ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Over the years, Efacec has given the greatest attention to the topic of environmental sustainability. The need to understand the environmental impact of its products and activities means that the topic is being continuously monitored and receiving priority treatment. The focus and main objective are continuous improvement to the environmental performance, using preventative and corrective measures,as well as by raising the awareness of all stakeholders.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF THE PRODUCTS

The topic of reducing Efacec’s environmental impact has been covered through various initiatives essentially focused on the following areas:

• Educational and awareness activities on environmental issues.
• Reducing emissions during manufacturing.
• Improving the energy efficiency of the products throughout their life cycle (from design to their daily use).

One of the mechanisms used to monitor and assess the environmental impact of Efacec’s products is the methodology developed in 2014 to assess the products’ life cycle. This methodology is based on indicators that reflect the environmental burden of the materials, processing, transportation, energy and recycling, among other topics. The higher the score obtained in these indicators, the greater the estimated environmental impact.

The use of a life cycle assessment tool enables Efacec to optimise its choices regarding the materials and manufacturing processes used, right from the product design stage. This tool is Efacec’s first step on the path towards ecodesign and towards the circular economy.

THE PRODUCTS’ LIFE CYCLE

Within the scope of using this methodology, of particular note in 2016 is the life cycle assessment of the TPU500 product, produced by ASE. In this assessment, it was possible to identify that the stage with the greatest environmental impact is when the equipment is used. For the future, the idea is to extend this methodology to other Efacec products, so as to enable different ranges and models to be compared and to reorganise an economic model focused on coordinating the production system in closed circuits.

A set of Efacec’s environmental indicators, in 2016, is presented below.

Raising environmental awareness has been used as a priority tool for promoting a change in attitude regarding the protection of the environment. In 2016, Efacec developed and participated in various environment-related initiatives, of which the following are highlighted:

• Celebration of World Environment Day, through an awareness campaign with all employees, information having been provided through posters placed in the social areas and a small surprise gift distributed in the canteen with messages concerning the topic.
• Participation in the EDP Green Week (invitation from our partner company, EDP), to promote the sharing of experiences regarding Environmental Management.
• Presentation entitled “The main environmental concerns at Efacec and their evolution” at the Museu da Electricidade (Electricity Museum) in Lisbon. At this event, Efacec had the opportunity to present the main historic milestones of sustainability, the evolution of its environmental certifications, mission and vision and the main actions in operational control.
• Participation in the exchange of experiences and best environmental practices during works, carried out in Viana do Castelo.