Starting in 2005, SEED light sites have been included in the data. The trend over the last three years shows that Sulzer has improved its eco-efficiency; energy consumption per net value added decreased for the last two periods by about 20%. In the same periods, energy consumption per employee decreased by about 5%.

Starting in 2005, SEED light sites have been included in the data. In 2006, electricity, natural gas, and district heating comprised over 95% of the total energy demand; electricity, only over 65%. Other shares are negligible. Compared to 2005, the share of energy sources remained stable. The 15% increase of electricity in 2005 was due to the overall increase in production as well as to the integration of SEED light sites.

The values are calculated CO₂ equivalents of direct emissions from the use of fossil energy sources—natural gas being the main fossil energy source. Emissions from other production processes are not relevant. The data in 2005 had to be restated due to a reporting error at one site. While the absolute emissions increased over the last two years, mainly due to the integration of new SEED light sites, the specific emission per employee decreased.

These emissions originate from the use of chemicals, mainly for surface treatment processes, e.g., degreasing. Therefore, the emissions are directly linked to the production mix. With the exception of 2004, emissions have increased steadily over the last five years, mainly caused by the increase in production.

Photosmog: Photochemical smog, caused by the impact of sunlight on a mixture of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides

These emissions originate from the use of chemicals, e.g., degreasing processes, related to Sulzer’s production mix. Due to the pilot operation of surface treatment processes at one site, the emissions increased significantly in 2004. Since 2005, the emissions have been continuously reduced.

Starting in 2005, SEED light sites have been included in the data. These emissions originate from the use of fossil energy sources—basically fuels and fuel oils—as well as from the use of chemicals. The absolute and specific emissions mainly reflect changes in the consumption of energy sources. The emissions have increased significantly due to the integration of new SEED light sites with higher fuel consumption.

Starting in 2005, SEED light sites have been included in the data. While the consumption of water decreased steadily from 2001 to 2004, it increased significantly in 2005. This increase originates mainly from an undetected leakage at a single site. In 2006, the consumption decreased by about 30%. In the same year, approximately 70% of the overall water consumed was used for cooling; 15%, for sanitary and drinking purposes.

While specific quantities per net value added have decreased from 2003 to 2005 and per employee from 2004 to 2005 , both figures increased in 2006, generally due to higher recycling rates in foundries. The type of waste, especially municipal solid waste and external recycling, varies from year to year. It depends on the product mix as well as on the specific activities at the sites.

Starting in 2005, SEED light sites have been included in the data. Overall, the companies own about 1 570 000 of m² of land. Thereof, approximately 44% is impermeable land. In 2006, a single site owned on average about 32 000 m². This figure has decreased by about 20% from 2005; this change occurred because some premises were sold and some smaller SEED light sites were included in 2006. Figures shown do not include any rented locations.

The illustration shows the relevance of the external costs of acidification, ozone depletion, photosmog, and the greenhouse effect in comparison with the energy, water, and waste costs that are also collected in Sulzer’s annual sustainability data. It is apparent that energy costs are the most substantial expense. Energy costs have increased significantly in the last two years. Waste management has been improved continuously over the last several years; now, a significant quantity of the waste is recycled. The costs of water and external costs of emissions to air are low. In 2006, the cost of water amounted to CHF 1.8 million; the calculated external costs of the emissions to air, to CHF 0.68 million. At least 50% of these costs originate from the use of fossil energy sources.

In 2006, there were approximately 1 500 employees not covered in the sustainability data collection. The majority of these employees work in support functions such as sales, finances, or human resources. The data of Sulzer's core businesses were thus estimated based on average data for non-productive activities (energy: 30 GJ/employee and year, water: 15 m³/employee and year, waste 0.3 t/employee and year). The extrapolation results in an increase in energy consumption of 6% (in total to 949 000 GJ), in water consumption of 2% (in total to 1 562 000 m³), and in waste production of 2% (in total to 35 000 t). The extrapolation further shows that supporting activities have little impact on Sulzer’s environmental performance.

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