Environement

Environmental policy

KST makes an active contribution to the protection of our environment and defines the guidelines for action:

  • Environmental protection is set at an equal level as the company’s economic and social goals.
  • In addition to complying with legal requirements, we maintain a process of continuous improvement reducing the impact of our activities on the environment, optimizing our management system and promoting employee motivation.
  • We ensure that the resources required for development and testing are used economically.
  • In order to avoid environmental harm and safety risks, an assessment of the direct and indirect environmental impact (risk assessment) is carried out before introducing new developments and test bench modifications.
  • To review the waste management process, an annual waste report is prepared. We aim to avoid waste and recycle as much as possible.
  • We maintain an open and objective dialogue with our customers, suppliers, the authorities and the public, thus contributing to a better mutual understanding.
  • In close coordination with our suppliers, we pursue the goal of creating a transparent supply chain.
  • Our employees are informed, trained and motivated to engage in environmental protection. They are required to implement these guidelines and to satisfy the legal and official requirements within the scope of their respective tasks.

Measures

Looking back over the past five years, we have implemented the following measures to improve sustainability and work in an environmentally conscious manner:

  • In 2015, an energy management system was introduced to record every major source of power consumption at the test benches, refrigeration systems and cooling water reservoirs in order to measure and control the energy consumption
  • Partial renovation of the company buildings to reduce energy consumption
  • Conversion of the heating systems from night storage heaters and fuel combustion systems to natural gas central heating
  • Conversion of all light sources to energy‐efficient technology, mostly LEDs
  • Conversion of the fuel farm’s fire extinguishing system to use environmentally friendly extinguishing agents (as a measure for calamity control)
  • Refurbishment of the fuel farm to guarantee optimal and permanent sealing to prevent leakage
  • Retrofitting of ventilation/exhaust systems and refrigeration units of test beds with frequency converters to achieve significant energy savings
  • Conversion of all refrigeration systems to environmentally friendly coolants
  • Conversion of the forklift fleet from diesel to electric and retrofitting of the remaining diesel forklifts with diesel particulate filters. By 2021, 70% of forklifts will be electric forklifts • 2 photovoltaic systems with approx. 90 kWp output
  • Renewal of the exhaust silencer for noise reduction
  • By purchasing a paper press and a pressure‐barrel for residual waste, the frequency of removal of paper and residual waste has been greatly reduced
  • Consolidation of process cooling recirculation to increase efficiency
  • In 2020 we started modernizing and retrofitting 5 hydrogen‐based test benches which were completed in Q1 2021. Five more test beds will be completed by Q3 2021. Hydrogen tests in conjunction with fuel cells and combustion engines will be possible as early as in the 2nd quarter of 2021
  • For the operation of hydrogen systems, specific safety measures were implemented in order to continue to guarantee the present high safety standard
  • Completion of a hydrogen trailer station in Q2 2021 ‐> conversion from H2 cylinder bundles to H2 trailer station for increased efficiency

Future measures:

Microsoft Word – KST_Sustainability_report_2021

  • Gradual conversion of the entire electricity purchase system from a conventional electricity‐mix to green electricity in 2021 ‐> green electricity to be acquired as of 2022
  • Conversion of the previous purchase plan from conventional natural gas to natural gas with CO2 neutralization in 2021 ‐> Natural gas purchase with CO2 neutralization from 2022
    Energy‐related optimization of systems; Replacement of old machines with more energy‐ efficient machines; Optimization of measurement‐ control‐ and regulation technology
  • We will maintain our high standards of safety through training at all times. 24 training days for occupational safety are scheduled in 2021. 2021 will focus on training programs for electronics. 52 training days for qualified electricians according to VDE 1000‐10 are already set. In addition, KST‐specific training for specialized members of the personnel in electronics will take place (14 training days). Furthermore, a work safety day on the subject of “Electrical Safety” is planned.
  • A campaign with the motto “healthy eating” is planned for 2022
  • To further increase efficiency and save energy the centralization of compressed air production and retrofitting the circuit with frequency converters is planned for 2022
  • The centralization of a modern heat recovery system and retrofitting frequency converters in the circuit is planned for 2022 to further increase efficiency and save energy
    Planned hydrogen storage tank solution in 2022 (more efficient use of the H2 resource)
    Planned hydrogen pipeline in 2023 from an electrolysis plant for green hydrogen (further increase in the efficiency of H2)
  • We are reducing the company’s CO2 footprint with 50% electric mobility vehicles by 2025. In 2020, 20% of our fleet already consisted of e‐models.
hydrogen logo on gas stations fuel dispenser. h2 combustion Truck, car automotive engine for emission free ecofriendly transport. 3d rendering

Assessment of the environmental impact

Measured environmental impact of our activities:

  • Controlled emissions
  • Controlled fuel consumption
  • Controlled power consumption
  • Pre‐sorted waste
  • Controlled discharge of odour and noise
  • Use of soil, energy, water and other resources

Where necessary, the environmental impact is monitored and documented using measurement technology.

An alarm and hazard prevention plan has been set up in case of operational irregularities, which defines the necessary immediate actions.

Emissions

The gaseous emissions into the ambient air resulting from our activities arise mainly in the areas of combustion engines (testing activity), exhaust systems, RDE (Real Driving Emissions), heating and exhaust gases from company vehicles.

The filters used in the development and testing systems keep emissions within the statutory and officially imposed limits.

By focusing more on alternative drive testing concepts, fuel consumption has been reduced by 3.1 million liters over the past 10 years, which has led to a 77% reduction in CO2 emissions in our plant.

Energy consumption

By applying future environmental plans, we expect to reduce the controlled consumption of electricity and natural gas and doing so by using green electricity and acquiring natural gas with CO2 neutralization.

The main areas for use of electricity are the test beds for e‐mobility, the supply of IT systems and lighting. The electricity consumption was reduced by 10% compared to the previous year. Natural gas is used for the heating system.

Handling of hazardous substances

The use of hazardous substances is necessary for carrying out test and development work. Handling and storage are performed strictly according to the legal regulations. Trained staff operate and monitor all hazardous substances. The handling of hazardous substances is regulated in binding operating instructions.

Waste

Almost all waste generated in the plant can be recycled. We have up to 30 different types of waste, which are collected in accordance with our waste collection and disposal program and dispatched to approved central collection points. The removal, recycling and disposal of all waste is carried out exclusively by certified waste handling companies. Due to the implementation of tests on alternative drive concepts, the consumption of hazardous substances has been reduced by 63% in recent years. The increase in the proportion of recycled waste is the result of our waste strategy, which aims to achieve a higher recycling rate. Further avoiding and reducing waste remains our primary goal.

Further information