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Sustainability & Energy
Demand for climate-friendly energy technologies is growing rapidly. Here, mechanical and plant engineering can expand its key position as a supplier and user of sustainable energy systems. However, this will only succeed if energy costs do not develop into a locational disadvantage and technology paths remain explicitly open through forward-looking legislation.

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Aus unseren Inhalten

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Draft EU Packaging Regulation: VDMA participates in consultation process

The European Commission has published a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste on November 30, 2022. The VDMA will participate in a public consultation.

Material Compliance Guide now available

Product-related environmental regulations, many of which are known by the widely used term "Material Compliance (MC)," have been explained by VMDA in a comprehensive guide.

New Ecodesign Regulation and digital product passport

With the publication (March 30, 2022) of the new Ecodesign Regulation and the establishment of a digital product passport (DPP), the EU Commission has set an important milestone under the Green Deal. When is the final agreement expected? And what is the current status?

Supporting documents for the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct

Here you will find accompanying documents to support you in implementing the contents (compliance and sustainability topics) described in the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct in your company.

VDMA Award "Carbon Busters 2.0" starts a new round - Next generation reduces emissions!

Get active! Young teams from VDMA member companies can develop creative concepts for reducing emissions and, with a little luck, win the second VDMA "Carbon Busters 2.0" award.

REACH-PFAS restriction: Cefic-Ricardo study on economic impact

Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, plans to commission a study on the economic impact of the planned PFAS restriction. Input from VDMA member companies is also sought.

"EU sends a signal for climate protection on the high seas".

The EU has agreed on ambitious targets to help rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the high seas. The EU shipping industry, like marine engine manufacturers, now has clarity on how to get there by 2050.

Make the wind summit a success - break down blockades and secure energy sovereignty!

For the annual expansion of onshore wind energy of 10 GW, all players must pull together. An appeal by several associations.

Technologies to combat climate change must be deployed faster

The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that the available technologies and strategies for reducing emissions are still being applied worldwide far too slowly and hesitantly.

Put all framework conditions to the test

The EU Commission's ambition to make the EU a competitive location for climate protection technologies is right and important. The Net Zero Industry Act can make a contribution to this - especially with its regulations on faster approval procedures.

The importance of the right framework conditions in the EU

VDMA and Schubert & Salzer discussed with MEP Walsmann how the EU can support the mechanical engineering sector with right framework conditions, such as on sustainability obligations.

EU’s reaction to the energy crisis: short to middle term plan

Since April 2022 the EU has released measures to respond to the rapidly changing energy situation within 27 member state block. What exactly are these measures and how do they differ? This article provides a concise overview.

Combustion engines with CO2-neutral fuels are part of the solution!

From 2035, no more passenger cars with internal combustion engines are to be registered in the EU. However, the use of climate-friendly eFuels in passenger cars must continue to be possible, because combustion engine technology in combination with CO2-neutral fuels is part of the solution for global climate protection.

Pharmaceutical and cosmetic machines: new challenges in the future

In pharmaceutical companies, the need for fast, lean processes is increasing. In this context, digitization can help shorten market entry times, while maintaining and even improving product quality. However, players must also arm themselves against threats.

Industrial production capacities for the energy turnaround: "Companies need a reliably economical market"

Commenting on the 3rd Roundtable of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection on industrial production capacities for the energy transition, Dr. Dennis Rendschmidt, Managing Director VDMA Power Systems:

"A political fairy tale that mid-sized companies won't be burdened"

With their far-reaching obligations, the German and planned EU supply chain laws overburden small and medium-sized companies in particular. VDMA members make their displeasure clear.

REACh restriction project on PFASs

On 07.02.2023 ECHA has pre-published the restriction dossier on the broad restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Delegated acts finally pass EU Commission

Two delegated acts on hydrogen have passed the EU Commission.

Position paper on Euro 7

The VDMA has drawn up a position paper on Euro 7 emissions legislation and submitted it to the EU as feedback.

Government must remove brakes on energy system transformation

Above all, the expansion of wind energy needs land and permits - and it needs them on a permanent basis. Climate neutrality in the energy system urgently needs investments and projects that have an economic perspective. The German government must lay the cornerstones for electricity market reform before the end of this legislative period.

Info day on 20.03.2023: From BattG to EU Battery Regulation

Two years after the first draft was presented, the EU Parliament and the European Council agreed on the key points of the new regulation on batteries and spent batteries in December 2022.

The first steps in carbon footprint calculation

The topic of sustainability has long played an overriding role for the mechanical and plant engineering industry. The ecological transformation will dominate the coming decade. The topic of CO2 management plays a significant role in this process, as it influences corporate activities in many places.

Good decisions and some question marks

To achieve the EU climate targets for 2030, Europe really must be made 'fit for 55'. The solutions of the mechanical and plant engineering sector are ready for action. The VDMA expressly supports the fact that emissions trading remains the leading instrument of European climate protection policy and will be strengthened.

Energy price brakes ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses

Energy costs are an enormous challenge, also for small and medium-sized enterprises: That is why the policy's curbing mechanisms are the right step. It is now important to focus firmly on the upcoming reform of the electricity market.

The Directive must become more manageable

The Council of the EU defined in December 2022 its position on corporate sustainability due diligence. Although there are some positive elements, VDMA calls on the Council to revise its position.

VDMA members can calculate their product carbon footprint free of charge and pragmatically with PCF STARTER

As part of the VDMA's PCF expert group "Product Carbon Footprint Calculation in Mechanical and Plant Engineering", the association is working with the software company Tanso to develop a pragmatic PCF calculator, the "PCF STARTER".

VDMA publishes Product Carbon Footprint Guideline for the Machinery and Plant Engineering Industry

Calculating the carbon footprint at the product level poses many challenges. In cooperation with various member companies, the VDMA is developing a "PCF calculation guideline" for the machinery and plant engineering sector.

Italy: Environmental labeling of all packaging as of 01.01.2023 - Obligation also for mechanical engineering

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe to make environmental labeling of packaging mandatory for distributors not only in the B2C sector but also in the B2B sector, regardless of whether the distributor is an Italian or foreign company.

Supply chain laws: Well-intentioned, badly done!

The German Supply Chain Act is becoming increasingly unbearable in its implementation and EU regulation is set to reach far beyond the German precedent. The consequences are no longer calculable.

The EU Parliament's draft report must be amended

In November, the EU Parliament published the draft report on corporate sustainability obligations. The draft goes even further than the EU Commission's proposal. The VDMA is calling for this to be changed.

COP is the backbone of global climate policy - but that is not enough!

The final phase of the COP27 world climate conference has been difficult, with the joint final declaration on the back burner for a while. Although the world climate conference remains a decisive format, it needs strong complementary initiatives that bring concrete climate protection forward. Keyword "Climate Club

FAQ on the practical handling of the German Packaging Act in the mechanical engineering industry

The updated German Packaging Act came into force on July 03, 2021 and contains new obligations that also apply to mechanical engineering companies that generally place non-system packaging on the market.

PFAS Restrictions in Maine/USA

Per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are not only the focus of substance restrictions within the EU and Germany, but are increasingly being restricted in other countries.

The combustion engine needs to have a future

Combustion engine technology is part of the solution for global climate protection with the help of green, CO2-neutral fuels. VDMA therefore supports the concerns expressed by EU Commissioner Breton regarding a ban on internal combustion engines from 2035.

Federal Council approves second amendment to SESTA

Parliament and Federal Council launch reform of national emissions trading - A balancing act between climate protection and security of supply

High time for an effective electricity price brake

Following the gas price brake, there must now be an electricity price brake. However, it will only bring calm to the market if suppliers are put in a position to offer industry calculable and reliable supply contracts.

Igniting the turbo for the hydrogen economy

The so-called trilogue negotiations between the EU Parliament, Council and Commission on the EU's "Fit for 55" climate package are of considerable importance for the hydrogen economy.

Where do companies stand in implementing ESG requirements?

VDMA surveyed the ESG implementation status in summer 2022. Now the final survey results are available.

Nuclear power plant compromise only helps if other measures also take effect

A compromise was reached at the last minute in the dispute over Germany's nuclear power plants. This can only work if the targeted renewable energy capacities are actually added next year.

Startup area at the world's leading trade fair for the construction machinery sector

Startup innovations for the construction equipment industry: in October 2022, there will be innovative startups to discover at bauma that are shaping the future of the industry with fresh innovations.

"Three days' notice is sporty, but better than 24 hours"

How will companies get through the energy price crisis? Even the Federal Network Agency can't give any guarantees, but at least the path for the coming months now seems to be mapped out.

Without a strategy, Europe will fall by the wayside

Energy, climate and technologies - There is a lot of talk these days about resilience and technological sovereignty. Energy, climate and green technologies play a key role in this, and their impact can only be developed through an interdisciplinary strategic approach.

Calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint in Mechanical and Plant Engineering

Product Carbon Footprints are often calculated according to general standards. However, these standards often leave room for interpretation and do not offer transparent comparability. This problem is countered with the help of the VDMA standard sheet currently being prepared.

Gas price cap only works if industry is also broadly covered

The German government wants to get a grip on the sharp rise in gas prices with a special fund. Small and medium-sized industrial companies also need more security and relief with regard to their energy costs. This must be taken into account by the Gas Commission, which is now making proposals on concrete gas price caps.

Finally recognition of enabler technologies under EU taxonomy?

The EU taxonomy is the instrument when it comes to the future assessment and financing of sustainable economic activities. In fact, it acts more as a hurdle. Now new environmental criteria are to be presented by the EU Commission, which offer a possible improvement and thus recognition of the activities of mechanical engineering.

Gas levy is only part of the challenge

The gas levy is also a burden on companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. But it is only one aspect, because the energy supply of the companies faces a number of challenges: Keyword new contracts with suppliers.

Climate and energy crisis: innovation driver and risk at the same time

Climate protection is an enormous task - and a great opportunity, especially for German and European industry. Will this perspective be destroyed by the current energy crisis? And what strategies will help companies now? The Mechanical Engineering Summit is focusing on this.

Energy in Africa: Market opportunities through sustainable development

Against the backdrop of current crises, the study outlines a path for decision makers on how the African continent can achieve a modern, clean and affordable energy future.

"A European solo run will overburden small and medium-sized enterprises"

The planned EU reporting obligations on sustainability are out of touch with reality. Among other things, they are supposed to cover the entire value chain of companies. For this, medium-sized companies lack the in-house-expertise. Moreover, there are not enough experts available.

CSR reporting obligation (EU) affects us all - now is the time to act!

Call for participation: EU consultation runs until August 8. Every vote counts. VDMA supports its members.

Gesetzliche Anforderungen

Gesetzliche Anforderungen
CSRD: CSR reports mandatory for all non-SMEs in the future!

On April 21, 2021, the EU Commission published a proposal for the revision of the so-called CSR Directive (Non Financial Reporting Directive - NFRD), which has been in force in Germany since 2017, and which significantly expands the scope of application: in Germany from currently around 500 to 15,000 companies! The expansion was confirmed by the conclusion of the trilogue procedure on 21.6.2022.

EU Commission with ambitious circular economy package

"Closing the loop" is the motto of the EU Commission's comprehensive circular economy package. It aims to do much more than just save a little bit of resources and recycle a little bit more.

Threat or opportunity for mechanical and plant engineering?

The EU's Taxonomy Regulation makes it more difficult for mechanical and plant engineering companies to access financing for the development of energy-efficient technologies of the future - but it also offers opportunities.

Business and human rights update: Corporate due diligence enshrined in law (LkSG and CSDD).

On February 23, 2022, European Commission presented its proposal for a directive on corporate due diligence in the field of sustainability. In Germany, the Bundestag has already passed a Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) in summer 2021.

EU Regulation: Due Diligence on Conflict Minerals

Since the beginning of 2021, importers of conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from risk areas into the EU are subject to mandatory due diligence requirements.

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
Sustainability Management
Whether climate protection targets, suitability for grandchildren or human rights due diligence obligations - sustainability is on everyone's lips and the expectations on companies to act responsibly are constantly increasing.
Climate-Neutral Production
Sustainability and resource-conserving business practices remain a long-term challenge for companies. Customers, investors, employees and other stakeholders are increasingly sensitized and recognize or demand the importance of a credible contribution in the form of effective climate management by companies.
Blue Competence
Blue Competence is an initiative of the VDMA aimed at promoting sustainability in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. At the same time, the initiative has the goal of informing the industry about sustainable solutions which will lead to new energy concepts, to the efficient use of limited resources, or to an improvement in the overall quality of life.
Go For Green Tech!
Mechanical and plant engineering is an enabler for climate protection and resource efficiency. Only with green technologies and innovative strength can climate targets be achieved and transformation shaped.
Green Deal
With the "Green Deal", the European Commission has presented a far-reaching program for more climate and environmental protection in the EU in 2019. The central goal is to become climate neutral by 2050, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 emission levels and to further promote the circular economy in Europe.
Sustainable Processing and Packaging
With the Sustainable Processing and Packaging initiative, the VDMA wants to make a contribution to objectifying the discussion about packaging. In addition, we would like to highlight the many facets of sustainability, in both processing and packaging technology.
Substance Policy
Substance policy deals with the regulation of substances and the obligations associated with them. In the area of product-related environmental protection, such as the REACH Regulation or the RoHS Directive, substances used in products must not be hazardous.
Battery Production
Electromobility and battery production are gaining ground worldwide, and this is just the beginning. To make the right decisions early and be competitive, it is essential to have your finger on the pulse of innovative production solutions.
Hydrogen Economy
The use of hydrogen offers enormous potential towards decarbonizing industries and achieving climate neutrality. Through the use of hydrogen and power-to-X (P2X), new value chains are emerging ranging from renewable energy plants, process engineering and components all the way to applications.
International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV)
The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) is developed by the PV industry for the PV industry. Twice a year, data is collected from the contributors and processed anonymously as well as evaluated by the VDMA. Participation is free of charge.
Circular Economy
The more people live on earth, the greater the demand for resources, the mountains of waste and the emission of climate gases are likely to become. In the future, it will no longer be enough to make raw material extraction and material processing more efficient.

Level 1 Themenwolke

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Sustainability

"We must ignite the necessary transformation turbo for investments in climate protection, efficiency and digitalisation. The mechanical and plant engineering sector is ready for this with a broad portfolio."

Karl Haeusgen, VDMA president

Auf den Punkt Zahl Sustainability

97

percent

of all biological waste accepted at waste disposal facilities was recycled in 2020. In total, private households in Germany composted around 2.6 million metric tons of biowaste in 2020. From this, biological waste treatment plants produced, among other things, 4.8 million metric tons of specification compost and 746.6 million cubic meters of biogas.

Source: Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Nachhaltigkeit

Summary
Fit for 55 - EU climate targets become concrete
    By 2030, the EU wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels:
  • With its "Fit for 55“ package the EU Commission has published concrete measures to achieve its climate targets
  • The package comprises 13 measures - from energy taxation to energy efficiency
  • VDMA represents the political interests of its members in Brussels

Unsere Leistungen

Unsere Leistungen
FAQ on the subject of substance policy
Our FAQ provides answers to all important questions on the subject of "European substance law"
Climate-neutral production Guide
Our guideline demonstrates how you can produce in a climate-neutral way and implement reporting on the supply chain.
VDMA Database Technical Regulations (DaTeR)
Technical market access conditions, Japan RoHS or Korea REACH: In the VDMA-DaTeR you will find international regulatory guidelines and information from more than 70 countries.
Stay up to date: our newsletters on this topic
Subscribe now: The VDMA Newsletter Technology, Environment and Sustainability and the VDMA Newsletter Forum Climate and Energy provide information on all important innovations in the field of energy and sustainability on a regular basis.
CSR-Management: Software Offer in Cooperation with the VDMA
In cooperation with the sustainability startup Verso, we are offering you a software-based controlling and reporting tool with which you can control your company's internal CSR management.
Substance Policy Working Group
The Substance Policy working group is concerned with all questions relating to the topic of substance regulations and the obligations they entail for the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Among others, the CLP Regulation, the REACH Regulation, the POP Regulation and the RoHS Directive play an important role.
Corporate Responsibility Working Group
The working group addresses strategic issues of sustainability and ecosocially responsible corporate management.
Working Group Industry Dialogue Human Rights
The German government is launching a company survey ("monitoring") on the subject of human rights. The VDMA expects this to set the course for future specifications. It is therefore essential for as many companies as possible to participate!

Ausschüsse

Committees
Sustainability & Energy Committee
Committee on Climate and Energy Policy
The Committee's areas of responsibility are in particular: - issues relating to climate and energy policy in general - Questions concerning the political framework conditions for the fields of energy conversion and energy efficiency in particular In doing so, the committee takes both an outward (politics, ministries, BDI, public, etc.) and an inward (VDMA organization) perspective of the tasks.

Chair

Dr. Daniel Chatterjee

Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH

Sustainability & Energy Committee
VDMA Environmental Policy Committee

The VDMA Environmental Policy Committee deals with environmental policy issues for the mechanical and plant engineering industry. These include, among others, the topics of recycling management, product-related environmental protection, operational environmental protection and sustainability. The committee deals with European and national as well as international topics. In addition to the transfer of knowledge and environmental policy news, it is also concerned with the preparation of statements. The committee meets twice a year and the number of seats is limited.

Chair

Dr. Stefanie Grubert

Bosch Rexroth AG

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Largest industry network in Europe

Around 3,500 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

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The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

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More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.