2023-06-01 07:00:00
Mazda has put the largest photovoltaic system in Leverkusen into operation at its German and European headquarters. The around 2,400 solar modules installed on the 14,000 square meter roof of the former parts warehouse have a peak output of one megawatt and produce around 900,000 kWh of solar power annually. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 300 to 400 households. The investment volume was over one million euros.
The proportion of the electricity used by Mazda itself from the PV system is around 50 percent or 500,000 kWh per year. Excess electricity is fed into the public grid. The planned installation of battery storage is intended to increase the degree of autonomy even further in the future. Mazda plans to use vehicle batteries from pre-production electric and PHEV vehicles, which cannot be sold.
In addition, Mazda has implemented an energy saving concept that in the past heating period (September 2022 to April 2023) led to a reduction in natural gas consumption of 29 percent and electricity consumption of 5.5 percent – with a 50 percent increase in charging current consumption – compared to the period of the previous year. Paper consumption has been reduced by around 40 percent.
Among other things, Mazda offers its employees in Leverkusen special leasing conditions for vehicles with alternative drives and free charging at the 194 AC charging points on the company premises. In the meantime, 52 percent of all company and leasing vehicles are already electric. Under optimal conditions, the charging stations can be fully supplied with their own solar power by the new photovoltaic system.
The canteen at the Leverkusen site also contributes to sustainability. There they rely on regional food and sustainability in many respects: meat comes exclusively from animals raised in a species-appropriate manner, and at least one vegetarian or vegan dish is offered every day. Fruit and vegetables are used despite visual defects to avoid wastage. In addition, purchasing is carried out by regional suppliers with a focus on seasonal products. The food can also be taken away in sustainable reusable bowls. At the same time, Mazda encourages employees to contribute their own ideas for reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability measures. (awm)
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