Thanks to 160 energy-saving projects, Continental Tyres reduced its annual energy needs by around 150 GWh in 2023, an energy supply equivalent to approximately 12,500 homes annually, with an average consumption of 12,000 kilowatt hours per year.
Energy Saving Projects
“We are increasingly generating our own electricity thanks to the massive expansion of photovoltaic systems. At the same time, we are promoting a wide range of projects to make our operations even more energy efficient. In 2023, for example, we have saved a total of 150 GWh of energy. Each of our tyre plants is working at full speed on individual and company-wide solutions to achieve climate-neutral production by 2040 at the latest,” said Dr Bernhard Trilken, Head of Manufacturing and Logistics at Continental Tyres.
Continental’s efforts have also been recognized by CDP, the international non-profit organization that included Continental on its Climate A List in 2023. By taking responsibility for its carbon footprint, Continental has been a part of this environmental classification for 12 years, obtaining the “A-” rating in climate protection. In 2023 alone, Continental reduced its CO2 emissions by 31,000 metric tons.
Compared to the industry average, Continental Tyres reduced its energy consumption by 22% per metric ton of tyres produced. Last year, it reached a PV capacity of 26.2 megawatts, which will allow Continental to generate up to 27.9 GWh of additional green energy annually. The company also expanded tyre facilities in Hefei in China, Rayong in Thailand, Hannover and Korbach in Germany and Lousado in Portugal, while also establishing a new facility in Alor Setar in Malaysia.
Installing thermal insulation in pipes, hoses and tyre presses reduces heat losses. Around a quarter of the 150 GWh saved in 2023 was achieved thanks to proper thermal insulation at the tyre plants such as the ones in Brazil, Slovakia and Romania. Using LED lighting in its tyre factories helped Continental save a total of 9 GWh in 2023.
Continental Tyres’ Plans for the Future
By 2030, Continental Tyres plans to reduce its energy consumption by 20% compared to 2018, while also aiming to achieve climate-neutral production by 2040. Since 2020, Continental has purchased electricity that comes from renewable energy sources for its facilities around the world, making sure it meets the criteria of the global RE100 initiative.
All energy-saving projects launched in 2023 have originated in Continental’s “Be Energy Efficient” campaign, which has been focusing on raising awareness among Continental employees about energy efficiency and measures to reduce energy consumption for 10 years.
