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Sustainability measures of igus SE & Co. KG
As a company, we have a responsibility to be mindful of our environmental impact and try and protect the environment worldwide. We see it as our duty to use resources sparingly, to protect the environment and to manage our business in a sustainable way. That's why we made sustainability a key focus of our business activities years ago. It influences our processes, products and partnerships.
Our goal: Group-wide CO₂-neutrality for all three scopes by 2040 at the latest
Our stated goal is group-wide carbon neutrality by 2040 at the latest for all three scopes. The scopes define the validity ranges of the GHG protocol, which stands for Greenhouse Gas (GHG). This protocol is the most widely used standard worldwide for recording, balancing and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, which are divided into the following three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions along the value chain
At our Cologne site, we use green electricity, green gas and energy-efficient measures in production and building services. By purchasing electricity from renewable energies, our Scope 2 emissions amount to 0 tonnes of CO2e (CO2 equivalent) according to the market-based method, which refers to the contractually agreed energy sources. In addition, we also report our emissions according to the location-based method, which only uses the regional energy mix as a basis, regardless of the actual contract - this results in 12,751 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for Scopes 1 and 2. With our measures, we contribute to the municipal climate targets as formulated in Cologne's climate declaration. But we don't just limit ourselves to Cologne, Germany or the first two scopes. Our aim is to become CO2-neutral worldwide by 2040 at the latest, including Scope 3, and without any plastic waste. To achieve this goal, we have divided it into short, medium and long-term goals:
Short term
Preparation of a group-wide CO₂ assessment and reduction of direct emissions through renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
Medium-term
Establishing an SBTi-compliant reduction target for Scope 3 (compliant with the Science Based Targets initiative, scientifically sound) and continuous reduction of emissions along the entire value chain.
Long-term
Achieving net zero emissions for all three scopes by 2040 at the latest through comprehensive measures and scientifically sound compensation for remaining emissions.
Our action plan 2026 for Germany
In the following, we present our specific action plan for 2026, divided into the three areas of application. This applies to our headquarters in Cologne, Germany; a plan for our international locations will follow later this year. We will also provide a brief insight into sustainability measures already implemented, both in Germany and worldwide. We see our measures as a continuous process. They are regularly reviewed and further developed to consider new insights, regulatory requirements and organisational frameworks. The measures presented mainly relate to central structures and processes and will be implemented at other locations - depending on location-specific conditions.
Measures to reduce Scope 1 emissions
Scope 1 refers to direct emissions, i.e. emissions that are caused directly by us as a company and are controlled by us. These include, for example, company vehicles, energy sources or coolants at the company site, combustion processes in production and our own heating systems for some of the igus buildings. In this area, we focus on energy-efficient production processes, the optimisation of existing building structures, and our own vehicle fleet.
Expansion of charging infrastructure for electromobility
We have installed e-charging stations in almost all our car parks, where our employees can charge company vehicles and private vehicles with 100% green electricity. We are continuously developing the charging infrastructure. Currently, 40 e-charging stations are in operation, some of them with our e-tract cable retraction system. An expansion to multiple sites is planned for this year, and in new construction projects, charging stations are being included as standard in the planning from the outset.
Scope: 1 & 3
Degree of implementation (current status): 85%
Modernisation of existing buildings
We would like to gradually modernise our existing buildings and optimise their energy efficiency, e.g. by equipping them with heat pumps. Last year, we converted three office buildings from gas heating to heat pumps. Further buildings are being planned for sensible modernisation, and work on some of them is already under way.
Scope: 1
Savings potential: 1,408 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Degree of implementation (current status): 15-20%
Measures to reduce Scope 2 emissions
Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased energy, e.g. electricity, heat and steam, which we purchase from external suppliers and do not produce ourselves. Here, our measures are aimed in particular at the efficient use of purchased energy and the consistent expansion of renewable energy sources. By optimising production processes, modern building technology and our own energy production, we are continuously reducing our energy consumption and the associated emissions.
Power generation using our own photovoltaic systems
In the course of converting to renewable energy, we have already equipped several of our buildings with photovoltaic systems. The largest system currently has a capacity of just under 500kWp. Our latest PV system with 120kWp was put into operation in September 2025 on an office building. Further buildings are in the planning stage or are being implemented, and PV systems are planned as standard for new buildings. Our aim is to equip all igus buildings with PV systems, which would enable an annual electricity generation of over 600,000kWh.
Scope: 2
Savings: 600,000kWh of electricity
Degree of implementation (current status): 30% (based on the possible total area)
Modernisation of LED lighting
We have installed almost exclusively LED bulbs in all our buildings. The few remaining lamps are still being replaced on an ad hoc basis while the system is in operation. In many areas of our production halls, we have successfully implemented a smart lighting system comprising occupancy detectors and light sensors. The LED lights adjust their brightness in response to external conditions, which saves energy and extends the durability of the bulbs.
Scope: 2
Savings: 380,000kWh of electricity
Degree of implementation (current status): 50%
Measures to reduce Scope 3 emissions
Scope 3 includes indirect emissions along the value chain. This includes all emissions that originate from external sources and are a consequence of our company's activities. Examples include the fuel consumption of employees commuting to work, suppliers, and the delivery of products to our customers. It also includes waste in everyday work and production as well as from products disposed of by customers. In this area, the focus of our activities is on measures relating to the circular economy, procurement and logistics, and the gradual improvement of the transparency of upstream and downstream processes.
Use of aluminium produced with lower emissions
We use materials manufactured with renewable energy for selected aluminium components. We want to reduce the environmental impact in our upstream supply chain. Use is continuously monitored and developed as part of our sustainable procurement
Scope: 3.1
Potential savings: 1,000 tonnes of CO2equivalent
Degree of implementation (current status): 50%
Optimisation of transport and logistics
We would like to reduce the emissions generated by the delivery of our products step by step. To this end, we optimise transport routes, consolidate shipments and avoid unnecessary partial deliveries. At the same time, we are creating more transparency regarding the CO₂ emissions of individual transport routes to support more sustainable decisions when selecting routes and transport solutions. The expansion of regional production and warehousing capacities also helps to shorten transport paths and reduce emissions along the supply chain.
Scope: 3.9
Potential savings: 653 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Degree of implementation (current status): 10%
Transparency through corporate sustainability reporting
From our sustainability report for the financial year 2024, we were able to derive the first measures. For example, CO2 emissions from Scope 3.9 (delivery of our goods to our customers) are to be reduced by 5% through more efficient utilisation of the transport volume and better selected packaging.
Scope: 3.9
Potential savings: 1,600 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Degree of implementation (current status): 75%
Already implemented sustainability measures
Discover the resource-saving measures we have already implemented in full. This applies both in Germany, at our headquarters in Cologne, and at our international locations, where the measures have been adapted to the respective local conditions.
Germany, at the headquarters in Cologne
Worldwide
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