Environment: Stewardship of Planet & Resources
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As a top energy storage manufacturer, we understand our operational impact on the environment and climate. We take our responsibility seriously, striving to minimize our ecological footprint while assisting our customers in reaching their climate objectives through high-quality energy storage products and services. To that end, we are committed to improving the efficiency of our operations, reducing waste, managing water responsibly, and investigating the use of renewable energy as we strive to reduce our environmental impact and protect valuable natural resources. |
Climate and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
We are actively seeking to reduce our direct and indirect GHG emissions by increasing the efficiency of our operations and exploring renewable energy sources for our facilities. In 2023, we continued to measure and report our energy consumption and the associated Scope 1 & 2 emissions.
In 2023, we decreased our Scope 1 emissions 4.2% from 2022, showing a 25% reduction since 2019. Our Scope 2 emissions increased by 2.1% from 2022 to 2023, as a result of increased electrification. Nevertheless, we expect a long-term decrease as the grid decarbonizes with support from renewables and energy storage – in part, produced by EnerSys. Additionally, we completed our first Scope 3 emissions inventory, providing insights into our supply chain and overall carbon footprint.
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“All of us want to leave behind a world for our children and grandchildren that is better than the one we inherited. ” Troy Baxter |
Emissions down 4.2% since 2022, and down 25% since 2019.
Emissions up 2.1% since 2022, and down 3.4% since 2021. We expect a long-term decrease as the grid decarbonizes.
We have disclosed Scope 3 emissions for 2022 and 2023.
Spotlight
Employee-powered Sustainability Improvements in Newport, United Kingdom
Through the award-winning EOS lean management program, EnerSys employees across the globe are implementing sustainability improvements at our manufacturing facilities. At the Newport, United Kingdom (UK) plant, small improvements add up to create a significant impact with lighting upgrades, equipment optimization and solar, saving EnerSys an estimated $17k (USD) annually.
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Spotlight
Supply Chain GHG Reduction Commitment with FRET 21
EnerSys joined an innovative French initiative called FRET 21, which is working to encourage companies to better integrate the impact of transport into their sustainable development strategy. Over 300 companies have signed this voluntary pledge to reduce transport emissions. EnerSys has committed to reducing the GHG emissions of its French supply chain operations by 12.5% by 2025 with a 2022 baseline as part of the initiative.
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Energy
While energy is a fundamental input for our products, we are constantly evaluating ways to make our operations more efficient and reduce our energy usage. By maximizing the efficiency of our operations, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also enhance our bottom line. We prioritize energy-efficient technologies and processes throughout our manufacturing facilities and supply chain, continually seeking innovative solutions to minimize energy consumption.
2030 ENERGY GOAL & PROGRESS
We are committed to reducing our energy intensity per kWh produced by 25% by 2030 compared to 2020.
*We have achieved a 15% improvement since 2020.
Thermal camera captures and measures heat loss reductions after insulation replacement.
Spotlight
New Technologies Improve Energy Efficiency in Bielsko, Poland
The EnerSys Bielsko-Biała factory is one of Europe’s largest traction battery plants producing over 2.2 million 2V cells per year for the European, Asian and Australian markets. Capitalizing on the emergence of new technologies, the operations team in Bielsko- Biała upgraded the insulation in lead pots in the manufacturing process, saving the factory an estimated 367 megawatt hours (MWh) per year. The savings from this efficiency upgrade is roughly equivalent to running an average American home for over 36 years. Teams across all EnerSys facilities are consistently looking to make improvements and find efficiency opportunities.
Water
Water is a vital resource to all life, and EnerSys is committed to being a good water steward everywhere we do business. Water plays a crucial role in our manufacturing operations and is used for multiple processes, including preparing electrolytes, plate manufacturing, battery formation and washing finished production equipment and manufacturing areas. It is imperative that we drive efficiency in our operations, reduce our freshwater usage and reuse water wherever possible to minimize our impact on the environment.
In 2023, we continued to monitor and disclose the quantity of water withdrawn from our manufacturing facilities. In 2023, our operations utilized 892 megaliters, marking an absolute reduction of 9.7% from 2022. We prioritize using recycled water over fresh water whenever feasible, with our recycled water usage at 12% in 2023. Furthermore, we are committed to minimizing wastewater discharge from our operations, and we consistently maintain chemical and total dissolved solids levels well below regulatory requirements.
2030 WATER GOAL & PROGRESS
We are committed to reducing our water intensity per kWh of storage produced by 25% by 2030.
We have achieved a 6% improvement since 2020.
Spotlight
Tijuana Mexico Plant
As part of our commitment to the UN CEO Water Mandate, EnerSys is engaging in water reduction and reuse projects in water-stressed regions, like in Tijuana, and we are logging our progress in the UNGC’s Water Action Hub. Tijuana is a state where water resources are often strained as water shutoffs are increasingly common and key reservoirs are nearing all-time lows.15 The team in Tijuana implemented a water reuse project at the plant which is estimated to have reduced the plant’s city water usage by about 4,400 gallons of water per day. That’s enough water to provide more than 5,200 people with the recommended amount of daily drinking water, 3.2 Liters per day.
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“This is an important and impactful initiative in a water-stressed state like Tijuana. We’re taking necessary actions to address water scarcity in the communities we operate in and make progress towards our company-wide water intensity goal.” German Fernandez |
Waste
As a global leader in manufacturing energy storage and energy systems, we have an obligation to manage and reduce the waste materials we produce responsibly. Non-hazardous and hazardous waste must be handled carefully across our products’ value chain to promote safe operations and protect human health and the environment. This focus on reducing and eliminating waste also makes good business sense, as it allows us to identify opportunities for reusing products and reducing waste disposal costs.
Waste generation, handling and disposal are managed at the facility levels based on the type of operation and applicable regulatory requirements. We track all waste materials with the paperwork required by regulation to appropriately account for our impact. Where appropriate, we employ expert third-party contractors to manage our waste responsibly.
In 2023, we began the process of performing waste characterization analysis at a select number of facilities. This analysis will allow us to better understand the waste we produce and how it is managed. We will set a waste reduction target when these studies are complete and we have sufficient data to set an appropriate and achievable target.
99% RECYCLING RATE
Lead batteries are the most recycled consumer product in industrialized countries, with a recycling rate of over 99%
95% OF PARTS RECYCLABLE
More than 95% of a lead battery is recyclable – most frequently back into a lead battery
85% WORLDS LEAD
More than 85% of the world’s lead is used in the production of lead batteries
50% OF LEAD RECYCLED
More than 50% of lead used in the production of new lead products around the world is sourced from recycled lead
75% LESS ENERGY
Recycled lead uses 75% less energy than new lead
END OF USE MANAGEMENT
We do not view end-of-life batteries as waste but as future inputs for our products. Our recycling initiatives aim to recover every single battery we sell and return their materials to the battery supply chain, contributing to the circular economy. EnerSys is committed to providing the resources needed to operate a worldwide recycling collection program. Our program reduces the environmental impact of improper disposal and the need for new raw materials.
Recycling is not just for industrial batteries. We also aim to educate consumers on consumer battery recyclability. Our rechargeable batteries have a Call2Recycle certification label, showcasing how to safely recycle them at the end of their useful cycle.
Spotlight
Plants use EOS (Energy Operating System) to Reduce Waste
In our Brazil factory, wooden boxes used to transport larger batteries were swapped for wooden crates, which use 32% less wood and are 26% less expensive to produce. This lighter weight has reduced shipping costs and lowered the firm’s carbon footprint. “EOS is a process that has helped create a culture of efficiency throughout the entire company,” said Clovis Tanganelli, plant manager of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. “When employees feel empowered to suggest and implement changes, there are endless opportunities to seize.” See details here. The EOS process has also led to additional waste reduction projects, such as a cardboard reuse initiative in Richmond, and a packaging reuse project in Tijuana.
Biodiversity
EnerSys recognizes the role of biodiversity, High Conservation Value areas, and critical habitats in maintaining the health of local ecosystems. After a comprehensive analysis, we have concluded that our direct operations have minimal effects on critical habitats or areas with high biodiversity value. Although we have no plans to extend our physical operations into areas of concern, we are committed to thoroughly evaluating the impact of any new construction or projects on biodiversity. We will implement necessary measures to mitigate these impacts and engage with stakeholders throughout the process. Our commitment to safeguarding land and biodiversity is outlined in our Biodiversity and Critical Habitats Policy.
Sustainability Update 2023
Learn how EnerSys is contributing to building a sustainable future
*Per DOE guidelines, this goal is focused on 5 U.S. plants: Richmond, Warrensburg, Hays, Springfield 1 and Springfield 2. It does not include all EnerSys sites.