On Thursday, 8 July 2010, Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG) signed a "Charter for Climate Protection" at the Hessian Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The signing was preceded by the drawing up of an action plan for more climate protection, which had been initiated by the Hesse sustainability strategy with the "100 companies for climate protection" initiative. In the action plan, the company undertakes to increase electricity generation in combined heat and power generation in Giessen to 40% of the electricity required in Giessen by 2015. An innovative fuel cell will also contribute to this. In future, 15% of district heating is to be provided from renewable energy sources.
SWG has set itself the target of reducing the city's heating energy requirements by 20% by 2015 compared to 2005 by providing intensive energy-saving advice, supplemented by contracting offers. Under the motto "think globally, act locally", Stadtwerke Gießen AG aims to improve the city's carbon footprint by 40 % by 2015 compared to 1990. In addition to comprehensive energy advice in SWG's own customer centre, natural gas vehicles, for the promotion of which the company has launched a programme, also contribute to this.
As part of the "100 companies for climate protection" initiative, Hessian companies are called upon to sign a charter for climate protection. The signatories undertake to draw up an action plan to improve their carbon footprint. An action plan can include measures to save energy or increase energy efficiency in the company. In addition, companies can also focus more on renewable energies or ensure that their employees use climate-friendly means of transport - for example through special incentive systems.
"Politicians are not solely responsible for climate protection. Politics, business and society must pull together. That's why we as a company also see it as our duty to make a contribution," says Management Board member Reinhard Paul. Successful examples of measures taken by companies in this way are collected and publicised as examples of best practice. Sustainable energy savings that are worthwhile from an economic point of view are decisive for success.
The "Hessen aktiv:100 companies for climate protection" initiative is part of the Hesse sustainability strategy. The Hesse sustainability strategy is an initiative of the Hessian state government. It helps to develop a long-term perspective for Hesse and to organise life today and in the future in an ecologically compatible, socially just and economically efficient way. It is based on commitment and active participation throughout the state.
More at www.hessen-nachhaltig.de
Contact:
Service centre
RKW-Hessen GmbH
Kay-Uwe Bolduan
Tel: +049 6196 970255
E-mail: nachhaltigkeit@rkw-hessen.de
Sustainability Strategy Office
Hessian Ministry for the Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
Janet Weinig
Tel: +049 611 815-1880 or -1120
E-mail: janet.weinig@hmuelv.hessen.de