IWC Schaffhausen monitors and manages its greenhouse gas emissions not only within our own operations but throughout our supply chains.

 

Apart from the construction, reconstruction and modernisation of our production facilities, IWC Schaffhausen ensures that local environmental regulations are met and that projects are as ecologically sound as possible.

To improve carbon efficiency in our operations, we have implemented:

  • heat recovery in the ventilation system and air compressors;
  • heat production via heating pumps;
  • use of renewable energy from hydroelectric power produced in Switzerland;
  • photovoltaic cells on IWC Schaffhausen’s rooftops;
  • replacement of the central heating boiler for greater efficiency;
  • energy-saving lighting in boutiques and shops-in-shop.

For the emissions that cannot be eliminated, IWC purchases voluntary carbon reduction credits. The funds generated are channelled into environmental projects in developing and emerging countries. Thanks to this commitment, IWC is regarded as a pioneer in the industry and has held certified CO2-neutral status since 2007. We also help and encourage our employees to reduce their personal carbon footprints by offering financial incentives and support to use public transport, and buy greener vehicles.

WATER USAGE

IWC Schaffhausen uses rainwater instead of mains water whenever possible; and to make the most of any ground water and waste water, we use them as alternative sources of energy.

 

Rainwater is captured in retention reservoirs and used in sanitary installations, saving 255,000 litres of valuable drinking water every year; and the energy recovered from ground- and waste water generateS more than a million kilowatt-hours of energy each year. This amounts to almost a quarter of all the energy consumed at our facilities in Schaffhausen and Neuhausen.

LESS PLASTIC

IWC has set itself the target of eliminating with the use of plastic wherever possible in order to protect the environment. For years, we have sought innovative ways to avoid plastic waste and find suitable alternative materials. Plastic containers used for storing parts have been replaced with receptacles made of other materials; and plastic in packaging film has been drastically reduced. Any plastic we can’t avoid is later recycled into synthetic oil.

 

Support from our employees is required in order to achieve this objective; so, at the beginning of 2015, we launched a wide-ranging campaign to raise staff awareness and reduce the use of non-recyclable containers. To get the initiative under way, each employee was presented with a beverage set consisting of a glass drinks bottle and a china cup, both of which are 100% recyclable.

PAPER AND PACKAGING

IWC Schaffhausen is committed to keeping its consumption of paper as low as possible. When paper is used, IWC commits to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC certified) paper products for packaging, internal and external communications.