Otis’ Madrid, San Sebastián and Vigo facilities achieve key certifications.
submitted by Otis, photos courtesy of Otis
In August, Otis announced all three of its Spain facilities achieved key sustainability certifications: The San Sebastián factory became the first in Spain to obtain LEED® Platinum® certification. It, along with the Madrid and Vigo locations, all received the “Zero Waste” certification. The achievements are part of Otis’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals set forth in its inaugural ESG report released on March 31, 2022, which Otis Chair, President and CEO Judy Marks said, “demonstrates how we’re setting our vision in motion and bringing our purpose to life through actions such as focusing on reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.” Through the end of 2021, Otis’ progress on ESG targets included all global factories completing ISO 14001 certification four years ahead of target and a 7% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions versus its 2019 baseline. In 2021, Otis also became a signatory of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, a non-binding pact to get businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation.[1] Otis’ accomplishments in Spain reflect how the company is adopting these policies.
“At Otis, we understand that it is our responsibility to be stewards of our natural resources and to do the right thing for our planet and future generations.”
— Otis Executive Director of Manufacturing for Europe, Middle East & Africa Rosa Querejeta
The Otis factory in Vigo completed installation of its photovoltaic plant, expected to result in a reduction of ~44 Mtons of CO2 per year. In line with the company’s global objective of reducing the environmental impacts of its products, services and operations, all manufacturing centers in Spain have implemented important energy, water and waste initiatives. Otis Executive Director of Manufacturing for Europe, Middle East & Africa Rosa Querejeta said:
“At Otis, we understand that it is our responsibility to be stewards of our natural resources and to do the right thing for our planet and future generations. These certifications are recognition of our efforts to do well while doing good.”
Spain’s First LEED Platinum Factory
The Otis factory in San Sebastián, inaugurated a year ago in August, maximizes energy and water savings while minimizing environmental impact. Features such as its thermal insulation, the use of natural sunlight (in addition to the installation of solar panels) and its waste control system have earned it LEED Platinum certification, the highest category in the LEED Green Building program. San Sebastián is the first factory in Spain to obtain it.
The factory occupies a total area of 17,000 m2. It is built with sustainable materials and runs on 100% renewable energy. Thanks to the installation of several systems designed to reduce the flow of water inside the building, water consumption has been reduced by 45%, compared to the factory that it replaced.
Energy Efficiency
A cornerstone of Otis’ program to reduce emissions is the use of renewable energy. In August, the Vigo factory had just completed the installation of 432 solar photovoltaic panels on its roof. This is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by 30%, eliminating 44 mT of CO2 emitted annually.
All Otis factories in Spain now have solar photovoltaic installations, and all the remaining energy that is purchased for these factories is 100% green energy that comes from renewable sources.
“Zero Waste” Certifications
All three manufacturing centers in Spain also recently obtained the “Zero Waste” distinction from AENOR®, a training, accreditation and certification organization. This seal certifies that more than 90% of the waste produced has been diverted from landfills and returned to the production chain. “I’m proud of the commitment and progress of our Spain operations and their contributions toward helping achieve our worldwide ESG targets,” said Kevin Dix, vice president, Environment, Health & Safety.
Otis’ commitment to sustainability is reflected in its 13 ESG goals, including Environment and Impact goals to:
- Achieve a 50% reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030
- Reach carbon neutrality for factory electricity by 2030
- Complete ISO 14001 certification for all factories by 2025 (Achieved)
- Achieve 100% factory eligibility for Zero-Waste-to-landfill certification by 2025
Otis believes its Spain factories are setting an example and leading the way not only companywide, but industrywide.
Reference
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