In harmony with nature and the environment
We take responsibility - step by step towards climate neutrality.
The construction industry at the centre of climate protection
Climate change is the central global challenge of the 21st century. Its consequences are being felt worldwide: rising temperatures, extreme weather, floods and forest fires are threatening health, lives and habitats. Water scarcity is increasing and biodiversity is being lost - on land and in the sea.
Joint action is needed to protect the climate: from politicians, who create the framework conditions, to companies and each individual. CO2 emissions are a decisive factor here - and the construction sector plays a major role. In Germany, it is responsible for around 40 % of all emissions; according to the Federal Environment Agency, the figure for waste is even over 60 %.
The construction industry therefore bears a great deal of responsibility - and at the same time has enormous potential. Through sustainable construction and the use of climate-friendly materials, it can make a decisive contribution to reducing greenhouse gases.
How can construction be made more climate-friendly?
In construction, the choice of materials plays a decisive role in CO2 emissions. A lot can already be saved during production - for example by using fewer new raw materials and switching to climate-friendly energy.
The composition of the products is also important: the fewer harmful substances they contain, the more environmentally friendly they are - both during use and later when they are disposed of.
Another key factor is the durability of building materials. Products that last for many years automatically reduce the need for new raw materials and energy - and thus permanently reduce emissions.
On the road to climate neutrality
Part of the climate strategy developed by KEIM to achieve climate neutrality is a package of measures at company and product level. They relate to climate protection as well as adaptation to the irreversible consequences of climate change.
We live climate protection - day after day
Greenhouse gas emissions / carbon footprint
Greenhouse gas emissions caused by companies are divided into three categories:
- Scope 1 = emissions caused directly by the company, e.g. own vehicle fleet or heating system
- Scope 2 = emissions caused by the purchase of energy, e.g. electricity
- Scope 3 = Emissions that occur along the entire value chain but are not caused directly by the company, e.g. suppliers, waste disposal
At KEIM this means in concrete terms:
- The global carbon footprint, which includes emissions in the Scope 1 to Scope 3 categories, was determined.
- KEIM has reduction targets for all three scopes.
- As part of C2C certification, over 50% of the Scope 1+2 emissions generated during the manufacture of these products are offset by measures (85% of global colour sales).
- We have been using only certified green electricity in Germany for years.
Climate protection / climate-neutral operation
In Germany, we obtain 100% of our electricity from certified green electricity. We already cover more than a quarter of our requirements with our own photovoltaic systems - and the trend is rising. We offset unavoidable emissions through recognised climate protection projects.
We are also taking a climate-friendly approach to mobility: we are increasingly relying on rail transport, avoiding air freight wherever possible and gradually converting our fleet to electric vehicles.
In production and logistics, we are reducing emissions by using low-CO2 raw materials and packaging with a high recycled content. We pay attention to climate protection right at the start of the value chain: our minerals come from nearby extraction sites, which keeps transport distances short. We also strengthen a climate-friendly supply chain by working with regional partners and maintaining long-term, reliable relationships with our suppliers.
In terms of climate protection, building in a way that conserves resources means consciously selecting durable, pollutant-free and recyclable materials. Resource conservation requires the most efficient and long-lasting use of what was once taken from nature. Mineral colours from KEIM make full use of their positive properties here.
Products with responsibility for the environment, people and the future
- The Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification in silver of 80 KEIM products - over 85% of KEIM colour sales - proves their excellent ecological profile and their recyclability. The Material Health Certificate in Gold also confirms the harmless ingredients of our products.
- Other awards such as natureplus, Blue Angel, suitable for allergy sufferers and numerous other country-specific certifications emphasise the sustainability of our products.
- Thanks to their mineral and natural raw material base, KEIM paints can already protect or improve the biosphere during the utilisation phase. This is because they are extremely durable and also score points with properties such as the degradation of air pollutants or a particularly high diffusion capacity. Their maximum weather resistance protects the building fabric in the long term. In many countries, we give a 20-year colour guarantee for KEIM "classics". It is also not uncommon for paints to last a hundred years. This means fewer renovation cycles and therefore a resource-saving long service life for buildings.
- KEIM's thermal insulation systems reduce emissions by saving energy and save resources by preserving existing buildings through energy-efficient refurbishment.
- Thanks to the natural raw material base and the harmless composition without the addition of solvents, preservatives and plasticisers, harmful emissions and polluting waste are not an issue with KEIM paints. They therefore contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. The avoidance of hazardous substances including biocides protects water as a valuable resource, especially in the Danube/Lech catchment areas, in order to make clean water available for humans and all other organisms. As part of the C2C certification, 80 products in the Water Stewardship category were awarded the Gold level.
