International technology specialist ebm‑papst is putting its trust in the expert consultancy services offered by Bosch Climate Solutions as it develops a climate neutrality strategy. Over a period of around five months, the two companies worked together to analyze the energy needs of the ebm‑papst Group’s international sites and draw up a roadmap for reducing emissions by over 47,000 metric tons of CO₂ in Scopes 1 and 2 – in other words, direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the reporting company and indirect emissions associated with the generation of electricity, steam, heat, and cooling purchased by the company. Scope 3 emissions were also analyzed, thus creating transparency in relation to emissions produced by upstream and downstream activities in the value chain, such as in relation to purchased goods and services, or the use of sold products. “We understand sustainability and climate protection as strategic challenges that cover all areas of life and work as we seek to successfully tackle the challenges of climate change. By working together with the Bosch team, our aim is to interweave this understanding of sustainability into our corporate strategy,” explains Klaus Wittmann, Head of ESG at ebm‑papst. “In the context of this collaboration, we can draw on our expertise in cutting CO₂ emissions to provide the world’s leading manufacturer of fans and motors with optimum advice and support as they advance toward climate neutrality. Together, we can make many changes,” says Lisa Reehten, Business Lead at Bosch Climate Solutions. This independent consultancy company, which was established after the Bosch Group successfully became climate neutral (Scope 1+2), now primarily shares its expertise with other manufacturing companies.

The aim – to achieve CO₂-neutral production by 2025

At ebm‑papst, there is major scope for reducing both direct emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels in the Group’s own plants (Scope 1) and emissions associated with purchased energy such as electricity (Scope 2). On the basis of an “avoid and reduce” policy, measures designed to conserve resources and boost energy efficiency will now follow, with the aim of further increasing the CO₂ savings identified. As one of these measures, ebm‑papst will be switching to green energy as the source of its purchased electricity in Germany by the end of 2023. It will also be investing around 1.5 million euros a year into its own electricity production.

The two companies are also working together to identify Scope 3 measures and incorporate them into the roadmap. The aim of these measures is to reduce indirect CO₂ emissions that occur in the supply chain as a result of purchased goods and services or business travel, for example. The operationalization is being supported by a newly formed sustainability department at ebm‑papst. “We are delighted that ebm‑papst is traveling this road with us. Sustainability is not a barrier to economically successful business operations – on the contrary, it is actually a prerequisite,” says Reehten.