Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in our society. The current debate on climate change and the consequences of heat, drought, storms and heavy rainfall, which are also being felt in our part of the world, lend additional weight to the issue. (source)
One consequence is that more and more people are developing an awareness of the issue and taking responsibility. For business relationships, this means that those who work and act sustainably will be better received by customers in the future.
But what opportunities are there here for carpenters and property planners?
What does sustainability actually mean?
The Gabler Business Dictionaryexplains it like this: "The principle of sustainability, which has been applied in forestry for centuries, can be described as a way of doing business in which current needs are met without depriving future generations of their livelihoods. In this context, the term "sustainable development" is also used.
This means that sustainable behaviour involves the responsible use of natural resources. Ecosystems must not be overloaded. The term sustainability represents an ideal that serves as orientation and is intended to encourage people to find the best possible translation for their own company and personal lifestyle.
Sustainability is also firmly anchored on PRÜM's agenda and within the company. Here are a few tips on how you can make your company more sustainable, environmentally friendly and climate-friendly.
Are you already following the energy-saving tips and would like to implement more measures? With a photovoltaic system on your roof, you can produce your own electricity. The construction of such systems is even subsidised in many places. In addition, wood chips and wood shavings from carpentry production can be used in a CHP plant to generate heat and electricity. The wood chips from production are burnt there. Surplus heat can be transferred to neighbouring homes and companies via a district heating network. At Prüm, we produce around 8 5 GWh of electricity annually with the CHP plant and can therefore cover over a third of our total electricity requirements. This allows us to use the heat generated for our hall heating and administration and dispense with heating oil.
As a service provider, mobility is an important issue because materials and machines have to be delivered and transported to customers. Let us advise you on electromobility. From cars to vans, there are interesting options here.
Collect rainwater - this reduces fresh water consumption and also saves costs.
With the so-called cradle to cradle principleis based on the idea of bringing the resource into a cycle of utilisation and turning a remnant back into a raw material. This cradle-to-cradle approach offers a number of advantages: Circular utilisation produces virtually no waste, conserves resources and reduces environmental impact. The choice of agents used to treat the wood is important for cradle to cradle utilisation. If the raw material wood is treated with natural agents, the wood can be returned to the cycle.
The cradle to cradle principle has also led to more unusual ways of recycling wood: clothing made from wood fibres that can be naturally decomposted after use is now available. Here read more on the topic.
What advantages does sustainability offer my company?
With the help of sustainability measures, you can ensure that future generations will have enough resources to live on. However, sustainable measures also offer many advantages from a business perspective:
- Reducing water consumption
- Reduction in energy consumption
- Reduction of waste
- Optimisation of transport routes
- Protection of biodiversity and preservation of ecosystems
- Efficient use of materials
- Cost savings
- More transparency for employees and customers
- Positive image
- Loyal customers
What do you think about sustainability? Have you already addressed the issue? What measures have you already implemented? Tell us!
