Production: pathway to zero
DAF is pursuing multiple initiatives to meet its 2030 ambition of a 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions (compared to baseline year 2018), aiming for net zero emissions in 2050. A CO2 emission reduction roadmap is in place for each of the company’s production sites to measure progress towards our ambitions. From wind and solar energy, insulation to efficiency improvements in manufacturing processes, all possible avenues are being explored for reducing energy consumption, switching to renewable sources and cutting emissions.
Renewable energy
In 2023, DAF approved a plan to install solar panels on its premises, starting with its Eindhoven and Westerlo facilities in 2024. Furthermore, the company is installing heat pumps at its premises in the Netherlands and Belgium to replace diesel or gas fired boilers and reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. At the company’s engine test centers, electric generators have replaced water brakes, and are now generating energy that is used in the production facilities.
Energy reduction
DAF has moved ahead with changing to LED lighting. As of 2023, LED is fitted in all production buildings, leading to a considerable decrease in energy consumption and an improvement of working conditions for the employees. LED lighting is controlled in many ways: during breaks or days without production, the lights are dimmed to conserve energy. Buildings are heated via central heating instead of separate units. In 2024, part of the gas-fired central heating will be replaced by a heat pump that uses less gas and reduces CO2 emissions.
Manufacturing emissions
DAF has made great strides forward in reducing the manufacturing emissions from its painting process. As far back as 1997, in the engine and truck chassis paint shops, water-based paint was introduced. In 2017 a new, highly efficient, ultra-modern DAF cab paint shop opened in Westerlo, Belgium, setting the standard for VOC emissions from paint shops, achieving a 70% reduction compared to the legal limit of 55 g/m².
Water and noise
Since 2003, DAF has been using water from the Eindhoven Canal for industrial cooling, reducing the use of drinkable water for this purpose by up to 80%. This water is returned to the canal after cleaning through a filtration system. In 2023, DAF has also improved the waste water quality in Eindhoven by further reducing oil and particles at its engine factory and switching to an improved pre-treatment process in its parts and chassis rail paint shops.
Attention is given to the quality of life for people living near to DAF’s premises in Eindhoven. For example, the foundations of heavy metal-pressing machinery are reinforced and presses are put on springs to reduce ground vibrations, and, where needed, equipment on rooftops has been insulated to reduce noise. Low-noise asphalt at the Eindhoven site also dampens the sound of moving vehicles.
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