Our sustainability work
Introduction
Ebeco has an established environmental and quality management system that is certified according to the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. This means that we systematically work with sustainability within our operations.
For us at Ebeco, sustainability is about creating sustainable products from a life cycle perspective, from cradle to grave, i.e., from the extraction of raw materials to when the product becomes waste. When we develop a new product, we look at a number of criteria to make the product as sustainable as possible:
- Sustainable supply chain
- Creating a recyclable design
- Use of recycled materials
- Minimization of the presence of hazardous substances
- Long technical lifespan
- Conditions for reparability
- Energy efficiency
The environmental impact of all criteria is evaluated through a life cycle analysis (1-6). This way, we can find out which criteria should be prioritized in each individual case when a new product is developed. When a product is developed, an assessment is also made about whether an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) should be established. This means that an independent certifier reviews the life cycle analysis of the finished product.
Sustainable supply chain
To succeed with sustainability, it is also necessary that the product supply chains are socially sustainable. This involves mapping the supply chain and assessing the social risks involved. Important risk assessments include which raw materials are used in the production of products and the geographical location of various production stages.
An example of raw materials that pose a high risk are the minerals tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, and cobalt (conflict minerals 3TG). These minerals are extracted, for example, in various areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo where some of the mines are controlled by groups that use the mineral trade to finance local conflicts. In addition, they use the local population in an irresponsible and unethical manner.
Ebeco does not accept the use of conflict minerals in the production of our products. This is to avoid financing and supporting the unethical extraction, transport, and trade by armed groups in conflict-affected areas.
Creating a recyclable design
By creating a recyclable design, the recycling of the product's materials is facilitated, and the materials can then be used for new products. An example of this is to minimize the presence of hazardous substances in the materials. Another example is to design the product in a way that makes it easy to dismantle and to avoid mixing different types of materials.
Use of recycled material
By using as much recycled material as possible, we limit the extraction of the Earth's resources.
Ebeco is engaged in various networks tasked with helping the industry to increase both the recycling of existing materials and the use of recycled materials.
Minimization of the presence of hazardous substances
In addition to legislated substances or materials according to REACH, RoHS, and POP, we generally work to minimize the presence of hazardous substances in the products' constituent materials. For materials in the product to be recyclable, it is important that the material contains as few hazardous substances as possible. In this way, the hazardous substances can be excluded from the materials' cycle. Ebeco works proactively to exclude hazardous substances when designing new products and systematically replace hazardous substances in existing products. For this, third-party assessments such as SundaHus, Byggvarubedömningen and Svanen are used.
Long technical lifespan
Underfloor heating cables laid under floors in buildings are designed for a long technical lifespan, estimated at over 40 years. This is particularly important since buildings themselves have a long technical lifespan, estimated at over 50 years. This criterion is therefore particularly important when selecting raw material and construction. By having a relatively long technical lifespan, the product's circularity is increased since the need to replace the product is reduced.
Conditions for reparability
To maintain and further increase the technical lifespan and thus also the circularity, it is necessary that the product is designed in a way that makes it repairable. An example of this is Ebeco's repair kits for heating cables and that the thermostat part in radiators is replaceable.
Energy efficiency
With the help of PI regulation in our thermostats, we can efficiently control electricity consumption in a smart way. In addition, there are energy-saving programs and the possibility to control consumption remotely with our connected products (WiFi).
Since the products are designed to have a long lifespan, energy efficiency is an important aspect in limiting environmental impact.
Our energy-saving products are labeled with the “Energy Saver” symbol to make it easier for customers to make simple choices that reduce energy consumption.