In September 2020, the district of Lippe launched the ÖKOPROFIT® project in the region for the second time. The timing was perfect for our further development in the field of sustainability communication and we decided to sign up as a participant.
The aim of eight workshops and several individual sessions was to develop and implement measures to increase resource efficiency and reduce costs. Over the course of a year, ten companies in Lippe worked on energy-efficient and ecological practices as part of the program. A diverse mix of companies took part – from large companies such as Dachser and Jowat to public institutions such as the Detmold State Theatre and the town of Lage, as well as craft businesses and service providers.
The participants received support from the district of Lippe and B.A.U.M. Consult, which presented awards to the participating companies and institutions in April 2022 for their forward-looking and sustainable operating methods and for exploiting a wide range of savings potential.
In addition to training, all participants also received individual solutions to reduce their operating costs and protect the environment at the same time. This is one of the strengths of ÖKOPROFIT®, which has become a proven success concept for small and medium-sized companies.
As a special feature, we were able to hold an additional workshop with the agency as part of ÖKOPROFIT® that dealt with the UN’s 17 sustainability goals: “CheckN – the sustainability compass for companies“.
Positive results for all participating companies
The companies and institutions have implemented or initiated a total of 52 individual measures. The effects of 27 measures can already be quantified. The annual savings amount to around 810,000 euros. This compares to a one-off investment of around 1.1 million euros.
The bottom line is energy savings of just under 275,000 kWh and a reduction of over 640 tons of CO2. They have also reduced water consumption by 1,420 cubic meters and cut the amount of waste by 272 tons.
After a final examination, the remaining participating companies received their certificates on 26.04.2022 in the “Haus der Technik” at the Detmold-based company Jowat. A great event, including interesting presentations and guided tours of the innovative building, which was constructed entirely from wood.
Our personal assessment: In addition to the concrete savings and ideas for new measures, we as participants in the ÖKOPROFIT® certification have learned a lot in the various fields of action (e.g. energy, resources, water, waste, etc.) and were thus able to improve and expand our own consulting skills in this area.
Networking with the stakeholders at the district of Lippe and the consultants from the B.A.U.M. Group also helps us to make progress in the area of sustainability communication.