Set the right course in product design
Finding the balance between social, economic and environmental factors is a challenge. Optimal use of resources throughout the entire development and production process begins in design, with the selection of the right materials, efficient material use and reduced emissions in the production and utilization phase. Thanks to our internal eco-design processes, and with the help of life-cycle analyses (LCAs), we manage environmental aspects throughout development, and influence all stages of our product life cycles. And since environmentally friendly products are more economical, our customers also benefit.Siemens has the necessary products and is one of the few companies worldwide that can develop complete solutions.Dr. Michael Prange, Manager of German Water Partnership
The "Product Eco Excellence" Program
Our "Product Eco Excellence" program ensures that our products are safe, presenting no danger to humans and the environment. We know the footprint of our products and are constantly working to keep material and energy consumption as low as possible. Read on to learn more about chemical management, dealing with critical materials, and the environmental footprint of Siemens products.
Handling chemicals at Siemens
A multitude of substances are used to manufacture products. Siemens ensures that both humans and the environment are protected from the harmful effects of these substances. We even exceed legal requirements in avoiding of these substances. In addition, Siemens utilizes a globally standardized directory in which substances to be declared for each product, including legally prohibited substances, are listed.
We know what’s in our products
Transparency regarding the nature and quantity of substances in products is becoming increasingly important. Especially when reusing or recycling materials, all contents must be known. Through proactive management of chemicals, Siemens guarantees compliance with internal policies as well as the requirements of our customers regarding substance declaration. We actively involve our suppliers in order to implement legal requirements, such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), reliably.
Making the footprint visible
Siemens determines the environmental footprint of products using life-cycle analyses (LCAs). These are used to analyze and optimize the environmental impact of our products, and they encompass all stages of the product lifecycle – from development to the application phase. Based on this information, we create Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for our customers, thus ensuring the necessary transparency of contents and environmental impact of Siemens products.
Plan for the scarcity of tomorrow’s resources, today
Over 10,000 materials and substances go into our products and services. The selection of materials used for product development is of great importance. Such decisions impact future business risks such as scarcity of resources, legal requirements and environmental damage. Siemens employs a valuation method which helps product developers evaluate the critical potential of materials and take them early into consideration during product development.
Critical Materials
Balises – Resource-efficient lightweights
The scarcity of resources means that developing alternative products is a must – not just for the sake of the company, but also for our planet and thus for future generations. Employees at the Rail Signaling department in Braunschweig, Germany, and in Switzerland have managed to significantly reduce the use of hazardous or rare materials by developing balises with transponder technology.
