Awards is thatthey demonstrate that a company – anycompany – that reaches excellence inenvironmental terms is also a leading

company in other aspects of manage-ment. Environmental performance addsvalue to the goods and services providedby a company. Participants and winnersin the awards all show that implement-ing sustainable development practices inbusiness bring profits and competitiveadvantage.

What more do you think the EU cando in the coming years to promote it ?

It would be a good idea to further pro-mote the awards to citizens, businesses,consumers, local government and so on.The trick will be to show the extra valuethat these companies have developed toconsumers, so that consumers will inturn link their purchasing decisions tocompany environmental performances.

There is room for improvement interms of promoting the Awards. At leastin Spain, this is the case. We have beenable to increase by 80% the number ofcandidates in the last call and we hopeto continue this ascendancy. With thatin mind, we actively raise awareness forthe awards and for consumer educationand information on environment issues.

Do you believe the awards will helpincite other companies to conductactivities related to the “sustainability”initiative in connection with corporatesocial responsibility ?

Yes, I think the challenge now is to inte-grate environment, social and economicperformances under a single strategicaction plan. We have developed cleareconomic indicators, and quite completeenvironmental indicators, but we need

further work on social indicators to per-form in a sustainable way. Corporatesocial responsibility and sustainabilityshould have the same meaning.

Why did you want to be personallyinvolved in the EU industry awardsthis year ?

I have been interested and involved inthe European awards for the last 6 years.Since then, I took over the organisationof the Spanish awards through theFundación Entorno and have donemuch to promote the national andEuropean awards with business andsociety at large. And I have been on thesteering committee responsible forchoosing the winners for many years.Still, today, I believe that the awardshave not yet reached their maximumpotential – in terms of communicationand appreciation by society, govern-ments, consumers and industry.

I believe the Commission, in demon-strating the importance of integratingenvironmental concerns into otherpolicy areas, should be represented notonly by our Environment Commissioner,but also by the Industry Commissioner,Social Commissioner and the Presidentof the Commission. This would sendthe right message to the public andwould go a long way towards catapultingthe value of the awards to the top levelsof business and society.


Responsibility is a universal concept

Global context

Every two years, EuropeanEnvironment Award winners

illustrate the tremendous value ofintegrating sustainable thinking

into business practices. And withthis comes the promise of

environmental improvements to the many challenges that face us,

both in Europe and beyond.

The famous spanish artist Doroteo Arnáizkindly accepted to collaborate to the EuropeanAwards for the Environment. His work of art

called "Caminante y hoja" (1972) has beenused to illustrate the diploma given to the

winners of the 2002 edition of the awards.

Around the world, many cities andrural areas are plagued with dangerouslyrising air and water pollution. In partsof the world including Europe, floodsand droughts threaten entire communi-ties. In other areas, poverty drives someto destroy vital forestry resources inorder to make room for subsistenceagriculture. The widening ozone layerand deepening problem of climatechange are two more demanding globalenvironmental challenges we can onlyaddress together on a global scale.

We all know that the environmentknows no borders, yet neither do busi-ness interests. We should not lose sightof the fact that business often operatesmore on a world stage than virtuallyany actor does. With sources of materi-als and important markets located atthe far ends of the earth, businessimperatives mean that wider and deepersupplier and customer relationshipsaround the world are the key to success.And, in today’s global economy, onecompany’s commitment to environmen-tal responsibility can bring quality oflife benefits to individuals and localcommunities all over the world.

Partnerships

At the Johannesburg SustainableDevelopment Summit held in 2002,hundreds of businesses came together toform partnerships to help alleviate someof these global environmental and socialproblems. They realised that challenges ascomplex and inter-related as poverty andthe environment require innovative solu-tions developed and carried out in part-

nership with business, citizens, NGOs,and public authorities. Only throughsuch co-operation can mutually benefi-cial outcomes result, engendering long-term commitment. In the end, theco-operation may take time, but it is aninvestment clearly worth making whenit leads to enduring dedication fromall parties.

Innovation tackling poverty

Innovation is at the core of competitionand at the core of development. And thesharing of technological innovation canbring positive social change, includingpoverty reduction, a cleaner environmentand improved standards of living.

BP Solar, sister company of BPChemicals, winner of the 1990European Environment Award forClean Technology, works with localgovernments in developing countriesto bring solar supplies equipment andsystems to remote rural developmentprojects. This company found that, forpoor un-electrified communities in par-ticular, solar products and services canbe an effective means of meeting essen-tial needs, such as lighting for homes,schools, and community centres, as wellas remote tele-communication, freshdrinking water and vaccine refrigeration.Through projects like this one, whichtook place in the Philippines, the com-pany trained over 100 communitydevelopment officers, local businessmembers and community members, aswell as engineers for maintenance andresponsible waste handling, to managethe system over time.

Overview 5

Similarly, the 2002 award winners forspearheading sustainable developmentachievements through partnerships tellan impressive story. The FraunhofeInstitute for Wood Research andWilhelm-Klauditz-Institute of Germanywon the coveted international co-opera-tion award for a project in which theyworked together with leading Europeanindustrial partners in Malaysia. TheInstitutes chartered an innovative tech-nology for producing fibreboards fromresidues of palm oil production, thusputting recycling actions to work forlocal populations, as well as interna-tional users of the materials. It puts touse the 40 million tonnes of palm bio-mass waste originating each year inMalaysia, which were formerly burnt orstored under conditions that do notmeet European standards. Now, it isused to make fibreboards for the build-ing and furniture industry. Moreover,by providing a new source of boardwood, the new technology additionallyhelps convince countries to preserveexisting tropical forests.

Future benefits

Examples of such partnerships exemplifythat environmental responsibility doesnot have to mean giving something up.On the contrary, experience shows thatcapacity building can result in a greaterquality of life, provided important success

criteria are met. Sound economic andregulatory frameworks in the localcountry play an overwhelmingly criticalrole. And the innovation being designedfor and with the local community mustbring an anticipated future benefit andcontribute to improved livelihood.Clearly, in these cases, it is not onlythe output that matters to the localcommunities, but also the notableprocess of working in partnership.

Empowering communities

These goals and results are consistentwith the vision of the EuropeanCommission. The EU has become theworld leader in developing social andenvironmental standards. And it is alsono surprise that the EU and its MemberStates are by far the world’s greatestproviders of development funds. Fundsthat aim to empower local communitiesto strengthen self-sufficiency and tospread the tremendous potential of sus-tainable development.

It is also no surprise that Europeanbusinesses play an increasingly activerole in partnership ventures with devel-oping communities. Capacity buildingschemes can bring technological inno-vation, enhanced reputation in themarket place, competitive advantageand, growing markets. That is preciselywhy European Environment

Commissioner Margot Wallström says,in today’s global market place, “sustain-able development plays an increasinglyimportant role in ensuring commercialsuccess”.

All it takes is commitment and imagi-nation to turn ideas into actions. Askyourself - how can your involvementmake a difference ? You might be sur-prised at how your creativity and dedi-cation pay off in ways you didn’trealise were possible. Every action hasan impact and positive examples dowonders to motivate others.


Historic ventures in innovationAccession focus

On 16 April 2003, ten countries signed accession agreements to join the EU, ushering in a historiccommunity of 470 million citizens and undisputed economic growth. The accession of these newcountries – each with its own historical, religious and cultural background – brings economicprosperity, security, human & working rights, and environmental protection to a vast geographicarea (to increase by 34%). With the accession of the new countries and their 100 million citizens,the greatest pole of interstate economic and political co-operation in the world is created.

This, the biggest enlargement in the history of the European Union, is a significant step in buildingan even stronger and more effective community. It will consolidate democracy, strengthen the economy and sustainable development and, at thesame time, basing it all upon the shared values of liberty, respect for fundamental rights (social and environmental), good governance and the rule of law.

Equal footing

In advance of this historic occasion, in 2002, the European Environment Awards were opened up to the full participation of companies in acceding countries – both large and small. And reflecting theimpressive state of overall economic, social and environmental development of these countries, therival companies competed on an equal footing with their European Union counterparts.

Six of these countries (Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta)organised national competitions and were therefore able to send their top national winners tocompete in the European awards. And, based upon merit, two of these extraordinary companies won top prizes.

It is a clear testimony to the rapid pace of change in these countries that, in their first year of theawards, businesses were not only nominated, but two took home prestigious European environmentawards for sustainability in business.

Increasing GDP

This is no easy feat. Despite the great progress made in these countries in the past few years, the transition for some of these economies entails significant challenges. And yet, study after study shows that enlargement will increase the growth of GDP of the acceding countries by at least 1.3 percentage points annually. And, for the existing members, it could increase the level of GDP by 0.7 percentage points. This is good news for business, as conservative estimates indicatethe enlargement will bring an economic gain to the current EU of 10 billion Euros and upwards of 23 billion Euros to the new members.

Economic benefit need not come without environmental benefits. These acceding countries are inthe fortunate position of being able to observe the mistakes we have made and to learn how toavoid them. And we must ensure that the exceptionally rich natural heritage brought by the newmembers is not damaged by any effects of policies on agriculture, rural development orinfrastructure, for example. We must commit to help making their industries innovate towardsprogressive technologies and to respect environment and social norms. The European awards, as part of the body of European environment policy, will do its part.

Overview 7

Rewarding innovationBackground on awards

Every two years, the European Commis-sion proudly rewards select companiesthat demonstrate their commitment toputting Sustainable Development intoaction. The European Awards for theEnvironment (formerly known as TheEuropean Better Environment Awardsfor Industry) were launched in 1987to stimulate technological develop-ments that will help create a sustain-able society.

The Awards recognise exceptional inno-vation in business, ranging from policiesand practices to processes and products –all helping to enhance economic andsocial development while also caring forthe environment. Leadership businessesknow that good performances in social,ethical and environmental matters canbring direct financial benefit. This cancome in the form of enhanced brandimage, process and product innovations,and employee attraction and retention –all of which positively impact thebottom line.

National contests

The path to the coveted European recog-nition comes via national competitions.Indeed, only companies that have alreadywon national awards are eligible to com-pete for the European prizes. The prizewinners are then selected by a Europeanjury of experts, including representativesfrom industry, experts, governmental andnon-governmental bodies and the media.

Companies of all sizes from theEuropean Union and accession countriescan compete to win awards in four cat-

egories: Management for SustainableDevelopment; Product for SustainableDevelopment; Process for SustainableDevelopment; and International Co-operation for Sustainable Development.

Companies with strategic vision andmanagement systems enabling them tocontinuously improve their contribu-tion to sustainable development are eli-gible to win the Management Award forSustainable Development. Environment,economic and social objectives must beintegrated into the overall mission andpolicies of the organisation. Threewinners in this category are chosen.One for outstanding achievements inintegrating environmental objectives intocompany policies, from transparency andcommunication with stakeholders, right

down to the successful operation of acertified environmental managementsystem. The next prize is awarded to acompany for pioneering efforts in cor-porate sustainability policies that resultin clear and measurable performanceimprovements. The other covetedmanagement prize is for the greatestoverall improvement in performanceagainst the organisation’s own statedobjectives.

Pioneering efforts

The Product Award for SustainableDevelopment is given to visionaryorganisations that have developedgroundbreaking products or servicesthat contribute to the environment, or to ethical and economic goals of sus-tainable development. Companies canwin the award for innovative productswith regard to environmental healthissues for pioneering efforts in productdesign that minimises the use ofresources and toxic materials, like pesti-cides or harmful chemical products.The award can also be presented to acompany demonstrating innovation on a product that brings significantimprovements in environmental perfor-mance over comparable alternatives inthe pharmaceutical field, for example.The next award recognises a companyfor an innovative product or servicethat accomplishes groundbreakingimprovements in recyclability or re-usepotential. The last award in this cate-gory rewards a company for the bestimprovement on a product demon-strating a cutting edge design and thatsets an example to stimulate others.


Leadership companies can compete forthe Process Award for SustainableDevelopment when they demonstratecontinual technological advances inprocess that go beyond best availabletechnology, or in making easy and inex-pensive operational and material changes.Winners of the first Process awardshould demonstrate radical innovationin clean technology production with avisible replication potential. The nexthonour rewards a company for out-standing achievements in eco-efficiencyprocessing using natural resources. Thewinning technology should demonstrateclear resource efficiency and reductionsin environmental impacts, either by cut-ting material and energy intensity,switching to renewable resources or byreducing the use of harmful substances.Companies can also compete for thethird prize in best overall process inno-vation improvement in industry.

Prizes

And winners of the InternationalCo-operation Award for SustainableDevelopment have illustrated time andtime again how involving key interna-tional stakeholders in business develop-ments yields significant benefits. Thejury awards the first of three prizes tothe most innovative partnershiparrangement yielding a technologicaladvance, or technology transfer to acountry with an economy in transition.The next prize rewards project partnerswho have created strong and lastingsynergies and economic benefits forboth partners in their respective coun-tries. And the third prize goes for bestoverall improvement in partnership

potential to achieve global sustainabledevelopment objectives.

Each of these categories exemplifies keyobjectives of DG Environment in alltheir activities and policies. That is, topromote environmental care as a uni-versal concept through a variety of

means, from legislation to alternativeapproaches like awards, labels and inter-nationally recognised and valued/appre-ciated management systems.

The European Awards for the Environ-ment, rewarding innovative companiesfor sustainable development since 1987.

Overview 9

Providing incentives for innovation since 1987

History of awards

The United Nations’ EnvironmentProgramme calls the European Awardsfor the Environment “the most impor-tant European environment awards,” asthey promote technological developmentsthat contribute to enduring businessmanagement.

Part of the success of the awards is thatthey combine the best of national withthe best of European. In order to be eli-gible to compete for the European prizes,companies must first prevail in nationallevel competitions. These are organisedthrough award schemes in each country,often through national chambers ofcommerce or national authorities. Thosecompanies that are put forward by thenational organisations must then com-pete amongst each other for the topEuropean awards. Winners are chosen bya select European multi-disciplinary juryof experts which, in 2002, was chairedby Cristina García-Orcoyen, a Memberof the European Parliament and DirectorGeneral of Fundación Entorno, aSpanish NGO devoted to sustainabledevelopment in industry.

Significant SME contribution

Companies of all sizes from the EuropeanUnion, and now acceding countries aswell, compete for the regional awards.Amongst the 2002 winners, 4 were majorcorporations, 5 were small and mediumsize enterprises (SMEs) and one was a co-operative. This sends an important signalon the importance attached to SMEs asessential engines of economic growth andemployment, as well as their dedicationto environmental care. It also goes a longway to dispel the myth that environmen-tal protection is too expensive or compli-cated for SMEs.

Take the example of Steinecker Maschin-enfabrik and the Bofferding BrasserieNationale. Their prize winning Merlinbrewing technology cost 750,000 Euros,yet resulted in energy efficiency gains of40% in the processing, and 20% effi-ciency gains across the whole of the com-pany. The new system reduced annualemissions of wastewater by 1,500 cubicmetres and cut exhaust gases by 823,000cubic metres (including a drop in carbondioxide emissions by 210 tonnes). Forsenior management at Bofferding, theprize conferred official recognition oftheir strategy to produce natural beerwith the greatest respect for the environ-ment. And, since winning the Europeanaward, 31 new Merlin systems have beensold around the world, demonstratingthat environmental care sells.

Clearly, when it comes to responsibleinnovation, benefits continue year afteryear. Jeppe Glahn, Corporate Commu-nications Manager for BrødreneHartmann of Denmark, said, “our salesdepartment has been able to use the 2000prize as a ‘door opener.’ The prize is usedin all our sales material as a very powerfulcommunications tool, and it is used as anintegral part of our corporate branding.”Winning the European award alsobrought important returns internally.Glahn noted: “The prize has also given animportant source of energy to the wholeorganisation. It has highlighted the workof the Sustainable Development Unit andgenerated a lot of goodwill and a betterunderstanding of the issues involved.”

In Budapest, Hungary October 2002,European Environment CommissionerMargot Wallström proudly presentedthe winners of the 2002 European

Business Awards for the Environmentto 10 companies. At the ceremony,Mrs Wallström said: “These companiesshow that sustainable development playsan increasingly important role in ensur-ing commercial success. A commitmentto sustainable development is not only aquestion of social responsibility, but ofeconomic survival. Let these pioneeringcompanies shine as examples to others inpromoting enduring business manage-ment and long-term competitiveness.”

Applying

Interested in taking part in theEuropean Awards for the Environment ?

Would you like to see your company’sideas represented and rewarded atEuropean level? Has your company suc-cessfully integrated environmental respon-sibility within one of its activities, whichcould be in management, in technologyor design? Or perhaps you have estab-lished a long-term, innovative partnershipwith a company based in a developingcountry, or in a transitional economy.

If this is the case, don’t waste time insubmitting your candidacy for one ofthe environmental awards organised inyour country. It is only through thesenational awards that your candidacycan finally be presented to theEuropean jury.

To find out how to apply for thenational and European awards, pleasecontact your national organiser for theawards. These can be found on the site:http://www.eu-environment-awards.org/html/national_award.htm

Winners10European Awards for the Environment 2002

B&Q A QUEST for quality, ethics and safety

Since 1995, B&Q, Europe’s largest do-it-yourself retailer, has been on a questto broaden its environmental initiativesbeyond product impact. The QUEST(Quality, ethics and safety) programmesupports B&Q in achieving socialresponsibility in its work with stores,waste management, energy, suppliers,supply chain transparency, productdevelopment, packaging, end-of-life,operations, delivery and departments at head office.

QUEST assesses both the quality andenvironmental performance of suppliersand stores. The supply base is assessedagainst sustainable development issuessuch as environmental policy andawareness, environmental action andachievement, supply chain transparency,

packaging and product integrity. Day-to-day trading of 315 stores across theUK has impacts on the environmentand the local community in which theyoperate. Launched in 1997, QUESTfor Stores is based on key principles thataddress the issues of waste reduction,energy efficiency, special waste controland community participation.

Together with QUEST, The BetterNeighbour Philosophy drives the com-pany’s approach in stores and with localcommunities. These programmes alsosupport supply chain transparency,which extends to B&Q’s “global tradingneighbourhood of suppliers.” Activitiesinclude making stores accessible to cus-tomers with disabilities, donating mate-rials to a local school, or improvingworking conditions in a factory in India.

For B&Q, social responsibility is aboutunderstanding how to better contributeto improving the quality of life for all,whether it is customers, people aroundthe world who make its products andlive near stores, staff or shareholders.The company is recognised for sourcingtimber products from sustainablesources, employing eco-friendly paint

policy and labelling schemes, stockingpeat-free alternatives and retailingorganic gardening products.

"It is our belief that society and thecommunities we serve and buy fromwill gradually become more sustainable,”said B&Q Chief Executive Bill Whiting.“This welcome trend will have a pro-found effect on our business operationsand the products we sell. We want toensure that everyone our businesstouches will reap the benefit of thesechanges to improve their quality of life.”

B&Q’s Sustainability Strategy is basedon the UK Government’s Quality ofLife framework, developed to monitorprogress towards greater sustainabilityfollowing the Rio Earth Summit in1992. Over the past two years, thecompany has assessed its operationsacross 16 key areas, covering the envi-ronmental, social, ethical and financialimpacts of its business.

Measuring performance is a wellestab-lished practice within the business. Thereporting strategy comprises a set ofperformance indicators based on infor-mation that is relevant, transparent andaccountable to enable stakeholders toassess the company against nationaltrends and its own targets.

➔ More infoB&Q plcPortswood House, 1 Hampshire Corporate Park,Chandlers Ford, EastleighUK – So53 3yx HampshireContact: Claire Cooper, B&Q Social ResponsibilityTel: +44 23 8025 7632Fax: +44 23 8025 7287E-mail: [email protected]: www.diy.com/bq/index.jhtml

Category: Management

Winners 11

Nearly 50% of Europe’s land supportsagricultural activities, yet despiteimprovements realised under theCommon Agricultural Policy, there isstill a pressing need to reconcile agricul-tural production, rural development andthe environment, while maintaining thesocial and economic benefits of farming.

COATO Sociedad Cooperativa deComercialización Agraria, based inMurcia, Spain, cultivates, processes andsells a wide range of fruits, vegetables,almonds, olives for oil, and honey. Theco-operative, involving 3,476 membersuppliers, launched an environmentalmanagement project that aims to promotesustainable production and distributionin numerous agricultural operations andprocess phases from cultivation to sale –harvesting, reception, orders, preparation,storage and delivery. Project activitiesinclude raising environmental awarenessand encouraging its members to switchto sustainable farming methods andindustrial activities.

Sustainable production methods focuson erosion control, biodiversity mainte-nance, the rational use of fertilisers andpesticides, optimisation of water use,reduction of fire risk, etc. In 2000,14,361 hectareswere being farmedusing sustainableagricultural meth-ods, whichaccounts for 64%of COATO’s totalsurface area offarmland.

COATO has implemented environmentalmanagement systems (ISO 14001 andEMAS – Eco-Management and AuditScheme) as well as improved productquality and quality management (ISO9002). It has also developed the QIC(Quality and Integral Control), whichincludes the application of quality prod-uct, management and environmentalprotection standards from cultivation todelivery. Achievements so far include:

• 1991 to present: Quality ImprovementPlan implemented for almond produc-tion that contributes to the fightagainst erosion, protection againstfires and maintenance of social struc-tures in rural areas.

• 1997: began using 100% recyclablecardboard containers in all its activi-ties. Nominated as a finalist for thePrince of Asturias Award for IndustrialQuality in recognition of its work in thearea of Total Quality Management,based on the EFQM Excellence Model.

• 1999-2000: conversion of farms usingtraditional agricultural methods tomore environmentally respectful farm-ing methods on more than 50% of

their total surface areas. This was com-plemented by training programmes.

• 2000: developed the Training Plan forsustainable agriculture, safety, preven-tion and quality; 400 workers tookpart in a total of 15,154 hours oftraining.

As COATO is a co-operative, dialoguewith members, shareholders, customersand suppliers is ongoing. They alsoactively participate in decision makingthrough the Managing Board. COATOemphasises sharing good agriculturalpractices, offers training and supportsexhibitions, and publishes journals andannual reports. It also organises visits toeducation institutions and holds OpenHouse days.

COATO Co-operation for sustainableagricultural production

➔ More infoCoato Sociedad Cooperativa deComercialización AgrariaCtra. de Mazarrón, s/n (Salida Totana –Centro Autovía del Mediterráneo) E – 30850 Totana (Murcia)Contact: Dr Andres Garcia MartinezE-mail: [email protected]: www.coato.com



STMicroelectronics Setting measurable targets for environmental neutrality

Care for the environment is a core busi-ness for STMicroelectronics. The com-pany’s Malta back-end operation, whichassembles and tests semiconductordevices, is successfully implementingST’s Environmental Decalogue, a set of10 quantified, timed and measurabletargets that strive for environmentalneutrality.

First published in 1995, the Decalogueoutlines goals for water and energyconservation, reducing greenhouse gasemissions, chemical usage, pollutionand waste. It also encourages employees,customers and suppliers to be environ-mentally aware while continuouslymonitoring progress. In 1999, theSecond Environmental Decalogue seteven more aggressive targets, in particu-lar the ambitious goal to becomeCO2-neutral by 2010, aiming wellbeyond the Kyoto Protocol targets.

The Malta site has made dramaticimprovements in reducing water con-sumption, increasing energy efficiency,and recycling wastes. Water plays acritical role in semiconductor manufac-turing. Ultra-clean water must be usedbecause of the precision required duringprocessing. For example, it takes 1,500litres to process one complete siliconwafer. The installation of a system ofrecycling plants led to savings in 2000of 120,000m3 of mains water. Today,the site recycles 75% of water used andhas set a target of 90% to be met by2004. Other accomplishments include:

• By installing heat recovery units onair compressors and energy metres on electricity supply lines to identifyand control waste energy, the site hasreduced its energy consumption byalmost 40% in 2000, compared with1997.

• A corporate standard for air emissionscovers a broad range of parametersand is monitored twice a year. Heatrecovery projects have reduced dieselconsumption, thus indirectly reducingair emissions derived from burningdiesel fuel.

• In November 1997, ST Malta wasawarded the US EnvironmentalProtection Agency’s StratosphericOzone Protection Award for corporate

leadership in eliminating ozone-depleting substances. Since 1993,when ST launched a programme toeliminate all harmful chlorofluorocar-bons from plant equipment, Malta hasachieved a reduction of 85% in itsinventory of Class 2 substances (thosewith less ozone depleting potential).

• In addition to its strict adherence tothe Decalogue, ST Malta has imple-mented stringent policies in accordancewith the requirements of the EuropeanCommunity Eco- Management andAudit Scheme (EMAS) and gainedISO14001 validation in 1997.

To achieve ST’s “ecological vision” toachieve environmental neutrality, the1999 Second Environmental Decalogueobligates the company and its facilitiesto go beyond compliance with all envi-ronmental requirements in the commu-nities in which they operate.

STMicroelectronics, the world’s thirdlargest semiconductor company, is aglobal leader in developing and deliveringsemiconductor solutions across the spec-trum of microelectronics applications.

➔ More infoStmicroelectronics Ltd. MaltaIndustry Road - Kirkop Zrq 10 - Malta Contact: Mr Gene Gretchen or Mrs Yvonne WilkinsonTel: +356 2164 2214E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]: www.stm.com


A new boiling system used during thebrewing of beer yields top results in theareas of environmental compatibility,innovation, economic efficiency andproduct quality. Developed jointly byproject partners in Germany andLuxembourg, the Merlin system hassurpassed all expectations and is nowbeing marketed worldwide.

The boiling of the wort is a major stepin the process of beer production anduses almost 50% of the brewery’s totalenergy consumption. With conventionalboiling systems, production proceedsfrom an evaporation of approximately8-11%. Here is where the Merlin systemworks its magic, resulting in just 3.0-4.0% evaporation. By reducing totalevaporation, approximately 55% ofthe original energy required for boilingis saved and emissions are drasticallyreduced.

Due to the moderate boiling conditions,intermediate cleanings to maintain theheating performance are no longerrequired. This reduces water consump-tion, cleaning agents and waste water.There are fewer air pollutants released,such as CO2, SO2 and NOx, fewerdetergents are used and there is a reduc-tion in the raw materials (hops andwater). The filterability of the beer isalso enhanced and that has anotherpositive impact on the environment.

Simultaneously, this revolutionaryboiler system improves the quality ofthe beer by its gentle treatment of thevaluable ingredients, which positivelyinfluences the foam. Bofferding brewerypassed with flying colours the most diffi-cult of all beer tests carried out by theGerman Agricultural Society, and hasreceived 18 Gold Awards.

Anton Steinecker MaschinenfabrikGmbH, the manufacturer, andBofferding Brasserie National SA, thebrewery, collaborated to install the firstindustrial scale system in Luxembourg,an ideal location due to its central posi-tion in Europe. Both companiesemphasise the positive social effects ofthe project in relation to job creation ina clean industry.

The installation of Merlin was not areplacement investment as Bofferdinghas a new brewhouse dating from 1992.The brewer accepted the full risk of theinvestment (€240,000 for the systemplus installation costs) and of the qual-ity. As Merlin was installed parallel tothe conventional boiler system, directcomparisons could be made.

In a thesis submitted for a diploma,technological improvements were stud-ied in co-operation with the MunichTechnical University/Weihenstephan,

where experts confirmed the primaryenergy reduction. This research led to new findings that allowed for optimisedoperation of the plant.

As both Steinecker and Bofferding werewilling to take risks, this maximum effi-ciency boiler system was quickly ready forseries production. The results achieved inLuxembourg were so convincing that thetechnology is attracting interest across theindustry worldwide. Merlin holds hugepotential and, to date, Steinecker hassold a total of 29 systems.

Winners 13

Anton Steinecker Maschinenfabrik GmbHand Bofferding Brasserie National SA Merlin works its magic during the brewing process

➔ More infoAnton Steinecker MaschinenfabrikGmbh Raiffeisenstrasse, 30D-85356 Freising-AttachingContact: Klaus WasmuhtTel: +49 8161 953 157E-mail: [email protected]

Bofferding Brasserie National SA2 Bd J.F. Kennedy BP 9L – 4901 BascharageContact: Peter WagnerTel: +352 509011236E-mail: [email protected]



Gea SOL’s Solar Tile, developed aftereight years of research and development,offers a high performance, affordableand cost effective product designed tocapture solar energy to heat water. Theresult is a functional roof covering thatabsorbs and transforms the sun’s energyinto heat, which contributes to protect-ing the environment and encouragesthe wide use of solar energy.

Conventional solar energy methods aretypically expensive, non-aesthetic andcomplex. Solar Tile is inexpensive, simpleto install and maintain, and complementsthe aesthetic look of a building’s rooflineand colour. Designed for heating waterfor domestic use or in swimming pools,Solar Tile is also used for space heating.An optional upgrade allows solar energyto also be used for air conditioning andgenerating electricity.

The Solar Tile is a hollow componentmade from a transparent syntheticplastic. Fluid is circulated through thetile, which absorbs heat from the sun.Anti-freeze and a colour additive ensurereliable and efficient heat absorption ofthe water and circulation.

The Solar Tile consists of two weldedplates made of thermo-plastic materialreinforced with elastic components. Thestandard, commercial available materialPMMA (poly, methyl, meta, acrylat) isthe only material that is naturally UVstabilised with a transparency of 92%.The solar collector consists of a glasscover, aluminium frame and anabsorber made of aluminium andpipes, usually copper.

Durability tests show the materials’mechanical and optical properties aredecreased by about 5-8% over a 10-yearperiod. They are 100% recyclable andcan be reused a minimum of three timesin the process.

As a renewable source of energy, SolarTile is environmentally friendly as itreduces CO2 emissions. It is cheaperthan any existing solar heating systemcurrently on the market and consumersbenefit from energy reduction and finan-cial savings during summer and winter.In addition, consumers may be eligible

for financial subsidies or tax allowanceto reduce payback time, which is anaverage of five years – 55% of the timerequired for a conventional solar systemto recoup its value in energy savings.

Gea-SOL carried out comparativeanalysis market research in Croatia andAustria. Some 64% of respondents saidthey would buy Solar Tile. This ledresearchers to presume that the morepeople are informed, the more theywould be in favour of purchasing theproduct.

Croatia is characterised by a low pene-tration of solar systems and a highpotential because of its extensive sunnyhours and requirements for hot waterdue to tourism. In Austria, there is ahigher level of penetration, smaller nat-ural potential and less demand. Theconclusion is that increased awarenessbuilding is key because there is highinterest among consumers.

Solar Tile has been successfully pre-sented internationally at commercialfairs and exhibitions. Production anddistribution of demonstration systemsstarted in February 2002 and the com-pany is poised for mass production.Marketing is underway and distribution isin place for several EU countries, as wellas Slovenia, Croatia, Poland and the US.

➔ More infoGea-SOL D.O.O.Brnãiãeva 13SL – 1000 LjubljanaContact: Alijosa Pajk Tel: +386 41 679 220E-mail: [email protected]: www.geasol.si

Category: Product

Gea-SOL Solar tile – high performance, affordable, cost effective

Green car insurance policies is an areawhere significant environmentalimprovements can be made, but, untilrecently, the complexities of the issuesinvolved have dissuaded insurancecompanies from trying it. AchmeaSchadeservice BV has overcome athicket of organisational and technicalhurdles to make the policy the success it is today. Launched in 2000, thecompany had sold more than 80,000 policies by 2002.

The concept grew from the idea thatconsumers who owned vehicles withrecycled body parts could save 5-10%on their policy prices, while participat-ing dismantlers and body shops wouldbenefit through increased business andan enhanced image. Equally important,the concept has demonstrated that ‘goinggreen’ doesn’t have to be expensive.

The environment is protected becausea new part will not be developed andthe life span of older cars is extended.An environmental NGO predictedthat, if every Dutch insurer developeda green policy, it would save the pro-duction of 46,000 bumpers and 38,000doors annually.

Every year, more than 300,000 cars withDutch license plates are dismantled.Often because they are end-of-life-vehicles, they can be recycled. Afterremoving all fluids and separatingrubber and glass for recycling, a reason-able number of parts are available for

reuse, particularly those of sheet metalwork, which are usually the parts neededfor repair. Hammering out any dentsand filling in holes is done on someused parts. Treatments such as sanding,painting/drying and anti-rust treat-ments are avoided where possible as they burden the environment.

Repairing cars with used parts is not a new idea. Car dismantlers have filleda demand for second-hand doors,bumpers, wheels, and so on. However,fixing cars with used parts according toAchmea’s green policy concept is atotally different story as it involvesclose co-operation across the industry.

The implementation of a green carpolicy and repair system is not asimple task. For example, the insurancecompany must be able to guaranteethe overall result, which amongst otherthings, implies:

• the installation of a system for match-ing supply and demand of used parts;

• selection, certification and educationof car dismantlers;

• organisation of efficient logistics;• guaranteed quality of the used parts

and the repair job.

It also involves revised business condi-tions for body shops as their profitmargins on new parts is larger. As aresult, the insurance company mustraise the labour rate to compensate forthe loss of margin on parts. Demand

and supply was reconciled through anewly established department, AchmeaPart Service. The quality issue wasresolved by certifying the parts with theKEMA label, which helped in securingthe usual two-year repair shop guarantee.

The concept is well developed in theDutch market and Achmea is examin-ing the possibilities of internationalreplication.

Winners 15

Achmea Schadeservice BVGreen car insurance policyaccelerates in the Netherlands

➔ More infoAchmea Schadeservice BVLaan Van MalkenschotenNL – 7333 Hz ApeldoornContact: Klaas Pieter RoemelingTel: +31 55 579 6559E-mail:[email protected]: www.achmea.nl

Category: Product


Integral Umwelt- und Anlagentechnik,AustriaEnvironmentally friendly catalyst regeneration

Integral Umwelt- und Anlagentechnik’stechnology for regenerating SCR-denoxcatalysts is an entirely new process thatis both innovative and environmentallyfriendly. The potential applications areenormous, as SCR-denox catalysts areneeded for the removal of nitrogen oxidesin flue gases of power plants, waste andhazardous waste incinerators, as well asa number of other industrial processes.

During operation, catalysts are deacti-vated by the chemical poisoning causedby impurities of the flue gas or throughphysical clogging of their pores or chan-nels with fly ash. This well-known phe-nomenon occurs to varying degrees inall SCR-denox applications. In additionto the reduction of the catalyst surfaceduring use, there is a significant increase

in the pressure drop, with its consequentnegative influence on energy consump-tion. Deactivation can be calculated bya certain lifetime during catalyst designfor a specific application, but cannot beprevented.

In the past, spent and activated catalystswere simply deposited and replaced bynew ones. Integral Umwelt’s catalystregeneration process is highly efficientand is the only method for catalyst life-time extension. In addition, it saves onvaluable energy, water and waste used inproducing new catalysts. The efficiencyof regenerated catalysts is 100% of theirinitial activity and they meet the samerelevant safety standards as new ones.

As the porous catalyst material itself,which contains a large amount of pre-cious metals, does not lose its chemicalactivity, it is necessary to clean it. Thisregeneration is a relatively simple processwhereby the surface, inner surface andpores of plugged and/or poisoned cata-lysts are washed, cleaned and reactivatedusing water containing a number ofenvironmentally friendly additives. Thewashing residues are then neutralisedand can be recycled or deposited.

Energy consumption during thisprocess depends on the type of activitydeterioration, but in all cases it is signif-icantly less than 10% of the amountused to produce new catalysts. Nor doesregeneration require the use of preciousnew resources such as tungsten, titaniumand vanadium.

Regeneration can be done up to fivetimes or more, thus reducing waste byabout 80%. Emissions to air, water andland are significantly lower comparedwith producing new catalysts, begin-ning from mining the raw materialsthrough to the high-energy consumptionproduction process.

The regeneration procedure was devel-oped for industrial application beginningin 1994. Over the years, a number ofregenerations in Austria and Germanyhave been successfully carried out andlaboratory results have been confirmedon an industrial scale. Further develop-ment and improvement of the process isongoing.

Integral’s regeneration method is alreadypatented in a number of countries andcontacts have been made to potentialcustomers in the US, Japan and Korea.

➔ More infoIntegral Umwelt- und Anlagentechnik, AustriaGrosse Neugasse 8A – 1040 WienContact: Peter GrobmuellerTel: +43 2236 770 312E-mail: [email protected]

Category: Process

By inventing a process that simplifiesthe removal of sulphur from gasoline,British Petroleum BP has positioneditself as the bellwether in deliveringultra-low sulphur, cleaner and distinc-tive fuels well before impending envi-ronmental regulations are enacted.OATS™ also reduces benzene, aknown carcinogen and health hazard,by approximately 15%.

The OATS process (Olefin Alkylationof Thiophenic Sulphur) removes morethan 99.5% of the sulphur compoundsin FCC (fluidised catalytic cracking),the dominant source of sulphur ingasoline). The result is a “green” fuelthat reduces both engine deposits andtail pipe emissions without adverselyaffecting engine performance. Theproduct can be blended directly intopremium grade gasoline. FCC gasolinecontributes up to 50% of the blendedgasoline purchased at the pump.

The OATS technology is a novelapproach to removing sulphur com-pounds from FCC gasoline. Emerging

technologies have relied on the triedand proven method of hydrotreatingand, while they can produce low sul-phur gasolines, the impact associatedwith octane losses during sulphurremoval can be unacceptable for mostrefiners as they can have an enormousimpact on refinery margins.

OATS removes the sulphur compoundsby alkylating them with the olefins,typically found in the FCC boilingrange, over an acidic catalyst. Theheavier and higher boiling point sulphurcompounds are then removed in down-stream fractionator. The result is a lowsulphur product that can be producedwithout the use of hydrogen. The OATSunit produces two waste streams. Thespent catalyst can be either land filled or used as a fertiliser if it is properlystripped free of hydrocarbon. A smallslipstream by-product of acid syrup caneither be reprocessed or incinerated.

BP fast-tracked this innovative tech-nology that went from bench to com-mercial scale operations in less than two

years. The project team met the goal ofproducing a low sulphur gasoline processthat could compete with existing andemerging technologies. OATS is com-petitive on refinery operating margins aswell as on capital employed.The capital investment can be staged,starting with the OATS reactor and fol-lowing up with investments in selectivehydrotreating at a later date. Or, thereverse can be considered. This allowsrefiners the option of spreading the costof their investment.

The process, which is relatively simpleand safe compared with competingtechnologies, is flexible and easy toretrofit. It has passed a general safetyreview by the BP New TechnologyGroup and an on-site safety review bythe general contractor. The first com-mercial OATS, capacity 15,000 Bbl/dcame on stream in October 2001. Twoadditional European units have startedup and several other operating facilitiesare evaluating the technology for poten-tial application.

Winners 17

BP Innovative “green” fuel improves air quality

➔ More infoBP Oil InternationalRefining TechnologySunbury-on-ThamesUK – TW16 7LN MiddlesexContact: Graham ButlerE-mail: [email protected]: www.bp.com

Category: Process


TT-Solution A/SGreen traffic light signals energy savings

A new and innovative traffic light thatoffers significant advantages over itsconventional counterparts. It conservesenergy, uses environmentally soundmaterial (aluminium), requires less oralmost no operation and maintenancecosts, is safer and features a more ele-gant design. Green Light meets all EUspecifications and safety standards fortraffic signals. And, while there are no EUrequirements in this area, Green Lightstill reduces energy consumption by 60%.

Rapid developments in semiconductortechnology have resulted in the produc-tion of a light-emitting diode (LED) thatmeets internationally required standardspecifications. LED products have manyadvantages over conventional bulbs.The production processes and materialsused are environmentally sound, theyuse considerably less energy, and have a lifetime of more than 10 years.

LED technology also increases roadsafety as it is insensitive to phantomlight, such as the low winter sun shiningdirectly on the signal light, which makesit difficult to see which of the three sig-nals is alight. The use of recyclable alu-minium in its fabrication is also animportant environmental consideration.

Because of the short lifetime of conven-tional bulbs (typically 11 months), localauthorities must replace all bulbs in thesystem once a year and wash the lenses.This places a burden on the environmentfor disposal as the bulbs contain lead,among other compounds. With GreenLight, this amount of waste is completelyeliminated. The shape of the new streetsignal and the light source means thatwashing the lenses is unnecessary as

they are almost maintenance free,which means potentially damagingcleaning materials are not released intothe environment.

Conventional signals typically useapproximately 6,500 kWh per year.Green Light’s LED technology reducesconsumption to 4,400 kWh, resultingin a saving of 2,100 kWh per year. Interms of the greenhouse and acidifica-tion effect, this saving amounts to arelease of 5,000 kg CO2 and 26.4 kgSO2 per traffic signal per year: 1 kWhis produced using 0.407 kg of coal,which releases, among other compounds,0.006 kg sulphur, 1.94 kg CO2 and0.005 kg NOx.

At the outset, Green Light is moreexpensive than conventional three-lightsignals. However, when the energy andmaintenance savings are factored in, itbecomes an attractive, cost-effectivesolution. LED technology will also saveresources in the production of electricbulbs for conventional traffic signals.

The project was launched in 1999, withthe first light constructed in Odensethat same year. Since then,25 complete systems havebeen sold. Of the approxi-mately 1.5 million trafficsignals in the EU, just 2%are based on LED technol-ogy. If the remaining wereconverted or replaced, itwould result in a savingthat corresponded to 25%of Denmark’s annual con-sumption of electricity.

➔ More infoTT-Solution A/SHavnegade 23DK – 5000 OdenseContact: Poul NellemoseTel: +45 6313 4090E-mail: [email protected]: www.tts.dk

Category: Product

Turningchallenges intoopportunities in Malaysia

Preserving tropical rain forests, mitigat-ing the negative environmental effectsof waste, and boosting Malaysia’s com-petitiveness in the global market werethe driving forces behind the initiativeto utilise the residues from oil palm cul-tivation, launched by the FraunhoferInstitute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI).

Malaysia, with its global market share of50%, is the world’s largest producer ofpalm oil, with 8% of its land area underoil palm cultivation. This activity resultsin 40 million tonnes of residue annually,half of which is fibre that is burnt orstored under substandard conditions.

The country is also an important manu-facturer and exporter of wood fibreboard,which is increasingly replacing plywood.However, it is facing a shortage of smalltimber from rubber wood plantationsthat supply the raw material, a situationthat threatens the stock of high-qualitytimber.

As Asia’s economic development accel-erates, there is a rapidly rising demandfor fibreboards. The market is expectedto double to 10 million m3 by 2010,which dramatically aggravates theproblem of raw material supply.

WKI recognised opportunity in thesechallenges and, in co-operation withEuropean industrial partners, developed a technology for producing mediumdensity fibreboards from residues ofpalm oil production. This concept wasso compelling, the Malaysian Palm OilBoard commissioned the constructionof a small pilot plant that began opera-tion in September 2001.

Unlike conventional raw material wood,just 25% of the oil palm trunks consistof fibres. However 50% of the frondsand more than 90% of the empty fruitbunches are composed of fibres thatcould replace wood fibres. The residueis broken up, heated using steam, thenground. Glue is added and the hotmaterial pressed into panels. Resultingfibreboards comply with the standardfor low formaldehyde panels and canreplace those made from small timberin most applications.

Production to meet growing marketdemand can be sustainable throughusing this new source of raw materialand the amount of oil palm waste burntin the open can be reduced by a quarter.

The equipment and construction of thepilot plant, located in Bangi, requiredan investment of €3.5 million and waspurchased from European companies by MPOB. The modern lab-scale plantand workshop employs 23 workers andserves as a test centre for the industryand for training.

The Malaysian palm oil industry employsmore than 1,300 people and its growthis expected to help combat poverty.This technology will also assist smallfarmers who run about 35% of the cul-tivated area by supplying a market forwaste materials. Increasing demand forwood fibreboard results in a demand forskilled workers, which will also have apositive economic effect on the region.

The method could be used in other coun-tries such as Indonesia, Thailand or India.WKI is actively exploring co-operationwith companies and research centres.

Winners 19

Fraunhofer Institute for WoodResearch, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)

➔ More infoFraunhofer Institute forWood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)Bienroder Weg 54ED – 38108 BraunschweigContact: Volker TholeTel: +49 531 2155 344E-mail: [email protected]

Category: International cooperation

Nominees20European Awards for the Environment 2002

GrundfosGrundfos’ environmentally friendly managementapproach to making heat pumps

Grundfos, a Danish maker of environ-mentally friendly heat pumps, is a nom-inee for the Management Award forSustainable Development. A model ofgood practice, Grundfos has set up anexceptional standard of environmentalmanagement in all the company’s pro-duction sites. This management systemis based on a life-cycle analysis approachthat seeks to achieve specific energy,waste, materials and accidents reductiontargets, and then has a system to moni-tor them. Grundfos’ senior managementis deeply involved in this process.

Grundfos has adopted an environmentalmanagement system that is integratedinto the company’s overall strategy.Known internally as “Business

Excellence”, it focuses on achievingresults in three key areas: people, customers and society. One of thephilosophies behind the model is that if you produce good results in each ofthese three areas, you will benefit fromthat and “automatically” achieve supe-rior performance results.

Thanks to this environmental manage-ment system, Grundfos has achievedtangible results:

• For new products released for sale in2001, energy consumption was reducedby up to 57% when compared withthe previous model. Similarly, therewas a materials reduction of up to 17%.

• Disposal guides were made for theentire 2001 product range.

• Since 1997, electricity consumptionhas been reduced by a staggering 24%and water consumption by 20%.

• Since 1999, the amount of chemicalwaste has dropped by 21% and thenumber of chemicals used in produc-tion by 5%.

• Given the importance to workerhealth and safety issues, Grundfos hasset as a key target a reduction in thenumber of accidents frequency. Thishas been reduced from 30.2 accidentsper 1 million working hours in 2000to 24.6 in 2001 – a reduction of18.5% in one year. In the same period,the absence due to accidents wasreduced from 2.8 to 2.6 hours per1,000 working hours.

Further, Grundfos has made a concertedeffort to “engage” with stakeholders onenvironmental and social issues. It pro-duces a group environmental report andlectures to visitors and outside groupson the benefits of sound environmentalmanagement. At its Danish productionsites, it sends out a yearly questionnaireto authorities in neighbouring munici-palities to assess their satisfaction withthe company’s efforts in environmental,health and safety areas. In its yearlycustomer satisfaction survey, 72%answered “yes” or “yes to a high degree”to the question “Grundfos developsenvironmentally friendly products”.When querying its employees, thestatement “I appreciate Grundfos’contribution to a better environment”,ranked highest in the latest survey.

The company’s management of environ-mental and social issues has contributedto its sound financial performance.Grundfos calculated the cost for 2001 ifthe environmental performance withinelectricity, water and heat consumptionhad been the same as in 2000. Theresult demonstrated that it would havecost the firm €419,000 more in 2001if it had not made these environmentalimprovements.

➔ More infoGrundfos Management A/SPoul Due Jensens vej 7DK – 8850 BjerringbroContact: Sune Salling Mortensen or Dorte MaachTel: +45 8750 6933E-mail: [email protected]: www.grundfos.com


Borealis, a leading producer of environ-mentally superior polyolefin plastics,especially polyethylene and polypropy-lene, subscribes to the principles of sustainable development, providentcare and risk prevention.

The goal at Borealis is to use specificemergency contingency planning toavoid hazards and minimise risks thatcould affect the environment, peopleand the company. The aim is to inte-grate risk management into sustain-ability management.

Its programme, “To save it, don’t riskit”, focuses on a 3F risk assessmentmethod (Risk = Impact x Frequency xProbability), taking into account theimpact at social, ecological and economiclevels. The 3F method is an innovationat European level.

The programme includes “risk maps”,which make risk assessments of some 60 scenarios, providing a quantitativeand graphic overview of the riskstatus. Another mechanism, known as a “Balanced Score Card”, monitorsindicators for ecological, social andeconomic performance.

Employees are key to the success of “Tosave it, don’t risk it”; carrying out riskassessments and collaborating in drawingup the necessary measures to minimisepotential hazards. Employees are encour-aged to report occurrences of unsafeactions, risk potentials, and possibleenvironmental harm as part of the “NearMiss” system. Further, employees’ ideasfor improvement are evaluated for feasi-bility by the company’s Idea Manage-ment department and awards are givenfor outstanding contributions. IdeaManagement is now an integral compo-nent of the Borealis company culture.

One of the key elements of the pro-gramme is the principle of stakeholderaccountability. It is a matter of principlethat consultations with stakeholders arepart of environmental management atBorealis. Employees, other companiesand government authorities were notonly informed about “To save it, don’trisk it”, they were actively involved inthe definition and assessment of scenar-ios. Neighbours, local and nationalauthorities and adjoining companies areactively involved in provident care andemergency planning. The result is acomprehensive and tailored contingencyaction plan that anticipates the possibil-ity of reciprocal action and dominoeffects so that appropriate preventivemeasures can be implemented.

Although “To save it, don’t risk it” hascontributed significantly to the preven-tion and minimisation of accidents andsickness and harm to neighbours, theenvironment and production facilities,not to mention safeguarding the com-pany’s image, the economic savings havenot yet been quantified. However, oneBorealis plant in Austria, in recognitionof its excellent environmental perfor-mance record, was awarded a non-repayable government subsidy of nearly

€6 million in April 2002. Amongstother achievements, it has cut carbondioxide emissions by 60% and VOCemissions by 80% compared with theformer two production units in use atthe site.

The “To save it, don’t risk it” conceptfor emergency contingency measuresand emergency planning is not industryor company specific and has the poten-tial to be replicated across Europe.

Nominees 21

Borealis GmbH “To save it, don’t risk it”

➔ More infoBorealis GmbHDanubiastraße 21-25A – 2320 SchwechatContact: Daniela Jäger-BergausTel: +43 1 70111 4298E-mail: [email protected]: www.borealisgroup.com



Dekati LtdMassMo enables cleaner engine exhausts from fine particles

Finland’s Dekati provides state-of-the-artfine particle measurement instrumentsand measurement solutions.

Concerned by the negative effects offine particles emitted from an engine’sexhaust, Dekati has developed a newand innovative way of measuring lowmass concentrations in real time.

According to recent findings publishedin the Journal of American Medicine, a10-microgram fine particle concentra-tion increase per cubic centimetre of airincreases the risk of lung cancer deaths by8%. By way of comparison, the Journalconcluded that living in US metropoli-tan areas increases lung cancer deaths by12%, which is roughly equivalent to therisks presented by passive smoking.

One of Dekati’s leading products,MassMo, enables low cost, accurate,fast and highly sensitive fine particleemission measurement directly fromvehicles’ exhaust pipes, in practically allkinds of test environments. MassMocombines three measurement principles

into one single low cost unit. Electricalmobility diameter, aerodynamic sizedistribution and average effective densityis measured in real time.

Fine particle emissions to air by dieselengines need to be reduced by a factorof four and in some cases by a factor of20 (for instance in the case of the Tokyometropolitan area.) These emissions aremeasured in transient test conditions.The best way to develop these engines isto measure their fine particle emissionsin real time. MassMo is intended for highvolume vehicle engine testing at typeapproval, in service compliance, inspec-tion testing and maintenance markets.

This innovation in engine emissionmeasurement holds great hope in termsof speed and accuracy, whereas olderfilter techniques are not as sensitive.

MassMo makes its measurements incombination with another Dekatiinstrument, called autosampler.Autosampler was developed in a FifthFramework EU research programme.

The financial prospects for MassMo areindeed very positive. MassMo representsa significant portion of Dekati’s turnover.By 2005, it is expected that turnoverthanks to MassMo will exceed €10 mil-lion, up from the current €2.5 million.While 8 units were sold in 2002, Dekatiexpects to sell 238 by 2005.

Once MassMo has been widely acceptedin the test bench environment, Dekati’sfocus will move into engine testing.

Previous fine particle measuring instru-ments, including another innovationfrom Dekati called ELPI (Electrical LowPressure Impactor), were complex andexpensive to operate; hence the needto develop a low-cost, accurate andeasy-to-use alternative. MassMo pro-vides comparable results to ELPI andtesting is currently underway atVolkswagen in Wolfsburg.

ELPI remains a world-leader in themeasurement of fine particle concen-tration and size distribution in realtime. Introduced in 1995, it has beenused successfully by all major engine,oil and diesel after treatment devicemanufacturers to develop low particleemission transportation for a cleanerenvironment.

➔ More infoDekati LtdOsuusmyllynkatu 13FI – 33700 TampereContact: Dr Tech Juha TikkanenTel: +358 3 357 8100E-mail: [email protected]: www.dekati.fi

Category: Product

Since its founding in 1977, Hispacoldhas helped reinvent air conditioningtechnology while placing personal com-fort and respect for the environmentabove all other considerations.

Hispacold has demonstrated its vocationfor innovation in the field of air condi-tioning for coaches, buses and specialvehicles, with its 660 cc 4-cylinderrefrigerant compressor. This latest inno-vation and the manufacturing processpresent a significant improvement overprevious models.

The new 660 cc 4-cylinder compressorincorporates the following innovationswith respect to a previous version(6W/600cc):

• It weighs less and is also smaller, ensur-ing that it can be installed in a greaterrange of vehicles. By weighing less, italso discharges less CO2 into the airand therefore makes a contribution topollution reduction.

• Its product life – from 36 to 61months – is longer. It is also more reli-able and requires less maintenance.

• It consumes fewer raw and auxiliarymaterials. Also, in the assembly process,there is less contact with hazardoussubstances such as paint, freon, haz-ardous waste, emissions, etc.

• Fewer mechanised parts are required,which also has an impact on the lengthof the mechanisation and manufactur-ing processes.

• Given that fewer suppliers are nowrequired and that mechanised partscan be purchased directly from them,Hispacold demands that suppliersprovide higher quality raw and auxil-iary materials.

• This new innovation has seen a reduc-tion in the amount of oil and R134Afreon contained in the compressor. Thismeans that the required oil changes cantake place less frequently.

• Assemblage of these parts is identical,irrespective of the type of vehicle inwhich the compressor is being installed.

• Noise levels are reduced during use.

Being lighter and more compact thanits predecessors, it can be installed in agreater range of buses, coaches, trainsand special vehicles, such as those usedby the military. In the case of militarytransport, this is of particular interest,as the compressor can be re-used indifferent vehicles; the lifespan of thecompressor exceeding the lifespan ofsuch vehicles.

As a result of this longer lifespan,Hispacold will extend the product guar-antee to three years (and is examiningthe possibility of five).

This new compressor has contributedto the overall financial performance ofHispacold. In 2001, the 6W/600cccompressor represented 20% of totalsales, but Hispacold anticipates thisrising to 25% for 2003.

Hispacold is committed tofurther developing envi-ronmentally friendlyproducts. The company is currently in the processof setting up an Envi-ronmental ManagementSystem in compliancewith ISO 14001. The new660 cc 4-cylinder modelwill have completely

replaced the 6W/600 cc compressor by2003, with production beginning inNovember of that year. Hispacold willseek to double the market share of thenew compressor over a three-year period.

Hispacold believes its environmentallyfriendly products have been instrumen-tal in strengthening the company’s com-petitive edge.

Nominees 23

International Hispacold S.A.Air conditioning friendly to the environment

➔ More infoInternational Hispacold S.A.Autovia Sevilla-Malaga, km 1.8E – 41016 SevillaContact: Immaculada Artacho BlancoTel: +34 954 99 91 60E-mail: [email protected]: www.hispacold.es

Category: Product


Intermediate Technology Consultants(ITC) Glowstar - Clean light for millions

Intermediate Technology Consultants(ITC) provides independent, professionaladvice to governments, NGOs, aid agen-cies and the private sector. ITC specialisesin decentralised rural electrification usingrenewable energy sources.

ITC has developed a rechargeable solarlantern – known as Glowstar - for useby poor rural populations, with reliabil-ity, cost and performance at the heart ofthe design. Innovative mass marketingtechniques have been pioneered to enablea network of village sales agents to pro-mote and support remote rural commu-nities not normally reached by modernproducts or electricity services. Thelantern provides light from a compactfluorescent lamp 15 times brighter than

a kerosene lamp and a power outlet fora radio and other low power appliances.

Glowstar provides numerous social,environmental and financial benefits.

• On the social side, it improves thequality of life of poor rural communi-ties in developing countries, by extend-ing the number of productive hoursthey can work and study, giving at leastfive hours of light per night and twoyears between battery changes. Also,the huge increase in lighting (from 30 lumens from kerosene lamps to over400 with Glowstar) leads to an obviousimprovement in the standard of living.Additionally, it provides small cottageindustries with more time for produc-tive work, better conditions for childrento study in and an improvement in theprovision of essential social services suchas education and health.

• It provides environmental benefits dueto the cut in emissions from burningkerosene (about 2.5 tonnes of CO2 perlantern over its lifetime), not to men-tion a reduced fire risk and the disposalproblem of ordinary dry cell batteries.Glowstar is also powered by renewableenergy, providing an output of 120kWhover the product's life, saving two tonsof kerosene during a 10-year period.

• On the financial side, Glowstar willachieve real cost savings. Over 10% ofmonthly rural income goes on kerosenein most developing countries, with anaverage annual bill of around €60 perhousehold. This compares to a pricetag of around €100 for Glowstar. Abasic return on investment can beachieved within 18 months, togetherwith a much better quality of lightand portable power system.

Glowstar is, for the most part, recyclable.Disposal of dry cell batteries in ruralAfrica and Asia causes cumulative pollu-tion, with no facilities for disposal. Theuse of Glowstar will naturally reduce theamount of hazardous waste produced bythese batteries. The sealed acid batteriesshould last around 700 cycles and arerechargeable; lead acid battery disposalis one of the few recycling activities thatdoes happen in Africa. The compactfluorescent lamp, while not recyclable,does have an average life of 10,000 hours,or about six years of operation.

ITC seeks to reduce poverty through theuse of affordable technology to providegreater opportunities, empowermentand security. Glowstar contributes tothis vision and royalties from Glowstarwill help fund further research intorenewable energy for poor people indeveloping countries.

➔ More infoGlowstarSchumacher Centre for Technology andDevelopment, Bourton HallBourton-on-Dunsmore, RugbyUK – CV 23 9QZ WarwickshireContact: Oliver WakelinTel: +44 1926 634493E-mail: [email protected]: www.itcltd.com/itc

Category: Product

Process for recyclingpolyamidecarpetsWith 1.5 million tonnes of used carpetsdiscarded annually in Europe, theiraccumulation constitutes a significantwaste. Until now, this waste ended upon landfills or in waste incinerationplants. On landfills, it rots slowly due toits durable synthetic content, thereforeunderscoring the urgent need for actionthroughout Europe for the recovery andrecycling of this bulk product.

The problem is in fact two-fold:

• At European level, the transport ofold carpets to one recycling plant isineffective. A decentralised automaticsorting and identification system isrequired to separate the high-value,recyclable fractions within a carpet.

• A process is then required to recyclepolyamide carpets.

Polyamid 2000 AG has constructed thefirst recycling plant for used floor carpetsmade of polyamides (PAs). The use oftechnically sophisticated and economi-cally viable recycling processes allows therecovery of resources that are of highquality and economical.

Located in Premnitz near Berlin, thePA 2000 plant is designed to recycle120,000 tonnes of carpet waste. It hasbeen running commercially since 2002.

The polyamide fraction PA 6 (alsoknown as Perlon) is decomposed chemi-cally (depolymerised) into the monomercaprolactam, cleaned and polymerisedagain into PA. The secondary raw mate-rial produced is identical in quality withthe initial product. This process is noteconomical for the fraction PA 6.6(Nylon), so it is melted, mixed withadditives, and then granulated. While itcannot be reused in carpets, it is used inother applications. Much of the remain-ing residue is chalk, which can be usedpartially in the construction industry.

However, before PA 2000 can operate,it needs to obtain the recyclable partsof carpet waste. GUT, an associationof 77 European carpet manufacturers,addresses the environmental issues.GUT and the national European asso-ciations of the carpet industry foundeda joint recycling organisation, CarpetRecycling Europe (CRE), after theRecycling and Waste Management Actcame into force in 1996. CRE’s task isto test collection and sorting systemsfor post consumer carpet waste. To dothis, CRE has set up an automatedcarpet sorting line near Mainz, Germany.Automatic sorting and identification linescan be installed all over Europe to sepa-rate carpet waste into different fractions.

This joint initiative has created 250new jobs. Further, the plant is suitablefor polyamides from automobiles too.Glass fibre-reinforced synthetic compo-nents can be processed which can helpmeet the recycling quote challenges ofthe EU Directive on used cars.

The drive to develop a decentralisedcarpet identification and sorting line, aswell as the ecological and economic base

parameters for future carpet recyclingactivities, highlights the producers’responsibility to the European carpetindustry and helps set up specific recy-cling solutions to minimise this partic-ular type of waste.

Nominees 25

Polyamid 2000 AG, Gemeinschaft umweltfreundlicherTeppichboden e.V. (GUT)

➔ More infoPolyamid 2000 AGBergstraße 91D – 14727 PremnitzContact: Dr Andre KarutzTel: +49 3386 244 103E-mail: [email protected]: www.polyamid2000.com

Gemeinschaft umweltfreundlicherTeppichboden e.V. (GUT)Schönebergstraße 2D – 52068 AachenContact: Dr Edmund VankannTel: +49 241 968 43410E-mail: [email protected]: www.gut-ev.de

Category: Process


Supertrae A/S Supercritical wood impregnation

Wood is an environmentally attractive,biodegradable building material, but ithas to be preserved by impregnationwith fungicides and/or pesticides toprolong its service life. Conventionalwood impregnation methods are basedon heavy metals, such as arsenic, and/ororganic solvents, both undesirable pol-lutants. They can be avoided by super-critical wood impregnation usingorganic fungicides, and the replacementof organic solvents with safe media,such as CO2.

Supertrae A/S owns and operates a plantfor supercritical wood impregnationusing such novel environmentallyfriendly methods. It is the first timesuch a technique has been applied on acommercial scale. The procedure alsoallows for a wider range of woods forconstruction purposes. The use of treatedScandinavian spruce wood, for instance,would diminish our dependence on trop-ical or rain forest woods.

The impregnation of spruce wood withtwo organic fungicides takes place inthree impregnation vessels at maximumpressure of up to 150 bars and tempera-ture of up to 65°C. The impregnation

cycle takes about 3.5 hours. Unlikeconventional treatment methods, thereis practically no emission of solvents,the distribution of fungicide is uniform,and the impregnated wood is dry andready to use.

Each cubic meter of wood impregnatedby this procedure also saves the environ-ment from up to 50 kg of turpentine, asolvent typically used in the traditionalmethod. Because Supertrae treated woodis free of heavy metal salts, the servicelife of cutting tools it is in contact withwill be much longer working than ifoperating in a conventional salt-impreg-nated wood plant.

Such a technique provides concrete envi-ronmental benefits. The impregnationprocess uses minimal resources sinceboth materials and energy are recoveredin the process. Further, unlike conven-tional wood impregnation with copper,chromium arsenic compounds (CCA),where their presence makes waste wooda hazardous material that cannot be dis-posed of by incineration, wood impreg-nation by supercritical technique containsa small quantity of organic fungicidewhere disposal by incineration is safe.

The most serious air pollution from thewood industry is the emission of volatileorganic compounds (VOC) from woodimpregnation. Since only a small amountof glycol ethers are used as a formulationagent for the fungicide mixture in thesupercritical technique, and more than90% of the agent is recovered, thisproblem is avoided. Also, there is noleaching of heavy metals to surface andground water.

Wood impregnated by CCA techniqueis also greenish in appearance, while thewood impregnated with organic fungi-cides leaves the wood its natural colour.

The cost of developing this techniqueand building the first commercial planthas been approximately €16 million.With an annual capacity of 60,000m3

of wood, the plant’s balance sheet wasalready positive in 2002, its secondoperating year.Currently, the plant is only involved incommercially impregnating wood withfungicides. In the future, this techniquecan be applied to pesticides, as well asdyes and fire retardant agents.

➔ More infoSupertrae A/SPalsgaardvej 5DK – 7362 HampenContact: Ole HenriksenTel: +45 7687 3200E-mail: [email protected]: www.supertrae.dk

Category: Process

Masonite is a leading manufacturer ofmoulded products such as door facings,many of which are painted. In an effortto achieve a more environmentallyfriendly product, Masonite invested ina two-step approach:

• It redesigned the paint coating process,resulting in the installation of newcoating booths, and

• It converted from a thermoset to athermoplastic paint material.

The old painting process was inefficientand gave rise to over-spray, which wasexhausted into the atmosphere, andpaint wastage, which went to wastetreatment or was lost to process drains.

Three coating booths were required in the old process. Now, two newredesigned state-of-the-art coatingbooths have been installed which use acombination of refrigerated surfaces anddew point control to prevent the dryingof over-spray paint within the booth.

The new process has brought savings inraw materials by reducing paint usageby 12% to 15% due to a greater coatingefficiency of over 97%, up from 80%.In addition, the booths incorporate awaste paint system that has a loweroperating and maintenance cost.

One major emission point (known asSO1C), specified in Masonite’s IntegratedPollution Control License, has beendecommissioned.

Further, given that the air is recirculatedwithin the booths (they feature aclosed-loop system), there are no emis-sions exhausted either internally orexternally to the atmosphere. As such,the environmental working conditionshave improved for Masonite’s employees.

Another advantage to these booths is a40% reduction in the quantity of wastepaint generated and a further reductionof 15% in the hydraulic loading to thewastewater plant.

The self-cleaning technology of thebooths means that 60% less water isrequired to clean the booths, whichreduces water usage, the amount ofwastewater produced and the labourman hours required to clean the booths.The new process requires 30% less elec-trical energy and has eliminated the useof liquid petroleum gas used in theinfrared ovens.

The second major improvement has beenthe change from thermoset to thermo-plastic paint. The thermoplastic paintpresents many critical advantages:

• it is formaldehyde-free and thereforeless hazardous;

• it contains 50% less volatile organiccompounds (VOC) than the thermosetpaint;

• it has resulted in the elimination ofthree gas-fired infrared ovens whichwere used as part of the old paintprocess; and

• the paint system is more cost effectiveto use.

The total cost savings of the new tech-nology are significant both from an eco-nomic and environmental standpoint.When accounting for the reduction inpaint, wastewater, waste paint, labour,gas-fired ovens, energy and the savingsfrom the conversion to thermoplasticpaint, the annual savings come to over€3 million.

As part of the company’s ongoing pro-gramme of product development andprocess improvement, Masonite is cur-rently testing other adaptations of theexisting technology. Given that thetechnology is modular, Masonite islooking into its transfer to the buildingmaterials, plastics, concrete, automobileparts and metal components sectors.

Nominees 27

Masonite Ireland LtdRe-designing of paint coating technology

➔ More infoMasonite Ireland Ltd.Carrick on ShannonIRL – County LeitrimContact: Tom QuinnTel: +353 78 59500E-mail: [email protected]: www.masonite.co.uk

Category: Process


Diageo plc Water of life

Water of Life is the Diageo Foundation’sinternational, environmental and human-itarian support programme. Water of Lifechose water as one of its main themes,owing to Diageo’s position as a leadingbrewing and distilling company.

Projects are designed to promote con-servation and biodioversity, or encour-age sustainable practices or technologiesand are always run in partnershipbetween the local Diageo company andanother non-profit body, government,NGO, charity, etc.

A major focus for a number of Water ofLife projects has been to provide cleanwater supplies to developing communi-ties, using technologies that can be sus-tainable locally when the project iscomplete.

Projects fall within one of the followingbroad headings:

• Conservation and biodiversity: focuseson the protection of wildlife or habi-tats connected with water, reducingpollution or other environmentaldamage, and promoting biodiversity.

• Sustainability: encourages or supportssustainable technologies or develop-ment, research into or development ofrecycling, renewable energy sources,alternative fuels, sustainable types ofpackaging, product life cycle, wasterecovery or resource efficiency.

Water of Life projects must have clearproject and business objectives. Thisincludes demonstrating Diageo’s com-mitment to local communities andtheir environment and demonstratingthe company’s leadership in corporatecitizenship and best practice in humani-tarian issues, conservation and sustain-able development.

Projects are designed from the start inpartnership with a non-profitable organ-isation with interests and expertise inthe area of the project. Early involve-ment and joint endeavour on the plan-ning and execution of the project ensurethat the management of the project istransparent and that both partners’ objec-tives are considered in the project plan.

Essential features of Water of Life pro-jects are that their benefits are easilymonitored and long lasting. Many pro-jects include an educational component,which helps inspire similar local initia-tives. Projects are often seen as pilotschemes whose benefits can be replicatedelsewhere with greater efficiency.

Some examples of such projects include:

• The Kumasi Water Supply project inGhana, in partnership with theirMinistry of Health and CommunityDevelopment, involved the installa-tion of wells and sanitation in l6 vil-lages, improving the standard of livingfor 4,000 people. Further, 48 villagehealth co-ordinators were trained tooversee the installations once the pro-ject was complete.

• Support for a training programmethat extended the use of micro-hydro-electric technology in Peru, in partner-ship with a leading UK charity, had anobjective to supply highland commu-nities with electricity for home andsmall business use.

• A research project on the loggerheadturtle in Australia, in partnership withthe Queensland Department ofEnvironment and Heritage, gave sci-entists a clearer idea of how best toencourage the regeneration of thisendangered species.

Resources available are a maximum of£50,000 (€72,000) per project. To date,70 projects have been completed in fivecontinents, with the support of over€1.5 million.

➔ More infoDiageo plc8 Henrietta PlaceUK – W1G 0NB London Contact: Caroline CrossTel: +44 20 7927 5296E-mail: [email protected]: www.diageo.com

Category: International Cooperation

Klinge Pharma & Co. is a multi-purposepharmaceutical facility manufacturing awide variety of products for the treatmentof diseases. Established in Killorglin inthe 1970s, it is a subsidiary of FujisawaDeutschland GmbH.

Klinge produced its first EnvironmentalManagement Plan in 1990 under its“Responsible Care Scheme”. This planwas developed over the years to reflectIntegrated Pollution Control (IPC)licence requirements in 1995 and ISO14001 requirements in 2001.

The Klinge Pharma management systemethos is one of continuous improvementand has led to emission reductions farsurpassing legal requirements.

Klinge Pharma has always put strongemphasis on communications withemployees and the public. As we alllive in the same environment, Klingebelieves that its environmental datashould be available to all and, as such,publishes it on its web site.

Klinge Pharma has also been activelyinvolved in community outreach formany years. In 2001, it undertook fiveschool tours and three classroom pre-sentations. A project where the sec-ondary schools visitedKlinge and gave a pre-sentation to a localretirement home washighly successful. Klingealso helped a nationalsecondary school carryout a eutrophicationstudy on the nearbyCaragh Lake.Eutrophication is waterpollution caused by

excessive plant nutrients. Runoff andsewage contain phosphates, which leadto excessive growth or ‘blooms’ of algae,oxygen depletion and kills fish.

The company identifies the three keyelements of its EnvironmentalManagement Programme as:

• Full integration of environmentalmanagement into all aspects of opera-tion and all departments. Around60% of its employees are engaged insupport activities such as quality con-trol, environment, safety engineering,administration and materials.

• Communication and openness has ledto a high level of trust and co-operationwith the employees and the public.Klinge has gone beyond its IPC licenceor corporate requirements in communi-cating its environmental performancedata and ethos to the public and staff.

• Continuous improvement in all aspectsof the operation, irrespective of whatstandards are already being met.Klinge has achieved considerable suc-cess in the wastewater treatment plantby bringing the discharged parametersbelow limits specified in its IPC licence.The company has eliminated the prac-tice of landfilling its waste sludge andhas developed a method of successfully

composting this waste. Klinge has alsoscored notable successes in controllingthe emission of volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs - gases known to con-tribute to the global warming). Klingeregularly updates its environmentalperformance on its web site.

Klinge’s commitment to continuousimprovement is the cornerstone of theEnvironmental ManagementProgramme. The proactive environmen-tal management approach receivedstrong endorsement in 2001 with theISO 14001 certification and the IBECEnvironment Management Award forSustainability. By maintaining thisapproach, environmental protectionwithin Klinge is assured well into thefuture.

Nominees 29

Klinge Pharma and CoProactive environmental management for the 21st century

➔ More infoKlinge Pharma & CoKillorglinIRL – County KerryContact: Seamus GethinsTel: +353 66 979 2680E-mail: [email protected]: www.klinge.ie


National awards30European Awards for the Environment 2002

National awardsThe European Awards for theEnvironment are underpinned by aseries of national award schemes heldin the 15 Member States and the candi-date countries.Participating in European Awards for theEnvironment is only possible throughentering one of the national awardschemes. For more information pleasecontact your national organiser directly.

AustriaFederal Ministry of AgricultureForestry, Environment and WaterManagement Division VI/5Mag. Armin PecherStubenbastei 5A -1010 Vienna Tel: +43 1 515 221 646E-mail: [email protected]

BelgiumFederation of Belgium Companies(FEB) (BVO)Ms Birgit FremaultRue Ravenstein straat 4B -1000 BrusselsTel: +32 2 515 0851Fax: +32 2 515 0832E-mail: [email protected] (Dutch)www.prixenvironnement.be (French)www.vbo.be (Dutch)www.feb.be (French)

DenmarkIngeniàrforeningen I Danmark (IDA)Mr Kristian Smestad Kalvebod Brygge 31-33 DK -1780 Kobenhavn VTel: +45 3318 4848(direct: +45 3318 4640)Fax: +45 3318 4887E-mail: [email protected]

FinlandKeksintösäätiö-Foundation forFinnish Inventions Mr Juha JutilaTekniikantie 12FIN -02150 EspooTel: +358 20 737 3000 Gsm: +358 40 108 607Fax: +358 950 243 210E-mail: [email protected] contact person: E-mail: [email protected]

FranceAssemblée des Chambres Françaisesde Commerce et d'Industrie (ACFCI)Service EnvironnementRichard Blanc45 avenue d'IenaF -75016 ParisTel: +33 1 4069 3918 Fax: +33 1 5357 1918E-mail: [email protected]

GermanyBundesverband der DeutschenIndustrie e.v Abteilung UmweltpolitikDr Thomas HoltmannBreite Strasse 29D-10178 BerlinTel: +49 30 2028 1550Fax: +49 30 2028 2550E-mail: [email protected]

GreeceFederation of Greek IndustriesFokion Deliyannis 5 Xenofontos StreetGR -105 57 AthensTel: +30 210 323 7325Fax: +30 210 322 2929E-mail: [email protected]

IrelandIrish Business and EmployersConfederation (IBEC)Mr Erik O'DonovanConfederation House84-86 Lower Baggot streetIRL -Dublin 2Tel: +353 1 605 1672Fax: +353 1 638 1565E-mail: [email protected]

ItalyENEA - The Research and InnovationOrganisation for the NationSustainable DevelopmentMs Fabiola FalconieriLungoterve Thaon di Revel 76I -00196 RomeTel: +39 06 3627 2379 or +39 06 3627 2771Fax: +39 06 3627 2288E-mail: [email protected]

LuxembourgFéderation des IndustrielsLuxembourgeois (FEDIL)Mr René WinkinPO Box 1304L-1013 LuxembourgTel: +352 435 3661Fax: +352 432 328E-mail: [email protected]

PortugalSinergia-Comunicao InstitucionalMrs Regina CalheirosAvenida De Liberdade 114-134P-1200 LisboaTel: +351 21 340 4520Fax: +351 21 340 4581E-mail: [email protected]

National awards 31

SpainFundación Entorno (Empresa y Medio Ambiente)Mrs Beatriz ClementeC/ Padilla 17E-28006 MadridTel: +34 91 575 6394Fax: +34 91 575 7713E-mail:[email protected]

SwedenFederation of Swedish IndustryMr Richard AlmgrenPO Box 5501S -114 85 StockholmTel: +46 8 783 8112 Gsm: +46 70 568 8112Fax: +46 8 662 3595E-mail:[email protected]

NetherlandsMinistry of Housing Spatial Planningand the EnvironnementDirectorate for Policy Affairs/ipc 660Departament of Economic and FiscalInstrumentsMr Pieter Hamelink8 Rijnstraat PO Box 30945NL-2500 GX The HagueTel: +31 70 339 4838Fax: +31 70 339 1304E-mail: [email protected]

Great BritainMomentaMr Adrian ColeDidcotUK -Oxfordshire OX11 0QJTel: +44 1235 432 801Fax: +44 1235 433 986E-mail: [email protected]

DEFRAEnvironment, Business andConsumers DivisionMr Chris ThomasAshdown House 6/D10123 Victoria StreetUK-London SW1D 6DETel: +44 20 7944 6578Fax: +44 20 7944 6559E-mail: [email protected]

RSAMr Simon FordhamRSA Wales and the West of EnglandRoom 25St Matthias CampusUWEOldbury Court Road, FishpondsUK-Bristol BS16 2JPTel: +44 117 344 4446Fax: +44 117 902 8006E-mail: [email protected]

European Commission DG EnvironmentErika Jangen5-15 avenue de BeaulieuB-1160 BruxellesTel: +32 2 296 7756Fax: +32 2 296 9569E-mail: [email protected]

Czech RepublicBusiness Leaders ForumTomas NejedloExecutive DirectorStepanska 61Palac LucernaCZ-116 02 Praha 1Tel: +420 2 2421 6275Fax: +420 2 2421 3957E-mail: [email protected]

EstoniaMinistry of the EnvironmentMs Ingrid TammRavala 8B, 210AEE-10413 TallinTel: +372 6 604 604 or +372 6 312 333Fax: +372 6 604 613E-mail: [email protected]

HungaryHungarian Business Leaders ForumMs Ágnes KövesdyBorbolya u.9HO-1023 BudapestTel: +36 1 326 3038Fax: +36 1 326 2153E-mail: [email protected]

LithuaniaLPKEconomics and Finance DepartmentMr Andrius NikitinasVienuolio 8LT-2600 VilniusTel: +370 5 212 6130Fax: +370 5 212 5209E-mail: [email protected]

MaltaUniversity CampusCleaner Technology CampusMr Anton PizzutoUniversity CampusMT -MSD06 MsidaTel: +356 313 416or +356 313 417Fax: +356 340 979E-mail: [email protected]

European Commission

European Awards for the Environment 2002

Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities

2003 — 36 pp. — 21 x 29,7 cm

ISBN 92-894-4524-6

14KH-52-03-271-EN-C

www.eu-environment-awards.org

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