2020 Sustainability Report

58 In recent years, our VOC emissions have stabilised at about 4.5 tons per year. These emissions arise almost exclusively from the finishing treatments on our products, which for quality reasons still consist of solvent-based lacquers. Earlier attempts to switch to water-based lacquers failed because they lacked chemical and mechanical stability. Nor have we been able to meet our high standards for the visual appearance of the product surfaces using water-soluble lacquers. During the next reporting period, we intend to work with the Bern University of Applied Sciences to look again at the current state of the tech- nology for water-based lacquers, regarding resilience, optical appearance and application methods, and see whether it is possible for us to switch to them. If that were successful, we could reduce our VOC emissions by a substantial amount. Endingen site The proportion of CO 2 emissions due to fossil fuels was about 50% in Endingen in 2020. As in Bützberg, we will be promoting e-mobility in Endingen in order not only to make business travel more environmentally friendly but also to raise awareness among the employees about using it for their private driving. The existing charging station will be joined by at least two more. The emissions from business flights, electricity and natural gas were kept low and in some cases reduced. Regarding electricity, the lighting concept was successfully implemented as planned. Despite its total surface area of 1657 m 2 , the new warehouse will emit relatively little heat energy and therefore also CO 2 . This is because of the economical gas-powered infrared heaters and the division into heated and entirely unheated areas (cold room). 100% of the unavoidable CO 2 emissions are offset via the Fair Recycling Foundation. Roland Ammann Head of Production and Logistics, Girsberger AG Ecology Emissions CO 2 emissions in tonnes Girsberger AG Bützberg Electricity (100% renewable as of 2013) Heating oil Petrol/diesel Flights Compensation via Fair Recycling Compensation print works Girsberger GmbH Endingen Electricity (100% renewable as of 2013) Natural gas Petrol/diesel Flights Compensation via Fair Recycling Compensation feed-in photovoltaic system Overview CO 2 emissions 2020 30.1 25.0 300.0 1.5 356.6 8.0 12.3 126.6 140.7 2.2 281.8 4.7 2019 31.8 37.1 329.3 18.6 416.8 10.1 12.7 121.5 172.9 5.9 313.0 4.6 2018 32.5 29.2 348.4 14.3 424.4 26.0 12.4 114.3 183.3 8.3 318.3 4.6 2017 34.0 32.3 345.0 13.5 424.8 25.6 11.1 127.3 180.9 9.9 329.2 3.8 2016 36.6 40.9 328.2 21.3 427.0 36.5 11.1 122.6 174.3 13.7 321.7 3.5