In a major stride toward environmental stewardship, ZF has inaugurated its first zero-emission factory in Klášterec, Czech Republic, after an extensive renovation lasting just under 18 months. As a crucial element of its Electrified Powertrain Technology division, this state-of-the-art facility stands as a model for all the company’s plants worldwide, aligning with its ambitious goal to achieve climate neutrality across its entire value chains by 2040.
The Klášterec location spearheads ZF's mission to convert its global plants to operate exclusively on climate-neutral energy. Stephan von Schuckmann, a member of the ZF Board of Management, underscores the significance of this sustainable transformation, emphasising its impact on substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the heart of this endeavour is the integration of electricity-generating capabilities within the plants, with Klášterec showcasing its commitment by installing 3,400 solar modules on-site, fulfilling around 20% of the plant's annual electricity needs.
Beyond internal electricity generation, any additional power requirements are sourced from renewable providers, predominantly leveraging wind and hydroelectric energy. Dhanashree Kad, Head of Sustainability at ZF’s Electrified Powertrain Technology Division, affirms that Klášterec sets the standard for the company. Notably, by 2025, the company aims to power all its locations exclusively with green electricity, five years ahead of the initial schedule, through in-house generation or contracts with renewable energy suppliers.
In a bid to enhance energy efficiency, the Klášterec plant has replaced its fossil fuel-dependent gas heating system with heat pumps, resulting in a 50% reduction in annual heating costs. The facility leverages free cooling during colder months, utilising the natural cold of the outside air. This comprehensive climate concept incorporates measures for improved thermal insulation and heat recovery.
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