As a technology leader, Miba produces high-tech components which help reduce emissions and fuel consumption while at the same time boosting performance. Sintered components fulfill rigidity requirements to levels comparable with steel components, yet are lighter and therefore reduce vehicle weight. Miba Friction Group produces light, high-performance components such as limited slip differentials and torque vectoring systems. And numerous European truck manufacturers count on Miba engine bearings as part of their efficiency strategies.

Acutely aware of our responsibilities with regard to climate protection, we focus on reducing CO2 emissions per finished item. In the period 2005-06 to 2007-08, we reduced emissions of CO2 per ton of finished product from 2.54 tons to 2.24 tons.

We also make ongoing efforts to optimize energy consumption. Electrical power accounts for the largest portion of our energy needs (75%), while natural gas is used in production processes and to heat buildings. Despite the rapid increase in production in recent years, the increase in power and natural gas consumption has been well below that level. Further comprehensive measures for improving energy efficiency are currently in the planning phase.

Energy Efficiency Projects to Date

		Bereich	Maßnahme
Sinter Group	Miba Sinter Austria, Vorchdorf	power	Energy-efficient motors are used where economically feasible
	Miba Sinter Austria, Vorchdorf	gas	Feasibility study regarding replacing thermal post-combustion with catalytic post-combustion
	Miba Sinter Slovakia, Dolný Kubín	power	Overhaul of lighting systems in PU Classical II production hall
	Miba Sinter Slovakia, Dolný Kubín	gas	Hall doors and windows replaced. Thermal insulation for office building
Bearing Group	Miba Gleitlager, Laakirchen	power	Energy analysis for entire site. Energy-saving equipment and systems installed
	Miba Bearings US, McConnelsville	power	New lighting systems installed in machinery section
Friction Group	Miba Frictec, Roitham	power	Employee trained as European energy manager
	Miba Frictec, Roitham	gas	Feasibility study regarding use of waste heat in conveyor furnace flue gas in segment lines
	Miba Steeltec, Vráble	power	Power consumption of various production steps measured as basis for further optimization

The efficient use of resources enhances Miba’s performance as a business as well as protecting the environment. Miba Sinter Group’s most important raw materials are steel and iron powder; for Miba Bearing Group, steel, aluminum and copper are the most important. Carbon and special papers are the key raw materials for Miba Friction Group.

(tons)	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
Raw materials	23,437	30,004	39,321
Miba Sinter Austria	12,327	14,250	16,925
Miba Sinter Slovakia	3,045	4,553	4,462
Miba Precision Components	-	-	277
Miba Gleitlager	4,008	3,932	4,580
Miba Bearings US	780	589	644
Miba Frictec	2,779	3,226	3,987
Miba HydraMechanica	499	534	667
Miba Steeltec	-	2,919	7,779

With the exception of liquid gas, use of technical gases has become more efficient over the past three years, with a decrease in the use of hydrogen and nitrogen per product unit.

Gas Consumption		2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
Hydrogen	m³	1,437,201	1,541,276	1,714,166
Nitrogen (liquid)	m³	1,442,834	975,688	1,415,169
Nitrogen (gas)	m³	5,541,980	5,562,563	6,499,922
Liquid gas (propane, butane, ...)	liters	162,000	216,906	260,756

Our projects aimed at making more efficient use of water are bearing fruit: although Miba sites’ total water consumption has increased, it has risen less rapidly than production. Miba is making better and better use of water.

	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
Water consumption, Miba Group, m3	457,182	455,026	552,746
Water consumption per ton of product, m3/ton	25.8	22.3	20.8

As all Miba sites are located in wet regions with adequate supplies of water, our water consumption is easily sustainable in terms of regional water budgets. As a general rule, process and sanitary water are removed via the public sewer system.

All hazardous waste is removed by certified companies in accordance with local environmental laws.

tons	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
Hazardous waste	1,768	2,041	3,907
Non-hazardous waste	1,715	1,723	2,057
Reusable waste	3,795	5,564	9,659

Miba also emphasizes environmental protection when it comes to suppliers, who must meet Miba requirements in terms of quality, value and sustainability. We are currently performing a sustainability study regarding our suppliers.

Another example of sustainability in our supply chain is the Vorchdorf site’s strategy for outside processing. One objective is to ensure that when selecting new outside processors and awarding contracts, the distances traveled by the items in question are as short and straightforward as possible. At the end of the 2007-08 business year, around 60% of outside processors handling the biggest volumes were located within a 550-km radius.