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Sustainability & Energy
Demand for climate-friendly energy technologies is growing rapidly. Here, mechanical and plant engineering can expand its key position as a supplier and user of sustainable energy systems. However, this will only succeed if energy costs do not develop into a locational disadvantage and technology paths remain explicitly open through forward-looking legislation.

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From our content

From our content
Material Compliance Guide now available

Product-related environmental regulations, many of which are known by the widely used term "Material Compliance (MC)," have been explained by VMDA in a comprehensive guide.

VDMA battery event with great response

Under the heading "Battery legal requirements - From the BattG to the EU Battery Regulation", the VDMA held an event on March 20, 2023. Here is the most important in brief.

New Ecodesign Regulation and digital product passport

With the new Ecodesign Regulation and the establishment of a digital product passport, the EU Commission has set an important milestone under the Green Deal. The mechanical engineering sector will already be affected by the new requirements in the short term.

Supporting documents for the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct

Here you will find supporting documents to assist you in implementing the contents described in the ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct (compliance and sustainability topics) in your company.

EU Parliament adopts position on the EU Packaging Regulation

On November 22, 2023, the European Parliament voted on its position on the Commission's proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

EU Commission requests postponement of EU deforestation regulation

The EU Commission proposes postponement of the Deforestation Regulation by one year following massive criticism.

"Postponement of the deforestation regulation is a small ray of hope"

The entry into force of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is to be postponed by one year - this is a first step. The regulation now needs to be fundamentally revised.

"Deforestation Regulation must be postponed and revised!"

The EU Deforestation Regulation is a prime example of well-intentioned but poorly implemented regulation. It must be postponed and fundamentally revised.

EU Regulation: Deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR)

On June 30, a new EU regulation came into force, which was adopted in response to the urgent challenges of climate change and species protection.

Deforestation regulation EU Regulation 2023/1115

The deforestation regulation forces us to act.

Analysis: PIK study on successful climate protection measures

Under the leadership of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research, 1500 policies worldwide were examined for their success in reducing emissions. The results point to possible best-practice approaches for future climate protection.

Reusable quotas not compatible with subsidiarity principle

A legal opinion commissioned by several associations on the legality of Article 29 (1-3) of the PPWR revealed several concerns.

Don't put off reforms any longer

Transformation will only succeed if the framework conditions for Germany as an industrial location are improved. Reforms must not be put on the back burner any longer.

"Federal funding for industry and climate protection" promotes decarbonization

The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) published the new funding guideline "Federal Funding for Industry and Climate Protection (BIK)" on August 23.

Regulations and Mechanical engineering: Between mountains of files and

Bureaucracy holds back innovation and investment in the machinery and plant engineering sector. 

"Great leverage for the decarbonization of SMEs"

The time-limited funding for the decarbonization of SMEs is the right thing to do. It will enable innovations to be brought to market more quickly.

Europe needs a single market for secondary raw materials

Mechanical engineering is indispensable for a European circular economy. The Circular Economy Act is an important building block, but it must not end in the minutiae of regulation.

Battery guide is here

Together with experts from the member companies concerned, the VDMA has written a guide to the new EU Battery Regulation. It is regarded as the new standard for product-related environmental protection regulations.

Information on the scope for discretion when specifying default values

The German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt) provides information on the possibility for companies to provide evidence of their efforts to obtain data on CBAM goods and the use of its discretionary powers in the assessment of CBAM reports

A competitive successor of the EU Green Deal

The EU's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal addresses the right issues from the perspective of the mechanical engineering industry. Implementation must now be a priority, involving the relevant stakeholders.

Product category rules for thermo processing equipment

Development of a product category rule for determining the CO2 footprint of thermo processing equipment - call for cooperation in the development of a VDMA standard sheet.

"Implementation of reporting obligations must not lead to more work"

The cabinet agreement on CSRD is to be welcomed. However, there are downsides: these include the limited group of authorized auditors. The additional costs for affected companies are also significantly underestimated in the draft legislation.

"There is no concrete roadmap for the future"

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy's hydrogen import strategy falls short of expectations. The analysis of the current situation is correct, but concrete new measures and milestones are missing.

CLIMATE NEUTRALITY AS A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT - HOW TRANSFORMATION SUCCEEDS

VDMA member companies discussed with political representatives at the Week of the Environment.

Study analysis - IEA - Energy Efficiency Toolkit 2024

The International Energy Agency's Energy Efficiency Toolkit is a collection of policies to increase energy efficiency. It is intended to help decision-makers find new opportunities for their own countries.

"Energy research must respond to China's market offensives"

The energy research report shows that Germany has a strong research landscape. However, energy research must respond more strongly to market offensives by competitors such as China.

Interim status of Q&A discussion on ESRS implementation in accordance with CSRD

In the ESRS project group, members exchange views on questions relating to the reporting requirements under CSRD. The VDMA provides its members with the interim status of the discussion as a Q&A.

Sustainability in mechanical and plant engineering: Stay up-to-date!

CSRD, Supply Chain Sustainability Obligations Act & Co.: The seminars of the Mechanical Engineering Institute provide you with practical knowledge and solutions to the current requirements for more sustainability and climate protection in mechanical and plant engineering.

"Companies need planning security quickly!"

The Energy Services Act is intended to make companies more efficient in their use of energy. To achieve this, companies now need planning certainty quickly in order to implement the numerous regulations!

"EU taxonomy slows down innovation in mechanical engineering!"

Innovative mechanical engineering must be able to classify itself as sustainable in the EU taxonomy. This requires clarity and legal certainty, which has not yet been provided.

Twin transformation: synergies between digitalization and sustainability

Around 50 participants from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Denmark met at ANDRITZ AG in Graz on 28 May to exchange experiences on the opportunities of digitalization for sustainable products in mechanical engineering.

Publication 1st VDMA Benchmark Industry Materiality according to ESRS

The VDMA publishes the first benchmark for industry-wide materiality in accordance with the European Sustainable Reporting Standard (ESRS) of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

"Climate finance unfortunately postponed to Baku"

Unfortunately, no substantial progress was made on climate financing at the Bonn Climate Change Conference. Difficult negotiations now lie ahead at COP29 in Baku.

NETZSCH Campus in Waldkraiburg: New benchmark in terms of climate protection

With its new building in Waldkraiburg, NETZSCH Pumpen & Systeme GmbH is setting new standards in terms of climate protection and sustainability. The global specialist for complex fluid management aims to achieve complete climate neutrality by 2045.

First sign that the alarm signals of the economy are being heard

Federal Economics Minister Habeck wants to suspend the German Supply Chain Act for two years. It would be a first sign that the concerns and alarm signals of the business community are finally being heard.

Reduction of packaging

The use of recyclable or reusable packaging not only makes ecological sense, but also saves direct costs. Reducing packaging sizes offers additional efficiency potential for companies.

Efficient compressed air generation

Losses in the compressed air systems of manufacturing companies often lead to unnecessarily high energy costs. More energy-efficient systems and preventive diagnostic and maintenance measures save money.

Autonomous heating and ventilation

Creating a heating and ventilation concept in conjunction with an autonomous control system can reduce CO2 emissions throughout the company.

Employee leasing of electric cars

Promoting the leasing of electric vehicles for employees not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions caused by commuting to and from work, but even more.

Regional sourcing

Short supply chains, with suppliers in the region of the production site, save greenhouse gas emissions.

Transitional phase of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has begun

On 1st October 2023 the transitional phase and first reporting period of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) began.

Study analysis on the economic damage of climate change

The PIK article published in the magazine "nature" calculates the economic losses of climate change up to the year 2100.

Further training as an energy scout

Training employees to become energy scouts can help to identify hidden efficiency potential in companies and thus reduce costs.

Minimization of heat loss from the building (without insulation)

Heat losses in company buildings contribute to higher energy bills and thus also to a higher greenhouse gas emissions balance for the company.

Reduction of office space - shared desk concept

This measure contributes to the optimization of building efficiency by reducing the building area to be managed.

Replacing conventional building lighting with LEDs

The continuous replacement of existing conventional light sources is a low-threshold measure to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Carpooling platform

In a study, the Federal Environment Agency examined the potential and obstacles to carpooling in Germany. It was found that these solutions "are an essential component of environmentally-oriented mobility management.

VDMA training document: Human rights due diligence obligations

Together with member companies, the VDMA has developed training documents from October 2023 to spring 2024 that can be used to raise awareness of human rights risks in your own company and supply chain.

Amendment to the GewAbfV: Your input by 09.05.2024

The Federal Ministry for the Environment has presented a draft bill to amend the German GewAbfV. The draft can now be commented on. We are happy to receive your feedback until 09.05.2024.

Understanding CO2 markets - Facts & Figures (update 2)

In this article we want to inform you at irregular intervals about important developments in the CO2/CO market on carbon capture, transportation, storage, CCUS.

Legal requirements

Legal requirements
CSRD: CSR reports become mandatory for all non-SMEs!

The revised CSR Directive significantly expands the user group: in Germany from currently around 500 to 15,000 companies! The reporting standard to be met has also been available since July 2023.

Green Claims Directive: voluntary environmental claims

The proposed regulation of voluntary environmental claims in Business-to-Consumer activities awaits vote in European Parliament.

EU Commission with ambitious circular economy package

"Closing the loop" is the motto of the EU Commission's comprehensive circular economy package. It aims to do much more than just save a little bit of resources and recycle a little bit more.

Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

The European Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Regulation aims to define what environmentally sustainable economic activities are and thus create a standardized classification system within the EU.

Business and human rights: Corporate due diligence enshrined in law

The final form of the Corporate Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) will be negotiated at EU level in 2023. In Germany, the Bundestag has already passed a Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) in 2021.

EU Conflict Minerals Regulation

Since the beginning of 2021, importers of conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from risk areas into the EU have been subject to binding due diligence obligations.

EU Regulation: Deforestation-free supply chains (EUDR)

On June 30, a new EU regulation came into force, which was adopted in response to the urgent challenges of climate change and species protection.

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Regulations and mechanical engineering: Between mountains of files and innovation

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
PFAS - Indispensable for industrial processes
Industrially indispensable but facing a potential EU ban. Learn more about the reasons and consequences of the impending PFAS ban for machinery and plant engineering on the new VDMA expert topic page.
CBAM
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a central element of the EU's "Fit for 55" package. The aim of this package is to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The CBAM obliges companies that import emission-intensive goods into the EU to purchase so-called CBAM emission allowances in order to compensate for the difference between the CO2 price paid in the country of origin and the higher price in the EU.
Ecodesign Regulation and Digital Product Passport
The new Ecodesign Regulation replaces the previous directive and extends the scope of the directive from energy-related products to all products. As a result, only safe, circular and sustainable products will be permitted on the EU internal market in future.
Blue Competence
Twelve guiding principles summarise the requirements for sustainability in a clear formula. The VDMA's "Blue Competence" initiative presents solutions from the mechanical and plant engineering industry.
Water
Water, the basis of life and a source of energy, dominates 71percent of the earth's surface. Its power and industrial importance are at the centre of our focus topic.
Go For Green Tech!
The mechanical and plant engineering sector is an enabler for climate protection and resource efficiency. The VDMA initiative "Go For Green Tech!" shows successful examples from practice.
Climate-Neutral Production
Companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector must also set out on the path to climate neutrality. The VDMA's "Climate-neutral production" initiative provides support.
Green Deal
With the "Green Deal", the European Commission has presented a far-reaching program for more climate and environmental protection in the EU in 2019. The central goal is to become climate neutral by 2050, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 emission levels and to further promote the circular economy in Europe.
Sustainability Management
Whether climate protection targets, suitability for grandchildren or human rights due diligence obligations - sustainability is on everyone's lips and the expectations on companies to act responsibly are constantly increasing.
Circular Economy
The more people live on earth, the greater the demand for resources, the mountains of waste and the emission of climate gases are likely to become. In the future, it will no longer be enough to make raw material extraction and material processing more efficient.
Substance Policy
Substance policy deals with the regulation of substances and the obligations associated with them. In the area of product-related environmental protection, such as the REACH Regulation or the RoHS Directive, substances used in products must not be hazardous.
International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV)
The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) is developed by the PV industry for the PV industry. Twice a year, data is collected from the contributors and processed anonymously as well as evaluated by the VDMA. Participation is free of charge.
Sustainable Processing and Packaging
With the Sustainable Processing and Packaging initiative, the VDMA wants to make a contribution to objectifying the discussion about packaging. In addition, we would like to highlight the many facets of sustainability, in both processing and packaging technology.
Battery Production
Electromobility and battery production are gaining ground worldwide, and this is just the beginning. To make the right decisions early and be competitive, it is essential to have your finger on the pulse of innovative production solutions.
Hydrogen Economy
The use of hydrogen offers enormous potential towards decarbonizing industries and achieving climate neutrality. Through the use of hydrogen and power-to-X (P2X), new value chains are emerging ranging from renewable energy plants, process engineering and components all the way to applications.

Level 1 Themenwolke

Podigee

To the point

To the point

Auf den Punkt Zitat Sustainability

“The focus on a decarbonized and at the same time competitive manufacturing industry is an important signal for the mechanical and plant engineering sector, as our industry provides the key technologies to achieve this target.”

Thilo Brodtmann, Executive Director of VDMA

Auf den Punkt Zahl Sustainability

97

percent

of all biological waste accepted at waste disposal facilities was recycled in 2020. In total, private households in Germany composted around 2.6 million metric tons of biowaste in 2020. From this, biological waste treatment plants produced, among other things, 4.8 million metric tons of specification compost and 746.6 million cubic meters of biogas.

Source: Federal Statistical Office (Destatis)

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Nachhaltigkeit

Summary
CSRD: CSR reports mandatory for all non-SMEs in future!
    The sustainability reporting obligation applies to companies that fulfil two of the following three size criteria:
  • Balance sheet total of at least EUR 20 million
  • Net sales of at least EUR 40 million
  • VDMA representsAt least 250 employees

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Fri. 11.10.24 Fri. 11.10.24

  • Environment and Sustainability

| Session D 9.00 - 12.00 Bureaucracy nowadays hinders innovations and investments in the mechanical and plant engineering. Industry must step up to the challenges posed by reporting obligations and regulations. Thus, may processes need to be retought and reevaluated. How much is just pain and is there also something we can gain?

Places available

Thu. 10.10.24 Fri. 11.10.24

  • Management

The world has changed in the past four years and this change has affected the member companies just as much as the VDMA and its organization. Shape the future together with us...

The demands placed on the VDMA have become more diverse and complex - especially in terms of its speed of reaction to pressing problems. Regardless of whether it is about the question of how the economy is going to develop, what new details are included in the latest refinement of the Russia sanctions or how a medium-sized company can prepare for the obligation to prepare sustainability reports - the VDMA has set itself the goal of always providing its member companies with advice and support as a responsive and indispensable partner.

Places available

Our services

Our services
FAQ on the subject of substance policy
Our FAQ provides answers to all important questions on the subject of "European substance law"
Climate-neutral production Guide
Our guideline demonstrates how you can produce in a climate-neutral way and implement reporting on the supply chain.
VDMA Database Technical Regulations (DaTeR)
Technical market access conditions, Japan RoHS or Korea REACH: In the VDMA-DaTeR you will find international regulatory guidelines and information from more than 70 countries.
Stay up to date: our newsletters on this topic
Subscribe now: The VDMA Newsletter Technology, Environment and Sustainability and the VDMA Newsletter Forum Climate and Energy provide information on all important innovations in the field of energy and sustainability on a regular basis.
CSR-Management: Software Offer in Cooperation with the VDMA
In cooperation with the sustainability startup Verso, we are offering you a software-based controlling and reporting tool with which you can control your company's internal CSR management.
Substance Policy Working Group
The Substance Policy working group is concerned with all questions relating to the topic of substance regulations and the obligations they entail for the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Among others, the CLP Regulation, the REACH Regulation, the POP Regulation and the RoHS Directive play an important role.
Corporate Responsibility Working Group
The working group addresses strategic issues of sustainability and ecosocially responsible corporate management.
Working Group Industry Dialogue Human Rights
The German government is launching a company survey ("monitoring") on the subject of human rights. The VDMA expects this to set the course for future specifications. It is therefore essential for as many companies as possible to participate!

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Benefits for you as a member

Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.