Audi 2008 Annual Report Download - page 161

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Whether for manufacturing plants and buildings, infrastructure measures or logistics arrange-
ments, the energy savings potential is identified and exploited as early on as the planning
phase. In doing so, it is very important to continue improving the efficiency of manufacturing
facilities and utilities. Technological solutions like the use of district heating, heat recovery
systems and a state-of-the-art cogeneration plant in Ingolstadt have already been in place
within the Audi Group for many years now.
Another example of how resources can be preserved is the use of innovative spot welding, laser
welding and bonding techniques to minimize the consumption of operating materials and
energy. The changeover from pneumatic welding tongs to a version powered by electric motors
has yielded a significant efficiency gain and improved the quality of weld points. For an identical
process, the generated energy consumption – and therefore the level of CO2 emissions – of the
electric version is around 50 percent lower than for the version using pneumatic welding tongs.
Encouraged by the positive findings to date on this progressive technology, the Audi Group has
decided to adopt it for all new projects. The focus of all environmental protection efforts is to
gradually reduce consumption of power, natural gas, compressed air and water through organi-
zational and technical measures such as waste water treatment plants and modern engine test
rigs with energy recovery.
2008 saw the beginning of Phase 2 of a pilot project between AUDI AG and the Technical Univer-
sity of Munich to recycle the raw material nickel used in a pretreatment stage of the painting
process. The goal of the research partnership is to return this resource to the manufacturing
process, thereby significantly reducing the amount of waste. Another pilot project within the
Audi Group concerns the biological treatment of rinsing effluent from the paint shop, again with
the aim of reducing the volume of waste. Potential studies that incorporate both economic and
ecological aspects are also currently being conducted to assess the feasibility of further energy
savings within the Audi Group. These studies include the more extensive use of district heating
and the tapping of renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy.
Environmental protection programs and public relations work
One way in which the Audi Group exercises its social responsibility is through its extensive
involvement in numerous environmental protection programs and initiatives.
One such major partnership is the Bavarian Environmental Pact between the State of Bavaria
and the Bavarian industry. The aims of this collaboration are to promote innovation and achieve
environmentally acceptable economic growth, bearing in mind the need for sustainability. As
a founding member, the Audi Group has been playing an active role for many years now in the
various working forums that meet to consider ideas like an Integrated Product Policy (IPP) or
management systems. According to the IPP principle, the Audi Group adopts a holistic view of
all phases of the product life cycle; from raw materials extraction to disposal. The Audi Group
also routinely integrates suppliers into the sustainable manufacturing process.
Furthermore, through its participation in the joint ventures Gesellschaft zur Altlastensanierung
in Bayern mbH (GAB mbH), Munich, and Sonderabfall-Entsorgung Bayern GmbH (GSB GmbH),
Baar-Ebenhausen, the Audi Group has shown its solidarity in helping with the remediation of
industrial legacy contamination at sites where owners can either no longer be called to account
or are no longer solvent. In this way, the Company assumes active responsibility for the envi-
ronmentally acceptable handling of toxic waste.
The Audi Group has also maintained close contact with universities and research establishments
for many years. In this connection, it is running several environment-related projects and holds
various fact-finding events for students. The Audi Group maintains a lively dialog with the public
on the subject of environmental protection by conducting regular environmental discussions
and neighborhood dialogs with representatives of government agencies, unions, federations,
local politicians and the press. The Company offers all interested parties special tours on the
theme of environmental protection and sustainability.