Environment

Ecological Corporate Responsibility

Commitment to the environment and our natural resources has been a central component of the MERKUR GROUP's business activities for decades. The focus here is on projects to conserve resources, the use of photovoltaics and wind power, the use of combined heat and power plants, and efficient recycling management. The primary goal is to reduce the Group's ecological footprint as much as possible and thus contribute to the protection of the environment in the long run.

Environmental Management

Focus on Energy Efficiency

Since 2016, the MERKUR GROUP has been certified in accordance with the international energy management standard ISO 50001 throughout the EU, in the UK, and in parts of Central and South America. In total, our energy team monitors and manages the energy consumption of almost 1,000 locations and inspects and analyzes around 30 locations annually as part of energy management efforts. This also includes the development of measures to continuously reduce our company's energy consumption.

Circular Economy

Sustainability through Resource Conservation

The group is striving for new forms of value creation, with appliance recycling playing a key role. The aim is to extend the life cycle of the products we produce and use by sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, or recycling materials and appliances.

By implementing new business models, such as "Product-as-a-Service" (PaaS for short) and the use of special technologies, the first steps towards a circular economy have already been taken. Thanks to product design and a gentle dry ice cleaning process, 50% of the components of national rental and leasing appliances can already be reconditioned, recycled, and reused.

Wind Power, Photovoltaics and combined heat and power plants

Use of renewable Energies

For more than two decades, the MERKUR GROUP has consistently focused on sustainable methods of power generation. We are constantly investing in the ongoing development of these technologies. Back in 1999, at the very beginning of the age of renewable energies, the first wind turbine went into operation at the production and development site in Lübbecke. With an impressive output of 750 kW, this wind turbine plays a central role in the power supply for the production plant.

In addition to wind energy, solar energy is also used to generate electricity. A total of 18 photovoltaic systems with a combined output of 1,250 kW are installed on the roofs of the company's properties throughout Germany. In Lübbecke alone, there are around 500 kW of system output on a roof area of approx. 3,500 m². These renewable and extremely efficient systems enable the company to generate over 2.3 million kWh of renewable electricity every year. In addition to investing in renewable wind and solar energy, the MERKUR GROUP also relies on combined heat and power (CHP) plants and three innovative CHP plants with a total output of 181 kW.

Charging Infrastructure

Solar Charging for Mobility

The topic of a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is also becoming increasingly important within the Group. Around 15 charging stations are currently in operation. Most of these charging points are available to employees and the public. In addition, three charging stations have been installed at the casino in Monheim since May 2023 - each with two charging points and a capacity of 22 kW. Further charging options are already being planned.