Environmental Statement
More than just planned
Environmental protection is a primary concern at WALA. We set concrete environmental goals every year. And not only do we achieve these goals; we also develop exciting new ideas and realise them whenever possible.
Organic cultivation around the globe
WALA has obtained organic ethanol for use in production since autumn 2004, despite considerably higher costs. A number of additional raw materials that we use in smaller quantities, avocado oil for instance, have also been transitioned to organic quality.
Organic peanut oil in pharmaceutical quality was not available on the world market up to now. We have recently invested in a supplier able to provide peanut oil in both pharmaceutical and organic qualities.
Promotion of Environmentally friendly transportation choices
WALA has rewarded exemplary environmental awareness in transportation for years now. For employees who choose public transportation for their commute to work, WALA reimburses the complete costs of tickets. Those who frequently travel on business are issued a BahnCard entitling them to a discount on rail travel, which they are also allowed to use for personal travel. For years now the company has offered a “bicycle check-up” for employees, including a repair allowance of 25 to 75 euros per year, depending on how often the bicycle is used. Additionally, everyone who rides a bicycle to work receives a gift certificate for 25 euros towards the purchase of cycling equipment, such as bike helmets, additional lights, etc.
Bicycle-friendly company
In October 2007, WALA was the second company in Germany to be honoured with the “Bicycle-Friendly Company” Award from the ADFC German Bicycle Federation. During the awards ceremony in Eckwälden, Monika Stolz, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs in the German State of Baden-Württemberg, mentioned how WALA’s support for active bicycle riders makes it a model for other companies. In addition to the bicycle check-up programme, WALA provides 16 company bicycles for trips between local sites and maintains them in its own repair shop. WALA has also sponsored 70 new bicycle stands.
"Bike to Work" campaign
“Bike to Work” is the name of an annual campaign organised by the AOK health insurance company in co-operation with ADFC and the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs. Employees who ride their bicycles to work on at least 20 days are rewarded with attractive prizes from the organisers and WALA. WALA actively promotes the campaign amongst its employees, provides registration forms and information material and explains the conditions of participation.
Bicycle Rain Ponchos
WALA employees are sure to never be left standing in the rain when using the company’s bicycles. WALA maintains a supply of bicycle rain ponchos which employees can loan out.
Installation of a pessurised air station
To assist all employees who ride their bicycles to work at WALA, we have installed a pressurised air station in our underground parking garage. Automobile drivers are also encouraged to use the station, because optimum tyre pressure decreases fuel consumption.
Green driving course
Every year we organise a free “green driving” training course for our employees and sales representatives to promote environmentally aware driving. Using the techniques learned in this course can decrease fuel consumption by more than 20%.
Company fire brigade
Officially recognised in September 2004, our company fire brigade makes an additional contribution to safety and environmental protection. We can react very quickly in case of emergency and minimise potential damage.
Electricity from hydroelectric sources
Based on our commitment to the location of Germany and our desire to actively carry out environmental protection, WALA decided in 2001 to switch to electricity generated from regenerative sources in Germany. Since then, the contract has consistently been awarded to an electricity provider in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. This provider offers exclusively hydroelectric electricity, which enables us to prevent several hundred tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Green computers
We have used “green computers” since 2003. Green computers feature ecologically friendly construction and materials. Product development, manufacturing, transport and recycling are also oriented towards stringent international environmental criteria. The computers also consume very little energy.
Conserving paper by introducing an elctronic time management system
We have introduced a new paperless time management system to record work hours and absences (for instance holidays). This has allowed us to decrease consumption of paper and printed media by 1,000 sheets per month, and we anticipate even greater savings in the future.
Conserving electricity and water during the WALA children's day
Once a year, children of WALA employees are invited to accompany their parents to work and assist in our departments. Environmental protection is again an important theme on this day. In 2007, the children learned more about environmental protection at WALA by conducting experiments using water-saving aerators and electricity meters. Based on these experiments, the enthusiastic young participants calculated that simply washing one’s hands without letting the faucet run can save some 1,000 litres of water daily. The results were documented in posters and subsequently exhibited in the WALA cafeteria.
