Our path to ÖKOPROFIT certification - the first step towards real sustainability
Sustainability is a key issue of our time, and we are pleased to have taken an important step towards environmental protection and resource conservation in the past year: The successful completion of ÖKOPROFIT certification. This success marks the beginning of a long-term journey that we will continue with full commitment.
What is ÖKOPROFIT?
ÖKOPROFIT (short for ‘Ecological Project for Integrated Environmental Technology’) is a programme that helps companies to operate more sustainably, use resources more efficiently and reduce operating costs at the same time. The aim is to harmonise environmental protection and economic efficiency.
Companies that take part in this programme go through a structured process that helps them to identify potential savings, minimise waste and use energy more efficiently. These benefits have a positive impact on the environment and the company's financial situation - a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Why we decided in favour of ÖKOPROFIT
The decision to take part in the ÖKOPROFIT programme was an easy one for us. Our company recognises its responsibility to make a contribution to environmental protection and to meet the increasing demands for sustainable management.
The ECOPROFIT programme gave us the opportunity to work systematically and specifically on our processes and make them more sustainable. At the same time, the programme gave us the chance to discover potential savings and increase the efficiency of our operating processes. Sustainability is not just a trend for us, but an essential part of our corporate strategy.
Our support from Arqum
We were supported by Arqum GmbH, represented by Ms Carolin Weickert, throughout the entire duration of the project. Arqum contributed its extensive experience and expertise to help us successfully implement the ECOPROFIT measures.
The personalised support was particularly valuable, as it enabled us to respond to the specific needs of our company. Ms Weickert was not only a competent contact person, but also an important support in analysing and implementing the necessary steps. Her practical solutions and commitment have made a major contribution to our success.
The process: step by step to certification
The path to ÖKOPROFIT certification was an intensive and instructive process that lasted 12 months and in which we took part in a total of 8 workshops on various topics, e.g. ‘Waste & Law’, ‘Energy & Emissions’, ‘Biodiversity’, ‘Social Aspects’, ‘CO2 Neutrality’ and ‘Sustainability’.
Here are the most important steps we went through:
Initial workshop: At the beginning of the programme, we were taught the basics of ÖKOPROFIT. Together with Arqum, we analysed our initial situation and defined our first goals.
As-is analysis: Potential savings and opportunities for improvement were identified in a detailed analysis of our operating processes. This included energy consumption, waste management and resource utilisation.
Action planning: Based on the findings of the as-is analysis, we developed specific measures to achieve our goals. These ranged from small adjustments to comprehensive changes in our processes.
Implementing the measures: The planned measures were implemented step by step. These included optimising energy consumption and the use of materials as well as training our employees to act in an environmentally conscious manner.
Monitoring and adjustment: To ensure the success of the measures, they were continuously reviewed and adjusted as necessary. Regular monitoring was crucial to achieving sustainable improvements.
Final workshop and certification: Once all the steps had been successfully implemented, our company was evaluated by external auditors. The highlight was the official awarding of the ÖKOPROFIT certification - a moment we are very proud of.
Switch to e-mobility
New vehicles for our employees are exclusively electric, while the existing fleet is gradually being replaced. The electrification of our vehicle fleet was our main project during the Ökoprofit certification process.
Investments totalling EUR 29,200 were made for this. Four charging stations with eight charging points were installed in the company car park and are available for employees to charge their vehicles
Our contact person at PART
Armin Ensslin was the central contact person within our company and responsible for implementing the measures. He coordinated the internal processes with great commitment and ensured that the planned steps were successfully implemented.
Further information on our sustainability projects can also be found on our homepage, where we have summarised the most important findings and measures for interested parties.
Conclusion: A first step on a long road
Successful certification is a milestone for us, but by no means the end of our commitment. On the contrary, we see it as a starting point for the long-term sustainable development of our company. By joining the ÖKOPROFIT Club, we are sending a further signal of our commitment and look forward to exchanging ideas with other companies and learning from each other.
The five ÖKOPROFIT-certified companies here at the official presentation of the ÖKOPROFIT certificates by the District Administrator of Aichach-Friedberg, Dr Klaus Metzger.
