Römheld & Moelle has published its second detailed sustainability report for the foundry. The report is based on the standards of the German Sustainability Code and can be viewed here.

In this second reporting year, we laid the foundations for a decarbonization strategy that will enable the setting of science-based reduction targets.

In parallel, we have made significant progress in reducing our direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 & 2) between 2022 and 2023.

Scope 1 & 2 down by over 90%

Compared to the previous year, Scope 1 and 2 emissions were reduced by almost 10,000t CO₂e in the 2023 reporting year, which corresponds to a percentage decrease of 91.59%.

This was achieved by reducing gas consumption through process optimization and, above all, by switching to 100% green electricity.

The comprehensive analysis of greenhouse gas emissions carried out in this reporting year also included, for the first time, the (more complex) evaluation of emissions in Scope 3 (indirect emissions). It showed that more than 40% of the emissions we need to capture in our inventory relate to purchased goods.

The systematic tackling of these emission sources, which are more difficult to influence, will form part of the decarbonization strategy we are currently developing.

Persuasive efforts, efforts of persuasion

Our scope 3 emissions can only be reduced in collaboration with our suppliers. To prepare specific initiatives, Römheld & Moelle has been running the project „Sustainability in Purchasing“ since 2022. In this reporting year, for example, we adapted our code of conduct for suppliers and supplemented it with key sustainability aspects, such as decarbonization and responsible procurement of raw materials.

Supplier audits of our top suppliers are taking place throughout 2024. The following aspects will be considered as part of the audits:

• sustainability embedded in company guidelines and/or strategy
• clear responsibilities with regard to sustainability
• preparation of greenhouse gas accounts (according to international standards)
• publication of a sustainability report (according to recognized standards)
• continuous improvement through SMART goals across all three sustainability pillars (economic, ecological and social) and implementation of corresponding initiatives

Christoph Althausse, Managing Director at Römheld & Moelle, explains: “As energy-intensive companies, foundries can make an important contribution to achieving climate goals. As a smaller foundry, we can show that you don’t have to be big to do that.”

“Regular reporting at Römheld & Moelle was originally intended as self-control, but quickly developed its own dynamic. After two years, it shows us just how fast you can make progress. Sustainability work is never finished, but it gets easier every year. You build on the last year, learn, deepen your efforts. This is how sustainable value creation becomes second nature. Even in foundries.”