May we introduce?...

July 28 was World Nature Conservation Day. Protecting nature, conserving valuable resources - this is not only the vision of our company, we also implement it every day in our daily lives: We build machines that help keep our beautiful oceans, lakes, rivers and streams clean. We make industrial productions wastewater-free – all around the world. An interview with our CEO Matthias Fickenscher.

Matthias, what have you already done to protect nature today?
(grins) Unfortunately, too little.

What is H2O doing for nature conservation?
In 2019, we anchored our sustainability strategy in the company in order to follow up our commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement with action. As a medium-sized company, we are implementing small and large environmental projects to become climate neutral by 2030.

For example, when we expanded our company, we installed a photovoltaic system on the roofs that is large enough to cover the entire annual electricity requirements of the plant in Steinen. We have identified business travel as another major source of CO2 and launched the "Emission-free mobility" project. Our company cars are already 45% fully electric - and we intend to make more. By the way, the electricity for our new charging park also comes from our photovoltaic system.

I believe we all need do more to protect our earth. H2O wants to set a good example and show that ecology and economy can work together. I don't think much of the "renunciation slogans" of some parties, but see the solution in technological change.

Which technologies do you think can trigger change?
Technologies that reduce power consumption and improve performance at the same time. These are also our main goals in the further development of our plants. For example, the energy savings on our new VACUDEST ZLD concentrator is up to 80 % compared to previously available conventional equipment. If the electricity that is still required is then generated in a climate-neutral way, we will already be a great step closer to a "CO2"-free world.

Has the Corona crisis influenced environmental protection at H2O?
Of course, it is a very special time. Other issues have come into focus, but we still haven't lost sight of the company's sustainability goals. Many goals, such as reducing CO2, have been more than exceeded by eliminating air travel. We also want to consider in the future which air travel is really necessary. There are now many digital alternatives that are becoming more and more accepted in the international business world thanks to Corona. I think there will be a sustainable change there.

What sustainability goals does H2O have for the coming years?
This year, we want to expand our charging park with a fast charging station and install an electricity storage system so that during the night, we can use the electricity produced during the day ourselves, thereby increasing the self-consumption rate.

In addition, we have recently started to design the company's outdoor area of around 1,000 m2 in a nature-oriented manner to support biodiversity and provide habitats for endangered animals and plants. I am very impressed by how many H2O employees are enthusiastic about this idea and have volunteered to lend a hand in the redesign. That makes me proud.

Why do you set such high climate goals for your company, such as being CO2 neutral by 2030?
To be honest: I fear that we humans have little time left to prevent the tipping points of climate change, where irreversible changes will destroy life on Earth as we know it. I want to demonstrate to prove that technology is part of the solution. And to encourage others to get more involved in climate protection to preserve this beautiful planet.

What would you get up in the middle of the night for?
Chocolate ice cream

If you had three wishes, what would they be?
- Peace on Earth and the resolution of conflicts without violence and wars.
- The improvement of people's education
- A joint effort of all governments to stop climate change.