The Solingen-based automotive supplier BIA has set itself ambitious climate targets. According to owner Jörg Püttbach, the industrial company aims to beCO2-neutral by 2025. "Where technically possible, we have always made very intensive use of potential for resource conservation and environmental protection - throughout the entire group of companies," emphasizes Püttbach, referring to the use of self-generated solar power or wastewater-free systems at numerous BIA locations.
In addition to corporate responsibility, the market is also becoming an increasingly strong driver of sustainability strategies: "The demands of the automotive industry for climate-neutral products are already getting louder," explains Jörg Püttbach and is certain: "With our goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2025, which is a sporting goal for an electroplating company, we would certainly be pioneers in our industry!"
It is undisputed that this goal can be achieved not only through savings in the company itself, but also through offsetting measures and the purchase of green electricity. Nevertheless, BIA aims to save up to five percentCO2 every year through its own projects. In order to increase energy efficiency, all processes and areas at BIA are therefore continuously reviewed and optimized. "This starts with the planning of new systems and processes and the purchase of new machines," emphasizes Püttbach, but also extends to all non-operational areas.
For example, the focus is on the gradual conversion of the company's own vehicle fleet to electric vehicles as well as the conversion of all lighting in the company to LED technology. The automotive supplier expects the latter measure alone to save 54 tons ofCO2 per year.
However, the most important role in BIA's climate strategy is played by the reduction in the use of energy and resources in the highly energy-intensive production processes and the generation and use of the company's own energy sources. With one of the largest connected photovoltaic systems in the entire city of Solingen, BIA set a clear example here years ago. This will be expanded even further in 2021 and 2022, so that the plant will supply around 600 MWh of emission-free electricity when completed. Together with the electricity generated in BIA's own combined heat and power plant (CHP), the company will save a good 274 tons ofCO2 per year.
BIA Solingen is well on the way to becoming the first climate-neutral electroplating producer. The Solingen site is also a pioneer in the Group. "We are currently analyzing whether and how climate neutrality can be achieved for the entire BIA Group," says Jörg Püttbach, referring to the six company sites in Germany and abroad.
