Bene GmbH

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2020, 2021-2022)

Reporting Period: 2020

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:18,991 t CO2e

Scope 1 Emissions:921 t CO2e

Scope 2 Emissions:22 t CO2e

Scope 3 Emissions:18,047 t CO2e

Renewable Energy Share:86%

Total Energy Consumption:21 GWh

Water Consumption:5,000 m3

Waste Generated:5,143 tons

Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

Economic responsibility
Ecological responsibility
Social responsibility

Environmental Achievements

Emission reductions of approx. 50% by replacing the old chip boiler with four new smaller ones, including a state-of-the-art electrostatic precipitator
Conversion of conventional lighting in the plant office and social rooms to new LED technology (more than 50% electricity savings)
Further reduction in the ecological impact of the PIXEL boxes (use of plastic levelling adjustment legs made from 100% post-consumer recycling material)
Energy and emission reductions through new state-of-the-art KFL 2 edge banding machine
Energy and emission reductions by replacing old machining centres (IMA-480 and IMA-600) with a new state-of-the-art PX80 processing centre
Reduction in energy and emissions as well as increased flexibility by replacing the old Weeke BHT 800 and BMT 450 systems with a new state-of-the-art drilling machine
Switch from conventional plastic adhesive tapes to carton adhesive tapes
Conversion of 10 company vehicles to mild hybrid technology (10-15% fuel savings)
Reduction in printed advertising material (catalogues, brochures, etc.) by approx. 40%
Replacement of the old WiFi infrastructure with new energy-saving state-of-the-art components
Replacement of PVC-based faux leather with PVC-free alternatives
Switch to CoC-certified compact boards and laminates
Use of certified base papers for printed advertising materials (catalogues, brochures, etc.)

Social Achievements

Expansion of the onboarding programme with “Start-up” and Bene course book for higher qualification of employees
Increased apprenticeship training in the commercial areas
Organisation of the training and networking event “Bene Fit” (every 2 years)
Sorting plant for flat melamine components to reduce physical activities
Purchase of “stair risers” for assembly and logistics that transport loads up and down over stairs
Re-launch of the international “Healthy at Bene” programme
Recognise long-term Bene employees
Organisation of a family day (open house day) at the Waidhofen a. d. Ybbs production site
Organisation of regular joint activities (e.g. company excursions, skiing days)

Governance Achievements

Introduction of treasury guidelines right across the Group to minimise the risk of corruption
Establishment of a comprehensive “principle of dual control” for access to accounts
Development of a Data Protection Declaration, accessible to the public via the website

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:

Not disclosed

Medium-term Goals:

Establishment of “distributed production” in order to shorten delivery routes and to enable more flexible responses to customer requirements (2023)
Development of a furniture rental model for the Austrian market (2022)
Use of company-owned roof surfaces for own electricity production through photovoltaics (2023)

Short-term Goals:

Increase customer satisfaction
Reduce the carbon footprint for products
Process raw materials and energy from sustainable sources
Continue to develop expertise and make it sustainable
Promote social community and health

Environmental Challenges

Difficult economic situation in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic
Progressive climate change could lead to higher costs (truck logistics, power supplies, wood-based raw materials, energy-intensive raw materials)

Mitigation Strategies

Cost reduction measures (avoid cuts, reduce waste and energy costs, save on transport and equipment)
Comprehensive prevention concept to avoid COVID-19 cluster (division of staff into A and B teams, establishment of a test lane, hygiene measures, online meetings, in-house vaccinations)
Replacement of old chip boiler with a new, state-of-the-art system

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Ongoing audits

Responsible Procurement

Bene’s purchasing policy applies to the entire supply chain, requiring adherence to relevant statutory provisions, UN Global Compact principles, and ILO labor standards.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks

Extreme weather events impacting wood prices

Transition Risks

Higher costs due to CO2 or fuel taxation

Opportunities

Development of energy-efficient products

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 38200, PEFC, FSC, FISP

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3
SDG 4
SDG 7
SDG 8
SDG 9
SDG 12
SDG 13
SDG 15
SDG 16

Bene's initiatives contribute to these goals through various environmental, social, and governance programs.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

PIXEL
PORTS
LEVEL LIFT

Awards & Recognition

Austrian Model Company (2008)
Austrian Sustainability Reporting Award (2011)
Red Dot Best of the Best 2020 (PORTS)
IF Award 2020 in gold (PORTS)

Reporting Period: 2021-2022

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:542 tCO2e/year

Scope 1 Emissions:516 tCO2e/year

Scope 2 Emissions:26 tCO2e/year

Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed

Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed

Total Energy Consumption:Not disclosed

Water Consumption:Not disclosed

Waste Generated:2500 tons/year (recycled)