INA-Schaeffler: Exemplary Environmental Protection Extends Beyond Europe

We have now received confirmation both in black and white and in the form of a sculpture that the Schaeffler Group¡¯s Environmental Policy is exemplary across Europe. INA-Schaeffler KG was presented with the EMAS Award in the Large Organization category during the international EMAS Conference in Villach, Austria. EMAS stands for the English name of the European environmental audit system ¨C ¡°Eco-Management and Audit Scheme¡±, which is also known as the ¡°Eco Audit¡±. Norbert Hörauf, the Schaeffler Group¡¯s environmental protection manager was there to accept the award. The international jury recognized ¡°the company¡¯s environmental performance as well as the proactive communication of EMAS beyond European borders¡±. Norbert Hörauf therefore considers the award as recognition for the Schaeffler Group¡¯s efforts to implement EMAS¡¯ strict requirements worldwide. Norbert Hörauf is already looking to the future - ¡°By the end of next year, we will be managing all our production locations worldwide according to this system¡±. The award is therefore an additional incentive. As a modern, environmental tool, EMAS goes much further than most legal requirements. In addition to complying with statutory regulations, it requires the involvement of employees, regular publication of an environmental statement and the verification of environmental improvements by a state-certified and state-monitored independent environmental verifier. The EMAS Award was awarded for the first time by the European Commission during the event in Villach. One company from each of the following categories was presented with an award ¨C Micro (fewer than 10 employees), Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (up to 250 employees), as well as Large companies (more than 250 employees). Every participating European country nominated one company per category. The Schaeffler Group came out on top both in Germany and in Europe. The Ocen¨¤rio de Lisboa in Portugal won in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises category, and in the ¡°Micro¡± category, a chimney-sweeping company from Waidhofen, Austria.