Phoenix Solar
Sustainability
How we perceive ourselves
Harnessing the power of the sun is a means of actively ensuring environmental protection and making a valuable contribution to the sustainability of energy supply. Phoenix Solar does not just provide environmentally friendly products but also places great importance on management sustainability. We therefore combine corporate success with social responsibility and environmental commitment. Our slogan “Phoenix Solar - making energy together” is a key part of how we perceive ourselves.
Table of Contents
Our commitment to sustainability
The Phoenix Solar Group gives top priority to environmental friendliness. The Group only sells products which contribute to environmental protection. Photovoltaic plants and systems generate energy from sunlight. They operate in almost complete silence and do not emit damaging substances. They generate far more energy during their useful life than is used in their construction. Photovoltaic systems therefore make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and achieving an energy supply that is compatible with the climate to the greatest extent possible.
Nature conservation and environmental regulations
During the construction of the Phoenix Solar Group’s large-scale photovoltaic power plants, all nature conservation and environmental regulations governing construction plans are adhered to, controlled and monitored. Environmental standards are even exceeded: The assembly system for plants in open spaces, for instance, does not require any concrete foundations. Surfaces are therefore not sealed and can be reused upon full decommissioning. Regulations on construction work issued by NABU (German Association for the Protection of Nature) and BSW (German Federal Association of Solar Energy) are complied with.
Environmental management system
Comprehensive processes in power plant construction in accordance with ISO 9001 (quality assurance) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) were implemented and verified in 2009. Phoenix Solar therefore fulfils the highest industry standards in power plant construction. In addition, a “Health Safety Environment Procedure” was introduced for international projects. Phoenix Solar AG suppliers must also produce evidence of a quality assurance process.
Energy saving and the sustainable handling of raw materials in everyday work has the highest priority at the Phoenix Solar Group. The definition of internal workflows and responsibilities and the training of those responsible on the regular control and improvement of operational environmental aspects within the company are the cornerstone of the management system.
CO2 reduction
The energy required for our offices is supplied by a green electricity provider. To prevent any unnecessary energy consumption, we take account of energy efficiency when purchasing IT hardware, office equipment and technical systems. We are constantly striving towards the reduction of lighting energy through the increased use of LED lighting and the illumination of several exterior signs using photovoltaics. The buildings of the headquarters in Sulzemoos have been heated by a wood chippings heating system since January 2007. Indoor air conditions are regulated by a well water cooling system in the summer. Environmentally compatible construction materials are mainly used in building and redevelopment work.
The vehicle fleet is subject to guidelines governing engine size, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Drivers also receive training on how to reduce fuel consumption. Supply routes and delivery cycles agreed with suppliers also aim to ensure the reduction of CO2 emissions. In 2010, our vehicle fleet was in second position in a survey conducted by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) among leading German companies with a carbon dioxide value of 127 grams CO2/kilometre (km). Dr. Andreas Hänel achieved top place in terms of Executive Board vehicles with the lowest consumption compared to all other participating companies at 129 grams CO2/km. The first electric car was incorporated into our vehicle fleet in December 2010. An electric charging station was set up in Sulzemoos for employees, guests and our own vehicle fleet.
Paper and office equipment and fittings
In addition to the reduction of paper consumption, the paper quality of all printed material, such as the financial report and catalogues, is carefully selected. The paper manufacturers carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp of approval. Preference is given to environmentally friendly processes in the printing process.
We see great potential for setting standards in environmental protection in terms of office fittings and the use of office materials. Fittings are mainly purchased from environmentally friendly specialist dealers with certification in line with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000, that are FSC certified and which always apply the SA8000 standard in product selection.
Waste avoidance and recycling
Recycling and waste avoidance are a matter of course for Phoenix Solar. Phoenix applies an environmentally friendly approach to planning requirements to ensure that there is as little waste created as possible.
Through separate paper collection, we not only reduce disposal costs but also support the youth section of Sulzemoos sports club which collects waste paper and sells it at a profit.
Commitment to society and science
Phoenix Solar AG supports socially committed organisations, schools, sports clubs and the preservation of sites of historic interest, primarily in the region around its headquarters, by making financial donations. These also include the educational project “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (centre for young researchers) which encourages children of nursery age to take an interest in science and technology.
In order to make contributions to the integration of socially disadvantaged people, accessories for Phoenix Solar turnkey plants and systems are pre-assembled by two sheltered workshops in the region.
Phoenix Solar has supported the Watoto project in the Mekaela Academies in Kenya with a donation in kind. A 20kWp ground-mounted plant was built for the Lulu High School. Since February 2011, the plant has not only produced power for the school building in Ukunda, but has also helped with the teaching of physics. The facility was installed with seven Kenyan workers trained by Phoenix Solar on site. A total of 252 solar modules were installed.
Commitment to our staff
Phoenix Solar has a 350-strong workforce worldwide (as at March 2011) in several subsidiaries on four continents and our international presence is growing quickly. Our employees are our most valuable asset. This is why we intend to focus even more attention on ensuring employee satisfaction in future and establishing an attractive working environment where motivation levels are high. We ensure we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities and meet challenges in future in the field of HR policy through strategic HR-planning at regional and global level.
Phoenix Solar adopts a comprehensive approach to healthcare at our head office in Germany. Healthy nutrition is promoted through the daily free provision of regional fruit for all employees and subsidized lunches at our affiliated bio-restaurant. Employees can use the company’s own fitness studio and attend fitness classes free-of-charge in Sulzemoos. Phoenix Solar offers courses on giving up smoking in cooperation with AOK (health insurance company). All employees at workplaces with screens can also take advantage of regular eye tests.
Phoenix Solar offers its staff an attractive company pension - Phoenix-bAV - in the form of direct insurance and a reinsured provident fund. Group accident insurance is taken out automatically for employees upon appointment.
Work-life balance is a key factor in ensuring the long-term motivation and good health of our workforce and plays an increasingly important role in attracting new talent. Phoenix Solar helps its employees to maintain a good work-life balance through various measures. These include flexible working time models, healthcare and fitness campaigns as well as childcare for employee’s children in cooperation with the nursery in Sulzemoos.
