KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH becomes member of the 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network
Together with nine other local companies, KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH has set itself the goal of increasing energy efficiency and expanding its sustainability activities by the end of 2026.
- Fine Ceramic Components
Kyoto/Esslingen − Sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important for companies. To address these challenges, KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH has partnered with nine other local companies to establish the 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network.
Ambitious targets
The first step for each participating company was to conduct an inventory of their energy consumption, CO2 emissions and efficiency potential with the help of an energy consultant. The companies used this as a basis to set themselves specific goals for the almost three-year duration of the network. The aim is to implement specific measures by the end of 2026 that will save at least 2,400 MWh of energy per year – this corresponds to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 1,200 tons per year. The network partnership is also focussing on the expansion of renewables: renewable energy capacity is set to be increased by at least 1,700 kWp during the term of the network.
The companies’ energy, environmental and sustainability experts also regularly exchange experiences, creating the platform for investments to reduce energy costs and for contributions to the energy transition and climate protection in the individual companies.
Kyocera’s energy-efficient and sustainable projects in Mannheim
As part of the “Shaping Mannheim Together” (“Mannheim gemeinsam gestalten”) initiative, residents of Mannheim have the possibility to collaborate with local companies and to propose and implement projects and measures aimed at transforming the city into a sustainable, carbon-neutral, and inclusive city by 2030. Kyocera is participating in this initiative and contributing with projects such as the following:
1. Energy-efficient LED lighting
Since replacing the lights in its own buildings with energy-efficient LED lighting, Kyocera has saved around 286,000 kWh of electricity every year.
2. Construction of a new administration, production and logistics building
Kyocera uses renewable raw materials such as wood for its new buildings in order to make a contribution to sustainable construction. These will also be fitted with extensive green roofs and a photovoltaic system with an installed capacity of around 250 kWp.
3. Investment in high-efficiency production facilities
In the long term, the new production facilities are intended to deliver considerable savings in energy costs. The waste heat from the production processes will be used efficiently to heat the facilities and to supply neighbouring buildings via an internal heating network. It will even be possible to cool the production and administration buildings in summer.
4. Modernisation of the compressed air supply
The compressed air supply was overhauled in 2023. The old compressors were replaced with new ones. Compared with the old compressors, the new ones save around 150,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Photo: Simon Fischer, STUDIO SF Simon Fischer & Architekten GmbH
Armin Kayser, Managing Director of KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH emphasizes: “In accordance with the Kyocera mission statement ‘Respect the Divine and Love People’, we are committed to honouring our responsibility with regard to environmental protection and the sparing use of natural resources. We use resources responsibly and protect our environment. This is reflected in our business decisions and our actions.”
The HSE management of KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH is also in favour of the joint project: “The first Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network is a great initiative that we are happy to be a part of. In collaboration with the participating companies, we have set ourselves ambitious long-term targets to make the Mannheim region even more sustainable and efficient. Since everyone involved is pulling in the same direction, we are confident that we will achieve the goals we have set ourselves.”
About the 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network
The 1st Mannheim Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Network is part of the Federal Energy Efficiency Network’s initiative and is organised and managed by the Mannheim Climate Protection Agency. As part of this long-term project, the ten participating companies have set themselves the aims of increasing their energy efficiency and expanding their sustainability activities. In addition to KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH, the network comprises Stadtpark Mannheim GmbH and the companies Diringer & Scheidel Unternehmensgruppe, Wabco Radbremsen GmbH, Papierverarbeitung Hanns Julius Lichtenberger GmbH, Haag Streit GmbH, Sax & Klee Bauunternehmung GmbH, ES Elektroanlagen + Systemtechnik GmbH, Lochbühler Aufzüge GmbH and Berrang SE.