Innovation

NETZSCH, the global leader in industrial machinery and instrumentation, has developed its "Green Growth" program-an innovative solution that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The initiative was launched globally in 2019 and focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across three scopes as outlined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The program is aligned with the commitment of the company towards UN SDGs, specifically Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), through integration with its core operations. It is a company with over 4,600 employees across 36 countries.

The "Green Growth" program has been implemented in NETZSCH's facilities around the world, including its state-of-the-art facility Chennai in India. Here, the company has embraced green building designs following IGBC norms, featuring energy-efficient double-glazed windows, locally sourced materials, and rainwater harvesting systems. Solar panels power 50% of the facility's energy needs, and automated systems optimize lighting and air conditioning to minimize energy waste. Along with internal solutions, NETZSCH mitigates Scope 3 emissions by partnering with suppliers who provide green steel, and other sustainable materials. Meanwhile, unique recycling techniques are used to create those.

This approach amply demonstrates how NETZSCH combines innovation with environmental sensitivity. By using more advanced technologies like 3D printing with less waste of materials and energy, this company improves its production while further reducing its environmental impact. NETZSCH's efforts exemplify how businesses can adopt innovative solutions to drive industrial growth responsibly, creating a sustainable future and inspiring others to align with the UN's global sustainability agenda.

Inspiration

The journey of the leader to sustainability has been mainly motivated by his early career experience contrast and the current technological advancements. Recalling his days working in a dark room, he said, "Back then, I used to operate machines with joysticks, purely relying on manual skill and precision. Automation and sustainability were distant concepts. This stark contrast with today's automated and energy-efficient systems illuminated the transformative power of innovation, motivating him to champion technological solutions for a better future."

This, in turn, gave way to more complex systems from the basic processes as an awakening sense of possible innovation to solve global challenges. In relation to the discussion of the Green Growth program, he stated that commitment must be made at a foundational level, and sustainability be imbedded in each choice - whether it's in factory design or products under development. His desire to have an efficient operation and early hands-on experiences provided him with the vision of integrating technological advances with environmental stewardship.

This inspiration leads the leader to believe that businesses must be role models for this responsibility. He explicitly expresses that any innovation of energy-efficient designs in buildings or renewable energy is part of a much broader mission for a carbon-neutral future. With personal growth merging with professional vision, he gives an idea of how a leader can transform private inspiration into sustainable and revolutionary practices for the betterment of the world.

Overall impact

The impact of innovation by NETZSCH has been completely revolutionary, in terms of the environment and in terms of finance. In the short-term view, the "Green Growth" program of the company has reduced energy consumption and efficient running. Installation of solar panels, automatic control of air and light, and some green designs for buildings have reduced the use of resources as it has resulted in reducing the load of electricity by 50% in its Chennai facility. These short-term effects show that sustainability can be used in industry operations.

NETZSCH placed this company in its long run by making it one of the world leaders in responsible environmentally friendly production. Advanced production technology, including 3D printing, guarantees the smoothness of production processes while saving raw materials and energy. Scope 3 emission mitigation efforts within the scope of sustainable supply chain practice have also suggested a systemic approach toward its carbon footprint reduction. Outlining the commitment, it shows that achieving carbon neutrality in 2045 is still long-term, but it gives markers like reducing energy use by 3.5% annually which signifies continued progress.

These innovations have not only solidified the company's market position but also fostered collaboration with environmentally friendly clients and suppliers, ensuring further growth and support for the achievement of UN SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and UN SDG 13 (Climate Action). The intersection of measurable outcomes and strategic foresight highlights that the impact of NETZSCH's innovations is significant and long-lasting.

Business benefit

This innovation will ensure NETZSCH's cost savings, improvement in reputation, and opening up of a new market. Since the company has embarked on the "Green Growth" program and embraced sustainability, the organization has been able to cut down energy costs dramatically. For instance, the fitting of solar panels in its Chennai plant reduced the power cost by 50%, and the automation of air conditioner and lighting systems further enhanced the operation efficiency. This kind of saving raises profit immediately and opens up the road for further innovation and expansion.

For that, sustainability efforts have increased the well-being of employees and retention within the company. Efforts to create green buildings with proper air conditioning and natural light in workplace facilities increase comfort and thus satisfy employees more than otherwise; besides, making employees actively involved in sustainability-related programs, like recycling campaigns and energy saving, develops a sense of responsibility and alignment to the missions of companies, factors that have proven instrumental to reducing turnover rates.

NETZSCH's commitment to sustainability has also opened new markets and investment opportunities. Such is the case because a company that aligns operations with global trends toward the environmental responsibility of its existence will attract environmentally conscious clients and investors. Their innovative solutions - their energy-efficient pumps and cutting-edge 3D printing techniques - cater to increasing demand for sustainable industrial products. This has led to an increase in revenue and has also assisted in increasing the competitive advantage of NETZSCH as a preferred business organization partner that emphasizes green procurement and sustainability.

Social and environmental benefit

This innovation will benefit society and the environment through active carbon emission reduction, resource efficiency, and a culture of sustainability. NETZSCH initiated the "Green Growth" program and incorporated renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, and green building designs for all of its facilities worldwide, even in Chennai. These have significantly lowered the carbon footprint of the company, further helping to achieve worldwide efforts in combating global change and aligning with the UN SDGs, especially Goal 13 (Climate Action).

For the environment, embracing renewable energy sources such as solar energy and energy-efficient systems by NETZSCH saves natural resources and diminishes fossil fuels. The innovations, such as 3D printing and source material, contribute to reducing waste and emissions in the product cycle, one of the tendencies that show how industrial processes can be in line with preservation requirements, all the while maintaining productivity.

NETZSCH contributes to society through responsible consumption and production. Here, for example, the recycling program initiative on battery collection reduces the environmental impact of waste. While the company is working on employee engagement through sustainability, awareness, and responsibility among people are more developed for them to implement eco-friendly practices in their respective workloads and in daily life. Through its example, NETZSCH shows a model to other companies and communities as well to focus on sustainability, thus multiplying its influence on society and the environment.

Interview

Sachin Mirajkar, Director, Operations