4 INDUSTRY NEWS
NET ZERO TARGET REACHED EIGHT YEARS EARLY AES ENGINEERING LTD, THE Yorkshire-based engineering group which includes AESSEAL, says it has reached Net Zero eight years earlier than it initially committed to. The group’s UK business has been Net Zero in terms of its carbon footprint since 2019. Subsequently, the Rotherham headquartered global reliability company pledged to invest £29 million to get to Net Zero and beyond for its entire operation in time for the 50th anniversary of its founding, which falls in 2029. In the latest update on its ‘29by29’ investment pledge, AES says that in just over a year it has placed orders to a value of almost £7.8 million for environmental projects, including solar panels, advanced battery systems, fleet electrification, and other energy-saving or environmental measures. The group, which produces precisionengineered mechanical seals and water management systems for global industry, says that, pending independent verification, it has already reached the Net Zero target for 2021 but is pressing on with its investment. AES Engineering Managing Director, Chris Rea, said: “Even after the noise around the COP26 climate change conference has passed, we are following up on our undertaking to report until we have invested all the money.” After preparing and internally auditing hundreds of calculations of the group’s carbon footprint, AES has calculated that its global Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2021
were 4,799 tonnes for direct and indirect emissions. This has been compensated for by purchasing 5,000 tonnes of offsets from ‘gold standard’ schemes. The group also calculated that its global Scope 3 emissions amounted to 87,000 tonnes CO2e in the supply chain. However, as a result of the positive environmental impact of the products and services supplied, CO2e avoidance was almost five times larger at 464,000 tonnes. The figures have been passed to the independent auditors, BSI, for accreditation or confirmation, but Chris says they are confident that they hit the Net Zero target and by-passed it in 2021, eight years earlier than they committed to. The company has reported the exact financial commitments made between January 1, 2021, and January 14, 2022, including a breakdown of the main investment areas and the global regions
where the money is being spent. Chris believes that this level of detail and openness is absolutely necessary in the face of public scepticism about the real commitment that businesses have to the environment. “I realise that accusations of ‘green washing’ are out there. The best way to combat this is to be open and honest. That is why our commitments to date are calculated to the penny and reported for all the world to see.” Chris insists that the investment is good for the group, good for the planet and also good for customers as the benefits of dealing with suppliers that have Net Zero credentials becomes increasingly important. “Let’s remember, for external customers who buy from a Net Zero supplier, there is no CO2e tariff to report for the purchases,” he concluded.
ATLAS COPCO TO ACQUIRE WANGEN PUMPEN ADDING TO AN ALREADY WIDE PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS, Atlas Copco has agreed to acquire Pumpenfabrik Wangen GmbH, a German manufacturer of progressive cavity pumps used for transferring fluids mainly in the biogas and wastewater sectors. The company also manufactures twinscrew pumps used in sectors like food and beverage and cosmetics. Pumpenfabrik Wangen GmbH is based in Wangen, Germany, and has 265 employees. In 2020 it had revenues of approximately €46.4m. The company has manufacturing facilities in Germany and a global sales and service footprint. “Industrial pumps is a segment that we have identified as a strategic fit for Atlas Copco, and Wangen Pumpen has leading differentiated technology with a strong aftermarket business,” said Andrew Walker, Business Quarter 1 2022
Area President, Power Technique. “Wangen Pumpen is a strong brand known for quality in demanding industrial applications. This acquisition will create a solid foundation for further growth in new industrial pump segments. Industrial pumps play a crucial role in creating sustainable solutions for many industries and contributing to a better tomorrow.” The acquisition is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2022 and is subject to regulatory approvals. The purchase price has not been disclosed. The acquired business will become part of the Power and Flow division within Atlas Copco’s Power Technique Business Area.
www.bpma.org.uk
