Climate and environment always in view:
Since 2019, billerbeck’s environmental management system has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 14001. This means that billerbeck has a systematic environmental management framework in place to identify, assess and regularly review relevant environmental aspects.
The certification is monitored annually. Key areas include energy and resource use, production processes, waste, packaging and compliance with environmental legislation.
What does DIN EN ISO 14001 mean?
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems.
It defines requirements for companies that want to organise their environmental responsibilities systematically. These include, among other things:
- identifying relevant environmental aspects,
- taking legal and other binding requirements into account,
- defining environmental objectives,
- implementing suitable measures,
- reviewing environmental performance,
- continuously developing the environmental management system.
The certification applies to the environmental management system and its defined scope. It does not constitute a general statement that all products or activities of a company are environmentally friendly.
Environmental management as a continuous process
At billerbeck, environmental management provides a structured framework for integrating environmental aspects into business decisions.
Relevant consumption data and processes are reviewed regularly and potential improvement measures are assessed. Key areas include:
- energy consumption,
- raw materials and other materials,
- water consumption,
- production processes,
- waste and recycling,
- packaging,
- transport and logistics,
- procurement and suppliers.
Internal assessments, energy audits and the annual monitoring of the environmental management system provide important information for further development.
Photovoltaics and green electricity
Energy use is one of the key areas of focus.
For production, billerbeck uses electricity generated by its own photovoltaic system. Any additional electricity required is purchased as green electricity. This means that the electricity used for production and the additional electricity purchased come from renewable energy sources.
The photovoltaic system has a peak output of 165 kWp.
Statements relating to resulting greenhouse gas reductions are only made where transparent calculations, reference values and time periods are available.
Energy efficiency in buildings and production
In addition to electricity supply, measures to improve energy efficiency have been implemented in various areas.
These include:
- automated heating control in office areas,
- conversion to LED lighting,
- modernisation of heating systems,
- replacement of a compressed-air compressor,
- technical improvements to extraction systems,
- thermal insulation of individual buildings,
- modernisation of machines and production equipment.
When investing in technical equipment, we also assess how energy and resource use can be improved.
Regular energy audits
billerbeck regularly carries out the legally required energy audits.
These help identify relevant energy consumption and areas where technical or organisational improvements may be possible.
The results of these assessments are incorporated into the planning of further measures.
Electric mobility and charging infrastructure
The billerbeck company fleet also includes electric vehicles.
A dedicated charging infrastructure is available on the company premises.
The use of electric vehicles is presented as a specific operational measure and is not linked to any general claim that the company or the vehicles are climate-neutral.
Resources and materials in production
Material use, production processes and waste volumes are also part of the environmental aspects covered by our environmental management system.
Production methods and machinery are reviewed regularly and modernised where appropriate. Depending on the measure, this can influence material losses, energy consumption, waste volumes or operational emissions.
Concrete savings are reported where corresponding data and reliable reference values are available.
Certifications and environmental labels for products
In addition to the environmental management system, selected billerbeck products and materials carry further certifications and environmental labels.
Depending on the product, these may include:
- GOTS
- BLUE ANGEL
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
- DOWNPASS
Each certification is only stated for the products or materials to which it actually applies.
This ensures a clear distinction between the certification of our environmental management system and product-related certifications or environmental labels.
Recyclable carrying bags
Packaging is another environmental aspect we consider.
billerbeck bedding products are packed in recyclable carrying bags. In addition to product protection, we also consider material use and recovery options after use.
Whether and how packaging is actually recycled also depends on the local collection and recycling infrastructure.
Digitalisation and paper consumption
The digitalisation of business processes enables more workflows to be handled digitally and can help reduce paper use in the respective areas.
Where paper is required, defined purchasing requirements and available certifications are taken into account.
Specific statements about reductions in paper consumption are made on the basis of corresponding consumption data.
Waste and reuse
Different waste and material streams arise in production and day-to-day business operations.
Our aim is to separate, reuse or send materials for appropriate recovery in line with operational and legal requirements.
This also includes, for example, the reuse of suitable cardboard boxes.
Developments in waste volumes and material streams are considered as part of our environmental management.
Requirements for suppliers
Procurement and supplier relationships are also part of our operational responsibility.
We expect our suppliers to comply with applicable legal requirements as well as contractually agreed specifications.
Additional standards or certifications may be required for certain materials and products.
The same principle applies here: requirements relating to GOTS, BLUE ANGEL or other certification systems are only applied and communicated where they are actually relevant to the respective material or product.
Developing environmental performance transparently
We do not regard DIN EN ISO 14001 certification as a general environmental promise, but as a systematic framework for our environmental management.
Environmental aspects are reviewed regularly, objectives and measures are defined, and their implementation is monitored.
Our aim is to communicate progress as concretely as possible and to make statements about energy, resources, emissions or other environmental impacts only on the basis of transparent and verifiable data.
In this way, our environmental management system helps ensure that environmental aspects remain permanently integrated into billerbeck’s operational processes.
More about the environment and responsibility at billerbeck
Further information about our measures in the areas of environment, energy, resources, materials and social responsibility can be found in our Environmental Policy and our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
