Reporting in the company’s 2013 sustainability report, energy consumption increased by 6%, compared with 2012, due to increased production and the start-up of new production facilities.

CO2 emissions from energy consumption increased by 2% in 2013 compared with 2012. CO2 emissions from transport (product distribution) increased by 7% due to increased distribution volumes.

In addition, the company reported an 8% year-on-year rise in water consumption, again due to increased diabetes care production and the new production facilities.

The increase in water consumption led to an 8% rise in the total volume of wastewater, from 2,272,000 m3 in 2012 to 2,457,000 m3 in 2013.

The report states: “The consumption of energy and water for production is increasing due to continued growth in sales and, as a consequence, emissions of CO2 are increasing too”.

Waste produced, meanwhile, increased by 11%. However, from this, 81% is non-hazardous organic production waste from Diabetes care, which is recycled for energy recovery in biogas plants.

Last year, the company reported even greater increases in energy and water consumption. In 2012, energy use rose 11% from 2011, while water consumption soared by 16% in 2012 from 2011, again due to increased production.

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe