Three Questions for Hendrik Kunz
In Isabellenhütte’s sustainability report, the combination of technological excellence and sustainable behavior plays a central role. Our series of interviews with employees from various departments of the company sheds light on how this commitment is reflected in their day-to-day work. Starting with Hendrik Kunz, Head of Facility Management.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. What responsibility does Isabellenhütte have as a manufacturing company?
As a manufacturing company, we see it as our responsibility to actively contribute to climate protection. Our manufacturing processes are energy-intensive and generate CO₂ emissions. That is why we are committed to a clear decarbonization path: By 2030, we aim to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to net zero compared to 2019, our base year. This goal is firmly anchored in our sustainability strategy and is supported by concrete measures, investments, and continuous performance monitoring. We are convinced that economic success and responsible action go hand in hand.
What steps are essential to achieving this goal?
For us, climate protection does not primarily mean replacing energy with a different or “greener” form of energy. Our most important contribution is to reduce overall energy consumption and conserve energy. Where energy is needed, we focus on using it as efficiently as possible and consistently preventing losses. That is why we place a special emphasis on energy efficiency, the intensive use of heat generated as a consequence of our processes, and the continuous expansion of our photovoltaic systems to generate our own energy.
Sustainable climate protection begins where energy doesn’t need to be consumed in the first place. Reducing energy demand is therefore our top priority. At the same time, all measures must be both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Only when improvements provide lasting benefits and are economically sustainable can they be implemented over the long term and successfully supported by the market. Ultimately, the transformation must also be affordable for our customers.
Many companies see climate change primarily as a risk. What opportunities do you see for Isabellenhütte?
Of course, climate change presents challenges. At the same time, the transition to an electrified and energy-efficient economy opens up enormous opportunities. This is exactly where our products come in: With our resistors, sensors, and alloys, we support the electrification of industry and mobility, as well as the efficient use of electrical energy. In this way, we help our customers achieve their own climate goals. For us, sustainability is therefore not just an obligation, but also a driver of innovation and growth. The demand for energy-efficient and electrified solutions will continue to rise, and we want to play an active role in shaping this development.
Click here to find further information about sustainability at Isabellenhütte: