Thinking green from day one

• Environmental awareness-training decreases energy consumption by 80 kWh per tonne of output
• Training covers a range of subjects including energy management, waste management, water and chemicals

Hettich ČR, k.s. in the Czech Republic is a company producing metal mounting and ironwork for furniture. The forward-thinking company has implemented an environmental management system as part of its bid to improve green performance and save costs. 

Hettich is registered with the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and, as such, pays close attention to training staff in a wide range of themes including environmental issues. New employees have to complete initial environmental training that covers energy, water, waste and chemical subjects. Each employee takes part in follow-up environmental training annually. Every two years, specific training on energy best practices is organised.

Key benefits

Staff are shown how they can save energy in their everyday operations, for instance:

• Switching off lights during breaks
• More frequent use of local lighting
• Turning off machinery which is not in use
• Closing windows when the heating is on

In combination with other energy-related measures, the company managed to decrease its relative energy consumption by 80 kWh (€ 11) per tonne of output (product) between 2012 and 2013.