The Sustainability Kongress gathers top managers and decision-makers from across Germany to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. The event provides a space for leaders to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and share best practices aimed at transforming businesses towards greater sustainability.
Hans-Christian Meyer, Head of Global Advanced Manufacturing Operations, and Tobias Listmann, Director of Operations Processes represented Fresenius Kabi at the congress. Both participated in a panel discussion with other award recipients, offering insights into our company’s approach to sustainable innovation and how our efforts align with the broader goals of the industry.
Award-Winning Project: Reducing CO₂ Emissions through Innovation
The centerpiece of our recognition at the Sustainability Kongress was a project focused on reducing CO₂ emissions at our production facility in Friedberg, Germany. Developed by Tobias Listmann and Carina Schlein, Energy Efficiency Engineer, the project originated from Fresenius Kabi's Global Championship Days, an internal idea competition that encourages colleagues to propose energy- and water-saving measures. The competition empowers employees to contribute to our sustainability journey, with the best ideas selected for implementation within 12 months.
The award-winning project aims to transform the heating process at our Friedberg facility by reusing waste heat from the production process. Traditionally, the facility relied on natural gas for heating, which emitted a significant amount of CO₂. The new approach harnesses waste heat from cooling water and uses a heat pump to elevate the temperature to approximately 90°C, making the heating process far more efficient. For every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, the heat pump can produce 4 kWh of heat, a vast improvement over conventional gas heating, where 1 kWh of gas yields only 1 kWh of heat.
A key element of the project is ensuring that the heat pump is powered by green energy, allowing for the hot water supply to be CO₂-neutral by 2025. This innovative solution is expected to save over 200 tons of CO₂ annually, significantly reducing the facility’s reliance on natural gas and contributing to a more sustainable production process. Additionally, we save 1600 m³ water each year.
Recognizing the Role of Our People
The award is not only a testament to the innovative thinking at Fresenius Kabi but also to the dedication of our people who are at the heart of our sustainability initiatives. Through programs like the Global Competence Cluster – Energy, Waste and Water Management, which organizes the Championship Day, we create opportunities for our employees to share their ideas and play an active role in improving our environmental performance.
“Our success in sustainability comes from the passion and expertise of our people,” said Hans-Christian Meyer. “It’s about creating an environment where new ideas can thrive and where everyone feels empowered to make a difference, no matter their role within the organization.”
Driving Transformation Together
At Fresenius Kabi, we believe that sustainability goes beyond the implementation of isolated projects – it is a continuous journey driven by collaboration and shared goals. By embracing innovative approaches and fostering an inclusive culture, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also ensuring that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for our patients, healthcare professionals, and the communities we serve.
This recognition from the Sustainability Kongress in Berlin reinforces our commitment to act today for a better tomorrow, which is one of our Fresenius Principles, forming the foundation of our company culture. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, from energy efficiency to resource conservation, and beyond.
