Environment
Responsibility to us means standing behind what we do - and fail to do - especially when it comes to the environment. Learn what AEB is doing to promote sustainability.
Measurably cooling the climate with reforestation
First avoid, then reduce, then offset: AEB follows this principle when it comes to ecological sustainability. We have launched numerous initiatives and measures to keep our ecological footprint as small as possible. More about AEB' carbon footprint and sustainability activities.
In the past, AEB has invested in climate protection projects to compensate for emissions that cannot be avoided. Since 2023, we have been taking a different approach with our partner TREEO: AEB invests in the reforestation of forests in climatically favored but otherwise disadvantaged regions of the world. As part of this reforestation, the trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into carbon and oxygen during photosynthesis. Through our investment, we are measurably helping to cool the climate.
The carbon stored in trees as they grow is recorded using scientifically based methods and continues to be monitored after ten years when the wood is used in timber construction and turned into biochar.
Small farmers are responsible for the reforestation projects. Their income increases the better the forests are maintained and the more carbon is bound accordingly. This is supported by a specially developed app for measuring individual trees, which records the biomass obtained through reforestation. Additional satellite data and a risk buffer of 20% protect the targeted cooling effect through carbon storage against various risks.
Energy concept for corporate headquarters and data centers
Our headquarters and our data centers stand out for their efficient and environmentally sustainable energy concept, which takes into account all available regenerative energy sources.
Core of the energy concept: We use the waste heat from the two data centers to air-condition the building and generate hot water. For this purpose, the data centers transfer their heat to a 350m³ underground water tank, the water of which is used to heat the AEB corporate headquarters. The cool night air in summer cools the sprinkler tank, which then helps to keep the data center and the entire building cooler during the day.
A photovoltaic system was installed to supply power to the data centers. The combination of state-of-the-art technology and conscientious construction planning has contributed to the fact that the requirements of the EnEV 55 “ Energy-efficient building” energy saving ordinance have been significantly exceeded.
The AEB headquarters has also passed the energy audit in accordance with the DIN EN 16247-1 standard. This legally required audit takes place every four years and checks the requirements needed to achieve EU climate goals.
Questions about the topic of the environment at AEB?
Reach out by email to learn more about what AEB is doing to help the environment: nfdbcm
Christian Bylda
Sustainability, what else?
I've been hooked by the topic of ecological sustainability in particular, not only, but also because of my children and grandchildren. I think we have to do better and I am convinced that we can.
That's why I'm delighted...
- to take responsibility for this at AEB
- to contribute to behavioral changes in the professional environment
- to constantly keep learning what I can do better myself
- to collaborate in networks with other companies and partners
AEB certainly has only a limited influence on the global ecological situation. It is a daily challenge to live up to our own responsibility for the environment.
Jürgen Koepke
I've been deeply involved with environmental issues since the planning of AEB' new Stuttgart headquarters in 2016.
Why I'm excited about implementing green policies at AEB:
- I've had the opportunity to dig deeper into such interesting topics as heat recovery, solar energy, and geothermal energy.
- This allows me to promote the efficient and sustainable use of resources. For example: During the planning of our new HQ, I was interested in making sure that the waste heat from our data centers could be captured and used in the building.
- Environmental issues are technologically diverse and challenging.
Other topics that I'm involved in at AEB include the AEB community and our carbon footprint. My focus here is on energy management and electromobility - which fits right in with my role as Energy Management Officer. I am also responsible for overseeing the entire building automation program.