Steigende Energiekosten und die Notwendigkeit, den CO2-Ausstoß zu reduzieren, stellen Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen. Strenge Regularien wie die CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) und die Implementierung neuer Standards wie Science Based Targets (SBTi) erfordern erhöhten Aufwand von Unternehmen. Gleichzeitig haben Kunden inzwischen hohe Anforderungen an ihre Lieferanten bezüglich Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), umweltfreundlicher und nachhaltiger Materialien sowie Energieeffizienz.
Für Einkäufer und Entscheider eröffnet sich eine neue Perspektive auf Investitionen in Automatisierungstechnik. Die Kosten-Nutzen-Dynamik verschiebt sich deutlich zugunsten nachhaltiger Lösungen und Partner. Denn Energieeffizienz und Ressourcenschonung sind nicht länger nur Schlagworte, sondern messbare Faktoren, die direkt die Betriebskosten beeinflussen. Moderne Automatisierungssysteme können den Energieverbrauch in der Produktion erheblich senken und gleichzeitig Materialverschwendung zum Beispiel durch den Einsatz von Sekundärrohstoffen minimieren. Diese doppelte Einsparung – bei Energie und Material – führt oft zu einer schnelleren Amortisation der Investitionskosten als angenommen.
Doch die Vorteile reichen weit über die unmittelbaren Kosteneinsparungen hinaus. Mit der Implementierung der Anforderungen aus strengeren Umweltvorschriften wie dem Energieeffizienzgesetz (EnEfG) und der CSRD gewinnt die Fähigkeit, Nachhaltigkeitsleistungen transparent zu dokumentieren, zunehmend an Bedeutung. Nachhaltige Automatisierungslösungen unterstützen Unternehmen dabei, diese regulatorischen Anforderungen zu erfüllen. Sie ermöglichen die Implementierung energieeffizienter Prozesse, verbessern die Rückverfolgbarkeit und liefern präzise Daten für Nachhaltigkeitsberichte.
Sustainable automation can become a catalyst for innovation for both developers and design engineers. Reference data such as energy consumption and carbon footprint are becoming more and more central to the design process. It is crucial to consider both the manufacturing footprint and the lifetime footprint in order to have an overall view. Although the integration of sustainability aspects into the development process requires a rethink, it also offers the opportunity for innovative solutions. By having clear requirements and creating a transparent design using tools, it is possible to integrate the right technology – pneumatic, electric or a combination – with the right size in the system design. The technical possibilities are manifold: With sensors, such as flow sensors in pneumatic systems or torque sensors in electric drives, the energy consumption can be precisely recorded and optimised. Advanced data analysis tools help to optimise machine operation and minimise the consumption of resources. Condition monitoring systems can predict and prevent failures, which not only increases system efficiency but also extends the service life of components. Products with a reduced carbon footprint (such as those made from organic polymers) also contribute to an improved overall sustainability balance. Digital twins can provide all the relevant information models for automation components and functional chains as a bundle and as a digital representation, from the engineering process to virtual commissioning (VIBN) and the operating phases through to recycling.
In addition to aspects such as modularity, ease of repair and recyclability, it is beneficial to keep an eye on forthcoming developments when developing future-proof automation solutions. The EU's planned digital product passport is an example of future regulations that should already be included in design decisions today. It contains detailed information about a product, such as its carbon footprint, and is intended to improve transparency along the entire value chain.
Sustainable automation is more than just a trend, because in an increasingly environmentally conscious world, it can make a decisive contribution to the long-term success of a company. Companiesthat invest in technology at an early stage not only save costs and gain efficiency, but also position themselves as responsible players and reliable partners with stable supply chains in their industry. They are better equipped for future regulatory requirements and can react flexibly to changing market conditions.
The following steps are recommended for the successful implementation of sustainable automation:
1. Carry out a comprehensive energy analysis of your production processes, for example by checking machine running times and current energy consumption
2. Identify the main consumers and potential savings
3. Evaluate automation solutions with a focus on energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction
4. Take PCF (product carbon footprint) values into account when selecting components
5. Integrate sustainability criteria into your supplier selection