GROHE, a manufacturer of complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, had distinguished itself as an early adopter of carbon-neutral production and sustainability. As a subsidiary of the LIXIL Group, the company aligns with the parent group’s sustainability strategy, which has been in place since 2014. Following an “avoid, reduce, compensate model,” GROHE aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its housing solutions, lifestyle products, and operational activities by 2050. With many initiatives, GROHE sets new industry benchmarks for environmental product declarations, the circular economy, and waste reduction.
Regarding carbon neutrality, as of October 2020, all eight LIXIL fittings plants operate on a CO2-neutral basis. Unavoidable emissions are offset through various projects, including hydroelectric power stations in India and Vietnam and a borehole maintenance initiative in Malawi.
On the accountability front, GROHE is committed to establishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for 600 of its products by October 2022. This move sets a new standard for transparent reporting within the bathroom industry, as EPDs provide quantifiable and verified data on a product’s environmental impact.
Focusing on circular economy practices, GROHE’s sanitary fittings have received Cradle to Cradle Certified® status. These fittings incorporate energy-saving technology, such as a flow-limiting mousseur and aerator, which can reduce water flow by up to 50% without compromising the user experience.
Regarding its environmental footprint, GROHE aims for its products to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of both commercial and residential buildings—an important goal given that nearly 40% of global carbon emissions are attributed to buildings and construction.
The company successfully implemented a plastic-free packaging initiative for waste elimination in the Spring of 2022. This measure is expected to remove more than 35 million plastic items annually and eliminate 26 tons of poly bags, replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives like wood pulp.
Looking ahead, GROHE has laid out future objectives centred on energy efficiency. As part of its ongoing carbon strategy, the company intends to continually enhance its energy efficiency each year, thereby reducing the proportion of emissions requiring offsetting.
“This measure is expected to remove more than 35 million plastic items annually and eliminate 26 tons of poly bags, replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives like wood pulp.“
The NHIC wishes to thank WG3 | Carbon and Energy Efficiency members for producing this case study.
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