REMONDIS Thermische Abfallverwertung GmbH (RETA) in Staßfurt, Germany, has reached an important milestone: it has successfully achieved its first EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certification. By integrating the EMAS system into its existing management system, the company has been able to optimise numerous processes and, at the same time, significantly improve its environmental performance. This is an early response to the requirements that all thermal treatment plants will have to meet in future in terms of efficient environmental management.
State-of-the-art plant technology
REMONDIS Thermische Abfallverwertung GmbH is part of REMONDIS Region Ost and operates a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant in Staßfurt in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. Equipped with the latest grate furnace technology, it is well-known for being extremely reliable. Moreover, by supplying the neighbouring soda works with steam, the plant helps to conserve our planet’s natural resources and cut carbon emissions.
Plants of this type are subject to strict guidelines regarding their emissions. The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) was also amended this year, defining specific threshold values for waste management plants. By constantly revising and tightening such regulations, the aim is to reduce harmful emissions from industrial facilities while promoting energy efficiency, the circular economy and decarbonisation. All with a positive impact on human health and the environment.
What does environmental management with EMAS mean?
Environmental management comprises the part of management that deals with the environmental risks of a company, records the environmental aspects for all activities, products or services and agrees on targets and the measures required to achieve them. The EMAS system, also known as the (EU) Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, was developed by the European Union and has proven to be an effective environmental management tool in many companies and institutions. The requirements of the international environmental management standard ISO 14001 are an integral part of an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS, which also focuses in particular on measurable improvements, internal and external transparency and legal certainty. Further information: www.emas.de/en
Resource-saving environmental management with EMAS
Under the leadership of Environmental Officer Matthias Thäder, supported by Karen Michael, Head of Logistics at the site, the committed employees and the management, the project was successfully implemented within just six months. The close cooperation of all those involved contributed significantly to the success and demonstrates the company’s high level of commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
The introduction of EMAS enables RETA GmbH not only to make its operational processes more efficient, but also to systematically minimise the environmental impact of its thermal waste treatment processes. With the new environmental management system, the company can continuously work on improving its environmental performance and at the same time maintain an open dialogue with the public and interest groups.
The successful validation confirms that RETA GmbH fulfils the strict requirements of the EMAS regulation and plays a pioneering role in the industry. The company remains true to its responsibility towards the environment and is thus sending a clear signal for a sustainable future.
Image credits: © REMONDIS
