Brochure on sustainability - Klasmann Deilmann

Sustainably into
a shared future

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“Sustainability is based on a well-defined premise: in order to
safeguard opportunities for development, both now and for future
generations, we need to think of economic efficiency, social
responsibility and the protection of natural resources as inter-linked.
What we do or don’t do today must not compromise our children’s
and grandchildren’s chances of living in prosperity and in an intact
environment. I am, therefore, firmly convinced that we should see
sustainability as integral to wholeheartedly embracing justice, and
as an important prerequisite for the future viability of our society.”
Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel,
patron of the 2011 German Sustainability Conference,
source: www.nachhaltigkeitstag.de
A word from the
Management Board
With its ambitions towards sustainability, society is presenting us with
one of the biggest challenges of the present day. A company will no
longer be judged solely by profits and job security. Rather, it will
increasingly be viewed in terms of its societal role, assessed by the
extent to which it is committed to addressing the ecological and social
aspects of its own actions, keeping future generations in mind.
Our first in-house sustainability audit yielded pleasing results: as an
organisation, Klasmann-Deilmann acts more sustainably than we
ourselves had expected. For example, many of our activities that are
in the spirit of corporate social responsibility have been part of our
day-to-day business for many years – whereas, in certain other areas,
we are just starting out on the journey.
Our corporate strategy has already been geared towards principles of
sustainability for many years. Important developments here included
the composting of residual green waste which began over 20 years
ago, certification to the ISO 9001 standard 10 years ago, and the
launch of the ISO 14001 environmental management system in 2008.
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Other important milestones on the way to sustainable corporate
management are the Mission Statement introduced several years
ago for all employees at Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH, and the
commissioning of a wood fibre facility which has set completely
new standards in the production of peat-reduced substrates.
On the following pages we also respond to criticism regarding the
management of raw peat materials. Although this debate has become
more objective over the years, we notice time and again that not all
the facts are taken into account. Our aim is that this brochure will
convey relevant aspects which are important to the continuation of
this discussion.
We look forward to your feedback and the subsequent dialogue with
you, as this will help move forward the process of sustainability at
Klasmann-Deilmann.
Geeste, November 2011
Moritz Böcking Dr. Norbert Siebels
Committed to sustainable growth:
Moritz Böcking, Norbert Siebels,
Managing Directors
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Pressing problems –
global solutions
Over the last few decades we have learned to be more aware of our environment and to
protect it. Our planet is no longer seen as an inexhaustible reservoir of resources intended
for us to create a ‘paradise on earth’ and to be exploited for this purpose. We have long
known that Earth as a biosphere is susceptible to human intervention and can exist in the
long term only if its sensitive balance is maintained.
The first major responses arising from this new awareness ranged from nature conservation
and the recycling of resources such as paper, plastics and glass to diverse energy reduction
measures, the development of resource-saving technologies and an organic boom in the
food industry.
In this context, a notion which goes a significant step further is now becoming established:
that of sustainability. This refers to the awareness that everything in the world is
inter connected. The world we live in is a complex unit that must be viewed as a whole. It
is no longer simply a matter of environmental protection, organic products or fuel-efficient
cars. When we are talking about sustainability, then what we are talking about is – quite
literally – everything. Sustainability embraces the planet as a whole, the natural world,
humans and animals, individuals and society, resources and technology, present and future.
It has long been recognised that the world’s most pressing problems are global in nature
and thus cannot be solved only at local level, with global warming being one example.
However, previous efforts have not turned the situation around and isolated technical
solutions – such as the development of ultra-fuel-efficient cars – are, in and of themselves,
completely insufficient. What is needed instead is a radical and worldwide transformation
of both production and consumption, with business and society working hand in hand.
The principle of sustainability originated from forestry and goes back more than 200 years
to the German forestry scientist Georg Ludwig Hartig. He wrote that the amount of wood
removed from a forest must never exceed what can grow back – so that the woodland is
never completely cut down but allowed to continually regenerate.
In 1983, the United Nations set up the ‘World Commission on Environment and
Devel op ment’, which in 1987 published what was called the Brundtland report. This
contains a statement which has since become key to the definition of sustainability:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
(Source: www.nachhaltigkeit.info)
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The three-pillar model
of sustainability
The all-embracing challenge of sustainability, in which the world is viewed as a whole,
is reflected in the ‘three-pillars model’. This breaks down sustainability criteria into three
key spheres of activity: ecology, economy and social development. Sustainable action
requires that all three pillars be considered equally and concurrently.
· Ecological sustainability pursues the aim of preserving nature and the environment
for future generations. This includes the maintenance of biodiversity, action on
climate change, the conservation of cultural sites and landscapes in their original
state and, in general, responsible use of resources and our natural surroundings.
· Economic sustainability requires that commerce and industry be geared to
providing an enduring and sound basis for generating earnings and prosperity
throughout the world. Protecting economic resources from over-exploitation
is particularly important here.
· The ambition behind social sustainability is that society will progress to a
point at which all its members, in line with their needs and potential, can have
an equal share in it. This includes maintaining the balance between social
forces, to achieve a society with long-term viability offering a good quality of life.
Depending on what is appropriate in particular cases, the three-pillar model of sustainability
is pursued at local, regional, national or global level. It is important that all three elements
are always given equal priority. In this context, the challenge of sustainability is extending
to more and more aspects of life, from individual lifestyles to entire sectors such as transport
and energy supply. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Sustainability affects
commercial enterprises
For some years, commercial enterprises have also had to face up to the challenge of
sustainability. Profits and job security are no longer sufficient judgement measures.
Increasingly enterprises will be assessed by their contributions to society and how they
ensure that adequate consideration is given to the ecological and societal impact of
their actions. The three-pillar model therefore also applies, to an increasing extent, to
commerce and industry.
A term that is frequently used in this context is ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR),
which is used to refer to not only social but also environmental issues.
Numerous institutions are now focusing on this very issue: how can a company act
sustainably? How is sustainability measured within an enterprise? How is sustainability
to be reported?
Among the most respected institutions addressing economic sustainability is the Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI has developed a widely used standard, which:
· serves as a guideline for reporting, and also encourages other companies and
organisations to communicate their own performance and problems relating to
sustainability;
· contains a detailed list of thematic areas and principles that a company should
embrace to become more sustainable.
This will enable to measure a company’s sustainibility. The GRI’s intention is that a business
will set itself sustainability targets that it wants to meet within a certain period – and that
this will lead to a dynamic between the various enterprises that compare their sustainable
development.
Nowadays there are few major companies that do not release a sustainability report
based on GRI guidelines. And an increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises
are discovering this instrument for themselves – not least to raise their own employees’
awareness of sustainability and thus actively contribute to this process within their own
companies.
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Klasmann-Deilmann takes
up the sustainability challenge
Since 2010, Klasmann-Deilmann has been taking a particularly close look at the issue of
sustainability. There are several good reasons for this:
· Various corporate divisions within the Group have been operating sustainably for
many years, for example in relation to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
Klasmann-Deilmann is, therefore, by no means starting from square one here: its
track record already includes an impressive number of measures and successes.
· At the same time, analysis based on the criteria of sustainability clearly reveals
in which areas there is room for improvement within a company. For Klasmann-
Deilmann, too, this opens up additional opportunities for sustainable corporate
management.
· In the long term, businesses will find it difficult in many sales markets if they are
unable to demonstrate how seriously they are taking their responsibility with
regard to ecology, economy and social development. Here, Klasmann-Deilmann
wants to lay important groundwork as soon as possible.
· From time to time the question is raised as to what extent Klasmann-Deilmann
has a responsible attitude to the countryside and natural resources. The company
wishes to provide answers that are understandable and verifiable on the basis
of sustainability criteria.
In view of this, Klasmann-Deilmann has formed a project group, headed by the board of
directors, which is familiarising itself with the issue of sustainability and is analysing and
evaluating the company, applying the criteria of the three-pillar model. The aim is to set
in motion a process that will progressively make Klasmann-Deilmann’s actions as a
company more sustainable. A relevant reporting system is also to be put in place and a
sustainability report published on an annual basis.
It is important, in terms of developing this new area of responsibility, that we are seen to
act at a high level, preferably right from the start – in order to guarantee that the sustainability
process at Klasmann-Deilmann is lent the necessary weight, has the necessary
substance and the desired degree of acceptance. That is why the company has joined
the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Lower Saxony’s alliance for sustainability
(Niedersächsischen Allianz für Nachhaltigkeit), and will be guided by their specifications.
A consultancy was commissioned to provide necessary assistance, especially for the
conception and preparation of the first report.
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Completely sold on his products:
Dr. Horst Kupschus,
Head of Sales
More sustainable than
we thought!
The company’s first sustainability review led to many pleasing findings.
Klasmann-Deilmann is, in many areas, already more sustainable than
was first assumed. The following paragraphs will provide an overview
of important activities in this area – with no claim to completeness and
without going into too much detail.
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Proud to be certified:
Josef Rehme, Marita Geesen, Monika Kasper,
Quality Management
A sound basis –
the management systems
Klasmann-Deilmann holds both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
These standards involve management systems covering many of the
company’s roles and functions, which are also important in terms of
sustainable corporate management.
ISO 9001
The DIN EN ISO 9001 management system covers all areas in which
quality is at a premium. Klasmann-Deilmann undertakes to continuously
monitor and improve key internal processes. These include, in particular,
the extraction and distribution of peat raw materials, the production
and distribution of growing media and potting soils, and the manufacture
of green-waste compost. Klasmann-Deilmann is doing a good job
here: certification has been upheld at all regular scheduled inspections.
Quality management at Klasmann-Deilmann is also in line with the
latest version of ISO 9001 – namely that from 2008.
ISO 9001 certification primarily relates to the ‘economy’ pillar: it
enhances the company’s competitiveness and hence, ultimately, helps
Klasmann-Deilmann continue to thrive and to safeguard its jobs.
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ISO 14001
In 2008, for the first time, Klasmann-Deilmann was certified to the
DIN EN ISO 14001 standard, which covers the company’s environmental
management system. The aim of this certification is continuous
improve ment in environmental performance. The aspects relevant to
Klasmann-Deilmann include:
· the consumption of resources;
· nature conservation measures;
· energy consumption;
· the assessment of impacts on the environment caused by
the production and sale of growing media, potting soils and
other products;
· transport;
· the handling of hazardous and critical materials;
· emissions such as noise, odours and dust; and
· the avoidance, recovery and disposal of waste.
At each regular scheduled inspection, Klasmann-Deilmann’s
environmental performance is reassessed, the extent to which the
environmental goals have been met is determined and, if necessary,
the need for remedial measures is established.
ISO 14001 certification primarily relates to the ‘ecology’ pillar: it helps
demonstrate that Klasmann-Deilmann not only satisfies the statutory
requirements but, over and above this, takes into consideration all
relevant environmental aspects in an exemplary fashion.
Ongoing optimisation, independent inspections
An organisation’s commitment to constant improvement in its own
performance is important for every kind of ISO certification.
Those stagnating or taking retrograde steps will not be accepted.
To make sure that no company can get away with making itself look
better than it really is, regular audits take place. These are carried
out by independent service providers who may renew or refuse
certification.
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Throwing his weight behind raised-bog
peat and its remarkable properties:
Bert von Seggern, Plant Manager
Use of peat in the
light of sustainability
The most important base material for the production of growing media
is peat. Some fifty years ago, ‘peat-based growing media’ became
established in commercial horticulture and are, today, indispensable.
Global demand is not slowing and will probably continue to increase
since, in many regions of the world, the advantages of a good substrate
are now only gradually being recognised.
Peat-based growing media secure plant growth
Peat has unique physical, chemical and biological properties that make
it the ideal growth medium for horticulture. Growing media based on
peat give plant roots the anchorage they need and provide ideal air
and water capacity. By adding lime, the substrate’s pH value can be
precisely adjusted to a given crop, and the addition of slow-release
fertilisers ensures that nutrients made available at just the right time.
The uniformly high quality of raw peat materials means that a substrate
of consistently excellent standard can be produced over a period of
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many years. All of these aspects give horticultural businesses the
peace of mind they need to be able to grow plants and do business
successfully.
On a global scale, and based on present knowledge, there is no raw
material that could replace peat as a component of high quality
growing media. Either alternative base materials are not available in
the required quantities, or they fluctuate in quality and thus constitute
a potential risk for the commercial gardener.
In this connection it must be stressed that, in Germany alone, more
than 4 million cubic metres of growing media are used in commercial
horticulture every year. However, less than 1 million cubic metres of
peat substitutes such as wood fibre and green-waste compost are
available.
This touches on all three aspects of the three-pillar model for sustainable
corporate management. Ecologically speaking, peat-based substrates
are a medium that is guaranteed to result in successful growth all
around the world. Klasmann-Deilmann’s watchword ‘We make it grow’
speaks volumes here. Economically speaking, peat-based growing
media make a consistently reliable contribution to safeguarding the
future of the entire horticultural industry (including Klasmann-Deilmann).
And, finally, the ‘social development’ pillar is affected, as commercial
horticulture is a significant employer – from substrate manufacturers to
plant producers, garden centres and flower shops.
Extraction only in previously used peatlands
One of the major advantages of peat is its availability for substrate
manufacturers and for commercial horticulture. As a natural raw
material, peat must of course be harvested from the natural environment.
However, it must be remembered that peat is not extracted from intact
bogs. For decades now, peat production has been approved only in
‘previously used’ peatlands, i.e. in areas that have long been drained,
in order for example to develop habitats and agriculturally productive
areas. (Source: IVG)
Worldwide, some 400 million ha of peatland and former peatland exist,
of which 86 % remains in a natural state. Just under 10 % of the worldwide
total has been drained, primarily for forestry or agriculture.
The previously used peat areas which today have the status of extraction
sites cover a total area of around 0.5 million ha worldwide – i. e.
some 0.125 % of the total area of intact and previously used peatlands.
Peat moss is not officially classified as a renewable resource.
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Worldwide, however, more peat moss grows than is extracted. There
is an annual gain of around two billion cubic metres of Sphagnum
in pristine peatlands, whereas some 100 million cubic metres of peat
are harvested annually for commercial purposes – a ratio of 20:1.
(Source: www.bth-online.org)
The extraction of peat affects the ‘ecology’ pillar. Peat production uses
natural resources, although this takes place solely in areas that were,
under completely different circumstances, drained some decades ago.
Peat extraction is prohibited today in pristine bogland.
Impact on the climate
For some years now, peatlands, peat extraction areas and peat
production have been looked at in terms of greenhouse emissions.
Intact boglands store carbon dioxide (CO2) and release the greenhouse
gases methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Drained peatlands
release the previously stored (CO2). Of the total annual emissions in
Germany, 0.2 % result from peat production. Restored extraction areas
can reassume the function of carbon sinks. (Source: IVG-Präsentation
“Fakten Torf”)
The question of the impact of peat extraction on climate touches on
the ‘ecology’ pillar of sustainability. This debate centres chiefly around
greenhouse gases that are released through peat production. The fact
that pristine peatlands also give off greenhouse gases is often ignored
in the debate, as these emissions are not human in origin. Nevertheless,
all aspects need to be borne in mind. Pristine peat areas are not only
climate-friendly: they also emit greenhouse gases. This is not to gloss
over the emissions caused by peat extraction, but it does help to put
them in context.
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Always looking at what
crops want from substrates:
Hermann Limbers,
Consulting and Development
Alternative base materials –
valuable and sustainable
Klasmann-Deilmann uses other base materials for substrates in combination
with peat when they are shown to have suitable properties and
improve plant development: in other words, when their use makes
horticultural sense. In the main, these base materials are produced by
Klasmann-Deilmann itself:
· TerrAktiv, compost for potting soils;
· GreenFibre, wood fibres;
· TerrAktiv FT, fermented wood fibres.
Additionally, clay, sand, coconut fibre and other materials are added to
recipes to achieve particular substrate properties.
TerrAktiv and composting
Since the early 1990s, Klasmann-Deilmann has been operating its
own composting facilities at which residual green waste is recycled and
processed into compost suitable for substrates.
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During the rotting process, this green waste is enriched by biodynamic
preparations which ensure that micro-organism activity is stimulated.
The high quality of these green-waste composts, which are especially
used in organic substrates, is underlined by the brand name ‘TerrAktiv’.
The entire production process for composting and organic substrates is
monitored by the EU ecological certification organisation ‘Grünstempel’
on the basis of EU regulation VO (EG) no. 889/2008 and 834/2007.
TerrAktiv also satisfies RAL criteria and the Dutch R.H.P. standard.
The composting of residual green waste and the use of green-waste
compost in growing media ties in with the ‘ecology’ pillar. This results in
a cycle in which valuable secondary raw materials are processed and
put to ecologically valuable use.
Klasmann GreenFibre and PEFC certification
For more than ten years now, Klasmann-Deilmann has been using wood
fibre very successfully as a base material in its substrates. The extremely
positive experience gained here led to the introduction of the company’s
own label, Klasmann GreenFibre, which underscores the excellence and
quality of these wood fibres. In 2010, Klasmann-Deilmann commissioned
its own production facility for creating Klasmann GreenFibre.
This facility incorporates the latest technical advances to extract fibres
from woodchips. The innovative production methods used enable the
texture of Klasmann GreenFibre, and thus its physical properties, to be
precisely adjusted – the result being a consistently high-quality additive
made from renewable resources.
Right from the start, the only raw materials used have been softwood
chips sourced from sustainable forestry. Obtaining certification for
Klasmann GreenFibre production was, therefore, the logical next step.
Once the decision to seek PEFC certification had been made, the relevant
audit was successfully conducted in June 2011. PEFC certification is
product chain certification that covers the entire value chain from the
woodland owner to the producer of the final product. This means that
Klasmann-Deilmann, the manufacturer of Klasmann GreenFibre, is now
part of what is called the chain of custody. Quite apart from the unique
quality of Klasmann GreenFibre itself as the final product, Klasmann-
Deilmann ensures that the woodchips used are also a renewable resource
obtained from PEFC-certified sources.
Klasmann-Deilmann is, therefore, making a valuable contribution to
sustainable forest management and intensifying its activities relating to
the ‘ecology’ pillar.
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They know every square inch of
Klasmann-Deilmann’s extraction areas:
Gerhard Wehkamp, Waltraud Nagel
and Joachim Brinkmann, Real Estate
Diverse peatland
restoration measures
After peat extraction has ceased, production areas are covered with
residual peat to at least the legally required depth. There are essentially
four options for their subsequent use, and which of these is implemented
in a given case is ultimately decided by the relevant authorities.
The most important form of after-use is re-waterlogging. In Lower
Saxony, Klasmann-Deilmann has already re-waterlogged 2,200 ha of
former peat extraction sites with a view to peatland restoration – areas
which will play their part in reducing CO2 emissions. And another
1,200 ha are being prepared for re-waterlogging and restoration at the
Lithuanian sites.
Because local geological and hydrological conditions differ, not all
areas can be re-waterlogged once peat extraction comes to an end.
Instead, some former production areas are afforested or prepared for
agricultural after-use.
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Klasmann-Deilmann is currently using 5,800 ha of extraction areas in
Lower Saxony, for which after-use is specifi ed as follows:
· 4,200 ha (72 %) for long-term re-waterlogging
(of which 2,200 ha have already been re-waterlogged);
· 1,500 ha (26 %) for agriculture
(of which 900 ha have already been prepared);
· 100 ha (2 %) for forestry.
It is particularly noteworthy that, in almost all cases, it is the former
peat extraction areas that are being restored and will be preserved
for conservation purposes in the long term. Klasmann-Deilmann is
making a signifi cant contribution here in terms of the ‘ecology’ pillar
of sustainability.
By contrast, former peatlands that are used for other commercial
sectors – such as agriculture – are no longer available for nature
conservation.
Re-waterlogging
After peat production has ceased, the former extraction areas are
levelled and the drainage ditches fi lled in. Stepped dykes are built to
create polders of 5 –10 ha in size which are used to regulate the level
of rainwater. The aim is to encourage colonisation by peat moss
( Sphagnum) and other characteristic peatland plants such as cotton
grass to re-establish a typical bog landscape.
In the re-waterlogged areas, the presence of standing water will lead to
the former hydrological conditions being re-established, resulting in
bog-like vegetation (i.e. restoration) or even typical bogland vegetation
(i. e. regeneration) and can become CO2 sinks when the peat body
begins to grow again. In this way, a re-waterlogged area can contribute
to biodiversity – in this case, to the variety of ecosystems present – and
again become a characteristic feature of the landscape.
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Natural succession
Former extraction areas are levelled and ditches fi lled in again to
encourage natural succession. The areas are left to grow over by
themselves with no further intervention. Succession areas are often
buffer zones between re-waterlogged and agricultural areas.
Afforestation
Former extraction areas are prepared in the same way as for agricultural
after-use, namely by deep ploughing or inversion. The areas are then
planted with a mixture of indigenous trees and woody plants.
Afforestation makes a major contribution towards nature conservation,
especially in sparsely wooded areas.
Agricultural after-use
Nowadays, preparation for agricultural after-use takes place only in rare
cases. This involves former extraction areas being turned to create soil
with a ratio of around 1/3 residual peat to 2/3 underlying sand. The waterimpermeable
hardpan layer is broken up at the same time. This results
in the typical north German sand mix or deep plough cultivation. The
ditches necessary for agriculture are created in imitation of a natural
ditch: one side of the ditch is formed as a wet bank with a slope of
varying gradient and planted with indigenous trees and woody plants.
The other side of the ditch has to remain accessible by vehicles for
clearing purposes. Windbreaks are also planted.
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Has ambitious plans for wood resources:
Michael Perschl, Plant Manager
Renewable energy
and resources
At present, the Klasmann-Deilmann Group’s core business is the development,
production and sale of growing media. These activities offer
attractive prospects and additional potential both now and into the future.
Alongside this, however, Klasmann-Deilmann is keen to apply its extensive
expertise in the processing and utilisation of biomass to other commercial
sectors. Here, too, awareness of the need for responsible management of
natural resources has an impact – as does the entrepreneurial necessity
of risk spreading, achieved by diversification into different areas of business.
Here, the ‘ecology’ and ‘economy’ pillars of sustainability go hand in hand.
Since the 2009 financial year, Klasmann-Deilmann has been developing
a new business unit, ‘Renewable Energy and Resources’, as part of its
long-term sustainability strategy. The aim is, through various projects, to
enter into areas of business that fit the company’s sustainability profile
and will also contribute to financial earnings in the future.
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Wood: a priority area
One focus of our activities is on a different raw material altogether: wood.
Here, opportunities for production and promising channels of utilisation
are being looked into and tried out. This is also interesting from the
standpoint of combating climate change: the use of wood, a renewable
resource, enables short-term carbon cycles to be closed. Managed
woodland removes up to 40 t of CO2 per ha from the atmosphere per
year. Wood serves as a carbon-neutral fuel, as a natural building material
and as a source of raw materials for further uses – as a peat substitute
within our own substrate production, for example.
In 2010, Klasmann-Deilmann began systematically developing and
evaluating the potential of its own land for producing wood and other
biomass. Whether, and in what form, suitable production methods for
renewable resources are emerging is currently being clarified. Another
focus of these efforts involves looking into suitable opportunities for
utilising this wood as well as within the Group and in external markets,
as well as evaluating future scope for development. Another interesting
option is the use of waste material from landscape management on
our own land as a source of energy for our own facilities. Advisory
opinions are currently being prepared on this.
The short-rotation plantations project
One project involves the establishment of trial sites for the cultivation
of fast-growing woody crops on arable land formerly used for peat
production. As at the end of 2011, a total of around 55 ha in Germany
and Lithuania had been planted up with willows and poplars. Their good
growth performance, producing up to 12 t of dry wood mass per ha
per year, enables short-rotation forestry (SRF) plantations to make a
contribution to carbon capture. The intention in setting up these trial
plantations is to help create a basis for decision-making in the form of a
business plan.
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Always keeping a watchful eye on consumption:
Christoph Wallmeyer, Engineering and Energy
Energy-saving measures
Its ISO 14001 certification commits Klasmann-Deilmann to continually improving its
environmental management system. This includes efforts to use energy as efficiently as
possible, to reduce consumption and thus, ultimately, to lower the company’s CO2
emissions. Key aspects are the reduction of power and diesel consumption. To identify
areas with potential for energy saving, factors such as energy consumption are monitored
and evaluated on an ongoing basis, leading to the introduction of efficiency measures.
From 2009 to 2010, for example, diesel consumption at Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH was
reduced by 11 %.
However, measures aimed at changing employees’ awareness and actions also help
reduce energy requirements. An example of this is the internal ‘energy check’ scheme
which involves specific measures for saving energy in the workplace. Moreover, the
use of an automated recording and processing system should help the requirements
to be met for certification of the company’s energy management system to the
DIN EN ISO 16001 standard.
All measures that lead to energy savings have a positive impact at Klasmann-Deilmann
in terms of both the ‘ecology’ and ‘economy’ pillars.
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Convinced rail is the best link
between waterway and road transport:
Gerrit Kappernagel, Logistics
Treading more lightly
with logistics
Logistics is one of Klasmann-Deilmann’s key competencies. Longstanding
business relations with reliable freight forwarders and
transport service providers both at home and abroad ensure that all
orders are dealt with reliably and as rapidly as possible.
In 2010, Klasmann-Deilmann used:
· 40,000 lorries;
· 2,200 railway cars;
· 135 boats/ships; and
· 7,300 containers.
Klasmann-Deilmann’s growing media and raw peat materials are
relatively bulky and heavy. To an increasing extent, they are shipped
abroad from production facilities in Germany, Lithuania, Ireland and
the Netherlands – often overseas. This results not only in high costs
but also in an environmental impact.
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Although there is an internal requirement to always take into account
environmental concerns when awarding transport contracts, there are
limits to this. Customer orders often involve very narrow delivery
windows – next-day delivery in many cases – and these can only be
met using road transport.
Nevertheless, Klasmann-Deilmann strives to be as environmentally
friendly as possible in its logistical services. For example, the
establishment of the Cavaillon intermediate storage facility in France,
which is served only by block trains, enabled a volume of goods
equivalent to 1,200 lorry-loads to be rerouted to rail in 2010. Combined
‘lorry-train-lorry’ transport has proven effective for orders to Italy.
The principle generally followed is ‘water before rail before road’.
Unfortunately, however, rail transport is often uneconomic compared
with road haulage and also frequently leads to high costs when goods
are transferred to water vessels. There is also the virtually insoluble
problem of rail gauge incompatibility between, for example, Eastern
and Western Europe. Nevertheless, Klasmann-Deilmann endeavours to
ensure a large proportion of its freight consignments are moved by rail.
In-house evaluation of freight carriers includes consideration of
environmental-impact parameters. These relate to aspects such as
transport technology and compliance with the very latest exhaust
emissions standards.
Klasmann-Deilmann’s logistics operations are therefore at the
partially confl icting interface between the two pillars of economy and
ecology. There is no ideal happy medium as yet; for the time being,
the optimum solution must be found on a case-by-case basis.
44 45

Keeping customers satisfied around the world:
Sven Vahlsing, Julia Schnieders, Burkhard Emme,
Sales Support
Personnel policy as a
cornerstone of corporate
management
In 2010, the Klasmann-Deilmann Group employed an average of
824 men and women worldwide. Of these staff, 409 were based in
Germany, 285 in the Lithuanian companies and 130 in other countries.
Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH had an average payroll of 350 (not including
trainees) in 2010. Eleven new trainees were taken on, making a total –
averaged over the year – of 25 trainees given places by Klasmann-
Deilmann GmbH, of whom 11 were in technical/industrial activities and
14 in business administration.
Workforce-related measures touch upon the social-development aspect
of the pillars of sustainability. Entrepreneurial economics is also affected,
as is clearly shown by reference to an example: the Mission Statement.
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Mission Statement
A company’s success depends crucially on all employees working
hand in hand. Only when everyone gives his or her very best in their
own particular role, when rules are respected, and when a common
goal is pursued can staff work successfully and with enthusiasm.
Since 2009 a values-based, personnel-related Mission Statement has
been in place at Klasmann-Deilmann, which reflects the vital importance
of its employees and lays further foundations for constructive
cooperation. The Mission Statement, with the values it embraces, helps
the company’s vision become reality, with everyone performing well
and motivated in the work they are doing. The Mission Statement
stimulates change intended to continually improve workplace morale,
team spirit, the way everyone relates to one another, the degree of care
taken and the dedication shown.
The Mission Statement shapes corporate culture. It describes for staff
what is needed and desired with regard to personal conduct, and how
they relate to each other, in their work together within the company.
Each employee will find, in their own respective jobs, that commitments
are in place at Klasmann-Deilmann which benefit each and every
individual, strengthen the team they are in, and move the company
forward.
· happy to
get help
· constructive
48 49
· qualityconscious
· capable
· professional
· helpful
· dependable
·
learning from
mistakes
· appreciative
qualityfocused
· more talking,
less writing
team-
oriented
communicating
and informing
openly and
honestly
· interdepartmental
· fair
· realistic goals
reliable
motivated
· binding
commitments
open to
new ideas
· responsible
· forwardlooking
· creative
· progressive
· courageous
· performanceminded
· solution-focused
· expecting and
encouraging
· ambitious

Involvement
It is important to Klasmann-Deilmann that its employees play an active
role in shaping the company, both on an ongoing and an occasional
basis. One opportunity to do this is by taking part in the employee
survey which was held for the first time in 2007 and repeated in 2010.
The aims of the 2010 survey were:
· to find out how things actually are in the company from the
staff’s point of view;
· to obtain input on what employees think, expect and want,
and translate this into action that improves situations within
the company;
· to look at how opinions in the workforce have changed
compared with 2007;
· to get as many employees as possible involved in corporate
processes and improvements.
The company suggestion scheme is, unlike the one-off staff surveys,
an instrument that can be used at all times. Its aim is, by providing
appropriate recognition, to encourage active involvement and initiative
on the part of all Klasmann-Deilmann employees with the purpose of
obtaining ideas for improving cost-effectiveness, cooperation, and
workplace health and safety. The scheme was introduced in 1999 and
receives an average of 80 suggestions a year.
Corporate health management
Health is an important personal asset. Indeed, healthy employees are
the foundation of a healthy company. Klasmann-Deilmann is pursuing
a number of workplace health and safety projects and has a very
active health management system, both of which are instrumental in
keeping the staff in good health. The aim of corporate health management
is to maintain, improve or restore the health of the workforce and,
to this end, it is integrated into all processes within the company.
The fact that there is an ever-increasing focus on employee health,
leading to the establishment of a systematic corporate health management
system, is chiefly the result of:
· the more extensive legal requirements concerning workplace
health and safety;
· the progressive raising of the retirement age;
· the increasing levels of psychological strain at work
(on top of physical stress).
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The priority in corporate healthcare in 2010 was, as in previous years,
the carrying out of regular preventive health checks and the promotion
of various measures to improve the workforce’s general health.
This includes free flu vaccinations in the autumn, which have been
available for some years now.
In addition, an internal works agreement promoting the health of all
employees enables staff to make use of gyms and other fitness
centres. This helps workers to be pro-active in keeping their bodies
healthy; this can prevent disease or, if they do fall ill, facilitates more
rapid recovery.
Health and safety management system
Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH maintains a health and safety management
system that is based chiefly on the following activities:
· Preparation of job-specific risk assessments;
· Definition of goals and activities;
· Description of how health and safety is organised;
· Documentation on procedural and organisational aspects
of the structure and processes in place.
The main goal of this system is a zero accident rate.
Important measures to improve health and safety are regular on-site
inspections by in-house and external safety experts, company medical
officers and safety officers, as well as meetings of the health and safety
committees. These efforts are chiefly aimed at identifying potential
workplace hazards in good time and, as far as possible, to remove or
remedy them.
To encourage staff to get involved, a ‘safety competition’ was introduced
in 2002. The aim of this annual event is to enhance safety
awareness among people working in the company. Efforts that meet
the requirements set for this contest are rewarded with non-cash
prizes. Regular training courses form an integral part of this work.
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54
Community involvement
Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH does its best to support a large number
of local sports clubs, especially in communities that are home to
members of staff. It also sponsors specific charitable and cultural
projects.
Every year during the Advent season, a major fundraising effort takes
place, with selected clubs, associations and projects in the social,
political and economic spheres receiving financial support.
Through membership of central German, European and international
associations in the horticultural, peat and growing-media sectors,
important lobbying work is also supported financially and, in many
cases, with additional help from committed individuals. Klasmann-
Deilmann is also a member of associations facing up to the challenges
of a society in transition. For example, the company is among the
founder members of the Emsland region’s ‘Work and Family’ foundation,
which is committed to making it more realistic to combine the demands
of home and career. Klasmann-Deilmann has an excellent reputation in
this regard, offering as it does a number of part-time jobs, for example.
Among other organisations, Klasmann-Deilmann is a member of the following:
· European Peat and Growing Media Association (EPAGMA)
· International Peat Society (IPS)
· Regeling Handels Potgronden (RHP)
· Bundesgütegemeinschaft Kompost e. V.
(German Federal Compost Quality Assurance Association)
· Deutsche Gesellschaft für Moor- und Torfkunde
(DGMT; German Peat Society)
· Industrieverband Garten e. V.
(lVG; German Garden Industry Association)
· Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzenbau
(GGS; Quality Assurance Association Growing Media for Plant Cultivation)
· Ökoring e. V (Lower Saxony’s advisory organisation for ecological growers)
· Zentralverband Gartenbau
(ZVG; Germany’s national horticultural association)
· Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
· Niedersächsische Allianz für Nachhaltigkeit
(Lower Saxony’s alliance for sustainability)
55

Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH
Georg-Klasmann-Str. 2 –10 · 49744 Geeste · Germany
Tel. + 49 (0) 5937 31-0 · Fax + 49 (0) 5937 31-279
info@klasmann-deilmann.com · www.klasmann-deilmann.com
PEFC/04-31-1577
This brochure is printed
on PEFC-certified paper.