The global climate problem demands that humans have a mindset focused on sustainability. All companies have a duty to implement environmentally friendly measures. And maxon motor is doing its part.
From the bird’s-eye view, the large photovoltaic installations on the roofs of the maxon motor headquarters shine in the light of the sun. Photovoltaic systems generate environmentally friendly energy both at the headquarters in Sachseln (Switzerland) and at the production site in Germany. The energy needs in Sachseln are covered entirely from renewable sources. 92 percent with hydroelectric power and 8 percent with photovoltaics, according to Olaf Karkoska, environmental officer at maxon motor. Every meter of roof space is used to generate sustainable energy and use it for production purposes, as part of maxon’s environmental management system. In 2016, 354,400 kWh were generated from pure solar energy at the headquarters. For comparison: The annual power consumption of a normal household is approximately 3500 kWh.
LEDs instead of fluorescent tubes
The Innovation Center that is currently being built (swissness.maxonmotor.com) is also getting solar panels on its roof – that means another 180,000 kWh annually. Last year, maxon needed 4.5 GWh of power at the headquarters,that equals approx. 5000 lightbulbs that are on nonstop for 365 days. Speaking of lighting – maxon motor is continuously replacing fluorescent tubes with LED technology, to further reduce the energy consumption. The solar systems are part of a long list of measures that are consistently implemented within the maxon group. This includes the use of two groundwater wells that provide most of the energy required for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Simultaneously, maxon motor makes use of process and exhaust heat. Renewable energy is not the only way to reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment. Another means to this end is using cleaning agents and systems that are more environmentally friendly. At all production sites, chemicals are replaced with environmentally compatible products wherever this is possible.
Read more in the latest issue of „driven“.
Filed Under: maxon Driven