Climate change is a complex environmental issue and one of the major challenges of our time. Within the context of its comprehensive commitment to sustainability, Henkel fully acknowledges the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global level. In the past ten years, we have already reduced energy consumption by 40 percent. Thanks to the savings in energy consumption, we have also been able to reduce the associated carbon dioxide emissions by 33 percent. On the basis of the progress achieved, we have defined the Company-wide targets to reduce energy consumption by another 15 percent per metric ton of output within the next five years (see “Our Objectives”).

As a manufacturer of non-durable consumer products and industrial products and technologies our operations are not particularly energy and greenhouse gas intensive. From a life cycle perspective, the main energy use – and the associated carbon dioxide emissions – is generally attributable to the use of our products and technologies.

We therefore focus on creating competitive advantage through energy efficient products and technologies while striving for more energy efficient processes in our operations. In our main power plant in Düsseldorf (Germany) the use of renewable resources and combined heat and power generation contributes to a reduction of our direct carbon dioxide emissions.

Henkel recognized its environmental responsibilities early on and published its "Principles of Environmental and Consumer Protection" in 1982.

At its power plant in Düsseldorf for example, Henkel's most important source of direct carbon dioxide emissions, Henkel already implemented extensive emission reduction measures in the early 1990s. The construction of a gas turbine brought about an immediate reduction of approximately 25% in carbon dioxide emissions. With the help of further improvements in energy management and a tripling of the carbon dioxide neutral fuels from production residues, emissions per kilowatt hour of electricity and steam have been reduced by an additional 20% since 1990.

Henkel measures the direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions at 166 sites in 52 countries, which account for 98% of the global production volume in 2007. The validation of the data reported by the sites is an integral part of Henkel’s international audit program and carried out by independent Henkel experts. As a result of its global activities, Henkel was able to reduce energy consumption by 21% and carbon dioxide emissions by 15% per metric ton over the last five years (see ”Sustainability Performance“).

With our substantial reduction in the carbon dioxide emissions of our operations over the last years, we have contributed to the emission reduction targets of the various countries our production facilities are located in.

The manufacture of our consumer products, industrial brands and technologies is not particularly energy or greenhouse gas intensive. Energy consumption and the associated carbon dioxide emissions during the use of our products are usually more significant. We therefore focus on creating products that can be used in an energy-saving manner during the application phase and during the use by our customers, e.g. for low-temperature washing.

Hence, the permanent challenge facing the product developers of our laundry detergents and household cleaners is how to achieve better and better washing performance with even lower energy consumption. An example of successful developments in this area are the new formulations of our premium solid and liquid laundry detergents in Europe: The new formulations remove more than 20 types of stains, including lipstick, grease and coffee, more efficiently at just 20 degrees Celsius.

In addition to offering safe and ecologically compatible products, Henkel provides information and advice to its customers and consumers on how to safely and responsibly use our products and technologies. Henkel was the first company to pass the required audit in March 2005 and signed the “Charter for Sustainable Cleaning” of the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.). The goal of the Charter is to promote and demonstrate the implementation of sustainable practices in the development, production, use and disposal of detergents and cleaners, i.e. throughout the life cycle of the products.

The development of new, clean sources of energy such as fuel cells and flexible, lightweight solar cells provide opportunities for Henkel to apply its expertise in tailor-made adhesives, sealants and surface treatments. Thus, Henkel makes an important contribution to the development of these alternative energy sources. With innovative solutions like the Windows Technology Quality System (WINTeQ System), we help to considerably reduce energy losses from the home.

Furthermore, we are monitoring with great interest the degree to which societal concerns regarding global warming are reflected in the actions and purchasing decision of our customers. It remains to be seen whether consumers will adopt e.g. less energy-intensive washing behavior, or choose more energy efficient products.