116 <strong>Husqvarna</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2009</strong> Sustainable development Large image. The world’s first electric power cutter which has been approved for use with water. Image below, left. The Gardena soil moisture sensor enables controlled irrigation based on pre-set moisture levels. Image below, right. In <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Husqvarna</strong> launched the first battery-powered cultivator on the market.
Sustainable development <strong>Husqvarna</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>2009</strong> 117 Product life cycle The life cycle perspective <strong>Husqvarna</strong>’s goal is to limit the environmental impact of a product during all the phases of its life cycle, from product development, via procurement of material and production to consumption and recycling. Recycling Usage “Green technology” The environmental impact of a <strong>Husqvarna</strong> product varies over its Sales and lifetime, but is normally greatest service during the period when it is used. <strong>Husqvarna</strong>’s investments in product development are aimed at creating products that feature high performance in combination with improvements in energy consumption, exhaust emissions, safety, ergonomy, recycling and efficient service. Development work is structured in accordance with the <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Product Creation Process (PCP) and creates a framework for integrating environmental considerations in product development. Technology from a sustainability perspective AutoTune Launched in <strong>2009</strong>, AutoTune is a technological and environmental breakthrough in professional chainsaws. AutoTune uses a computer chip to regulate the flow of fuel to the engine, which optimizes performance and minimizes exhaust emissions. It has received the internal <strong>Husqvarna</strong> award for Best Green Innovation, <strong>2009</strong>. Hybrid technology The Automower ® Solar Hybrid is driven by both solar cells and batteries. The solar panel reduces energy consumption and extends the lifetime of the batteries. X-TORQ ® The X-TORQ ® engine technology developed by <strong>Husqvarna</strong> for two-stroke engines reduces exhaust emissions and fuel consumption, and maintains high performance. X-TORQ ® reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%, and exhaust emissions by up to 60–75%, depending on the model/product. This new technology reduces fuel costs as well as emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and also generates a better working environment. Environmental fuel and lubricants <strong>Husqvarna</strong> was one of the first to offer environmentally modified fuels and lubricants, such as alkylate petrol, which has much lower levels of benzene and olefins than conventional petrol. The <strong>Group</strong> has also developed Vegoil, an optimized oil for chains that extends the life of the chain and reduces environmental impact. Products from a sustainability perspective <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Automower ® Automower ® was developed by <strong>Husqvarna</strong> and was the first robotic lawn mower on the market. Automower ® is silent and efficient, emits no exhaust gases and features low energy consumption. Transportation and distribution Product development Procurement of material and components Manufacturing Product – creation <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Cultivator The world´s first battery-driven cultivator was launched in <strong>2009</strong>. <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Cobra wire, C1200 The Cobra wire was developed for heavy-duty sawing of concrete and stone without using water. The wire can be used for demolition of nuclear power stations, which involves substantial environmental problems. Cobra can also be used to saw through large, complex metal structures, which offers new opportunities for recycling of materials. It has received the internal <strong>Husqvarna</strong> award for Best Green Innovation, 2008. <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Power cutter, KB3000 WET, with water tank, WT10 The <strong>Husqvarna</strong> Power cutter KB 3000 WET is the first electric power cutter that is approved for use together with water, and features a portable water tank, WT10. It is based on cost-efficient, clean technology and offers good ergonomy as well as low consumption of energy and water. Gardena Water Computer, C1060 solar plus This new solar panel automatically charges the batteries even in cloudy weather. No change of batteries needed. Gardena Humidity sensor for automatic watering This sensor measures humidity in the ground and initiates watering if needed, which eliminates unnecessary and wasteful watering. Product performance Energy-efficiency <strong>Husqvarna</strong> has many years of experience in developing twostroke engines, and focuses intensively on engine technology that reduces fuel consumption. In the engines developed in 2004–<strong>2009</strong>, which are used increasingly for chainsaws, clearing saws, leaf blowers and lawn trimmers, fuel consumption has been reduced by approximately 15%. <strong>Husqvarna</strong> lawn mowers are fitted with four-stroke engines that are supplied by wellknown producers. Four-stroke engines normally consume less fuel than two-stroke engines. Exhaust emissions Many of the <strong>Group</strong>’s handheld products feature E-TECH or X-TORQ engines, which comply with the most rigorous emissions criteria in the US and Europe. Specific models are also fitted with catalyzers, which in combination with E-TECH technology offer lower exhaust-gas temperature, longer product lifetime. Emissions of hydrocarbons and other substances from the <strong>Group</strong>’s handheld products have been reduced by approximately 40% on average since 2001. <strong>Husqvarna</strong> owns a number of important patents in this area and is well-prepared to meet future emissions criteria.
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