Siemens’ Fürth Plant Receives Recognition as Sustainability Lighthouse from World Economic Forum

Siemens’ Fürth Plant Receives Recognition as Sustainability Lighthouse from World Economic Forum

(IN BRIEF) Siemens’ Fürth facility in Germany has been awarded the Sustainability Lighthouse designation by the World Economic Forum for its remarkable achievements in sustainable manufacturing. The plant has reduced energy consumption by 64% per throughput while increasing production by 145%, and has cut CO₂e emissions by over 70% since 2019. A key factor in these accomplishments is Siemens’ integration of advanced energy management systems and circularity practices. The facility aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2026, four years ahead of the company-wide target. Additionally, Siemens has implemented innovative technologies such as photovoltaic systems and nitrogen production to further decarbonize operations. This recognition underscores Siemens’ commitment to sustainability and its leadership in environmentally responsible manufacturing.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 14-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Siemens’ Fürth facility in Germany has been recognized as a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum (WEF), marking it as a model for sustainable manufacturing practices. This accolade makes the Fürth plant the 21st site globally to earn this prestigious honor. The WEF awards the Sustainability Lighthouse designation to organizations that have demonstrated significant reductions in energy, emissions, water, and waste, all achieved through innovative technologies aimed at reaching net-zero targets, decarbonization, and circularity.

Located in Fürth, the Siemens plant has been able to cut energy consumption by 64% per throughput while boosting manufacturing output by an impressive 145%. Additionally, CO₂e emissions per throughput have dropped by more than 70% since 2019. These achievements are a result of Siemens’ integration of cutting-edge systems and a comprehensive approach to sustainability. According to Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries at Siemens, “The Sustainability Lighthouse Award is a testament to the dedication of our team in Fürth. By embracing intelligent energy systems, we’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to combine sustainability with increased productivity.”

The Fürth plant, which began operations in 1954, is a hub for developing and manufacturing industrial automation products. With a focus on driving digitalization and enhancing efficiency, it produces Simatic human-machine interface (HMI) panels, which are used worldwide in manufacturing environments. Siemens aims to achieve net-zero emissions at the Fürth location by 2026, four years ahead of the company-wide goal. An interdepartmental sustainability team, established in 2012, has been instrumental in implementing measures that have drastically reduced energy consumption and CO₂e emissions.

A key component of the plant’s sustainability efforts is the integration of Siemens’ advanced energy management systems. These systems, such as Simatic Energy Manager Pro and Siemens Navigator, have helped the site achieve significant energy savings. Notable improvements include saving 952 megawatt hours in lighting systems and 103 megawatt hours in building automation, with the energy savings equivalent to powering about 2,000 households for a year. Additionally, Siemens is working on product-level emissions management, with 90% of products now tracked using their Sigreen software for carbon footprint analysis.

Circularity and waste reduction are also a priority at the Fürth plant. By introducing a repair center that extends the life of selected products, Siemens has reduced industrial waste by 47% per throughput unit from 2019 to 2023. This approach is expected to increase, with the goal of servicing 2,000 products by 2026.

In addition to energy-saving measures, Siemens is making strides toward further decarbonizing the site. A large photovoltaic system, installed in 2023, now generates electricity for the plant, and waste heat from industrial processes is being repurposed to provide heating. Furthermore, Siemens has begun producing its own nitrogen for manufacturing processes, reducing emissions from nitrogen deliveries.

Siemens’ overarching sustainability goals continue to make significant progress. Since 2019, the company has reduced its CO₂e emissions by 60% through investments in energy-efficient technologies. Siemens’ innovation in sustainability not only benefits its operations but also empowers customers to achieve their own environmental goals.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.
In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €75.9 billion and net income of €9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com

Media Contacts:

Andreas Friedrich
+49 1522-2103967
andreas.friedrich@siemens.com

Bernhard Lott
+49 174-1560693
bernhard.lott@siemens.com

SOURCE: Siemens