Environmental policy
KST makes an active contribution to the protection of our environment and defines the guidelines for action:
Looking back over the past five years, we have implemented the following measures to improve sustainability and work in an environmentally conscious manner:
Future measures:
Microsoft Word – KST_Sustainability_report_2021
Measured environmental impact of our activities:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.