E5 - Resource use and circular economy
NIBE is a manufacturing group that uses mostly virgin resources. Our production requires raw materials such as steel, electronic components and other direct materials, which leads to increased resource flows and sometimes also generates hazardous waste.
NIBE Group comprises three business areas with different key products, the expected service life of which varies.
NIBE Climate Solutions is a complete supplier in energy solutions for heating, cooling, hot water, solar energy and ventilation. The products in this segment are to a large degree designed for a long life and repairability. For example, our heat pumps in Europe are certified according to Heat pump Keymark, which means that spare parts come with a 10-year guarantee.
NIBE Element manufactures components for industry and infrastructure, such as heating elements, heating cables and heat exchangers. The products are used in applications where expected service life and repairability vary according to requirements from end-users.
NIBE Stoves manufactures stoves, and the range also includes chimney systems and other accessories. The stoves are designed for a long service life and repairability, with good availability of spare parts.
Life cycle assessments
The key factors in our circular economy initiatives are product design and resource efficiency, both in our own production processes and in the value chain, and it is our assessment that we can influence and develop these in the future. As part of this work, we have started to conduct life cycle assessments for the majority of our products and we have also implemented projects and collaborations with various suppliers with the aim of increasing the proportion of reused and recycled materials.
Waste management
NIBE has a broad product portfolio and generates waste flows within its three business areas that reflect the area of application and life cycles of the products. All operations within the Group apply the waste hierarchy and waste from own production is managed in accordance with both local and applicable international legislation. Our subsidiaries have agreements with external waste management companies to ensure that the waste is managed correctly.
The waste from our own operations largely comprises various metals, with steel by far the most common metal. A large proportion of this waste is recycled.
Most of our product segments have waste flows for managing end-of-life products and packaging. We are affiliated with various types of organizations and companies that manage waste flows from e.g. packaging materials and electric products.
The reported weight data for waste has been collected by means of three different methods:
• 13% of the waste is weighed by the company itself.
• 82% of the waste is weighed by the waste management company.
• 5% of the weight of the waste is estimated by the company.
