Operational energy efficiency

CO₂ emissions dropped 10% in 2009, due to the economic downturn, but also to our ongoing CO₂ reduction programs. CO₂ emissions from manufacturing decreased 6% due to lower volumes and improved energy efficiency. The effects of some of these improvement programs will become more visible when production volumes pick up as most industrial activities require a so-called base load independent of volumes. (A glass furnace, for example, requires a minimum amount of energy, even if not fully used.)

As we employed fewer staff, CO₂ emissions from non-industrial sites (offices, warehouses, laboratories, etc.) were 12% less than 2008.

We purchased 15% of electricity from renewable sources.

As a result of our ongoing promotion of videoconferencing and our green lease car policy, CO₂ emissions from business travel further decreased by 17%. CO₂ emissions from logistics decreased 14% as a result of lower volumes, as well as a number of CO₂ reduction measures including a continued shift from air to sea freight and further improved container utilization.