Using high-tech to increase sustainability – for employees and customers
Our sensors help to ensure that machines and systems operate in an energy-efficient manner and that industrial applications are safe and reliable. We also manufacture and distribute our products in a resource-efficient manner. In this way, we are committed to sustainable development in a spirit of partnership – both internally and externally.
A close look at our environmental footprint
We are determined to reduce our ecological footprint. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), an internationally recognised standard for recording greenhouse gas emissions, helps us to do this. It forms the basis for our climate protection plan, as it shows how many greenhouse gases are caused in which areas and where we should set our targets.
The various greenhouse gas emissions generated by our activities or in the value chain are divided into three scopes. These are also known as scopes and originate from the GHG Protocol. In this first sustainability brochure, we have focussed on our headquarters in Bubikon and defined corresponding measures and targets. We continuously review our target achievement on the basis of the EcoVadis platform.
Direct emissions (Scope 1)
Direct greenhouse gas emissions refer to emissions from sources owned or controlled by Trafag. At Trafag, this has so far been 18 kilograms of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) per year, which were required for the oscillation test of the gas density sensors. This corresponds to 426 tons of CO2. In 2024, however, we have succeeded in equipping all SF6 production workplaces with a recovery system or completely eliminating SF6 at these workplaces. We have also offset the CO2 emissions from our fleet. We are proud that we are already climate-neutral in this area.
Energy efficiency (Scope 2)
Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy purchases refer to the emissions generated by the energy (electricity) purchased from the supplier. When constructing our building in 2012, we made a conscious decision in favour of energy-efficient and sustainable construction methods and energy-efficient and sustainable operation: it was built to the Minergie standard, which aims for energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability.
In collaboration with the Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW), we are also committed to a ten-year programme for continuous and comprehensive sustainability. The EnAW advises us on how we can increase our energy efficiency and further reduce CO2 emissions.
With this voluntary cooperation, we want to promote the sustainability of our business activities. We are developing solutions that make ecological and economic sense and can be implemented in practice: we have analysed our energy flows, identified potential savings and already implemented a number of measures that will reduce our CO2 emissions - also in the long term.
Further energy-saving measures are being planned. We are also actively looking for additional ways to improve our energy efficiency.
Conservation of resources (Scope 3)
Due to other links with third parties, further indirect greenhouse gas emissions may be generated in both upstream and downstream areas of our activities. In fact, this is where the majority of emissions are generated. With product innovations, we make a significant contribution to reducing emissions and conserving resources. All gas density monitors are designed for operation with alternative insulating gases, and the new 8719 gas density monitor has a completely SF6-free reference chamber. Our customers therefore have access to products that are significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional ones.
In addition, our products are extremely durable thanks to robust materials and highquality workmanship, which clearly helps to conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact throughout the entire product life cycle. Our commitment to a sustainable value chain is also reflected in the fact that we have focused on reducing operational waste to less than 11 tonnes and the amount of paper, wood and cardboard consumed to less than 19 tonnes by 2024.
Certificates and labels
In addition to ISO 14001 certification, our commitment is also demonstrated by the Minergie label for our building, our participation in the EnAW programme and the EcoVadis Committed medal that we received in 2024. In the long term, Trafag is aiming for a top rating at EcoVadis. But actions are more important to us than words: Trafag is already CO2-neutral in Scopes 1 and 2.
In addition, our products are extremely durable thanks to robust materials and high-quality workmanship, which clearly helps to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact over the entire product life cycle. Our commitment to a sustainable value chain is also reflected in the fact that in 2024 we focused on reducing our operational waste to less than 11 tonnes and our consumption of paper, wood and cardboard to less than 19 tonnes.
Our building – sustainably built and operated
Since 2012, Trafag has had its headquarters in its own building in Bubikon. Before the construction there was an intensive planning phase to make the building as energy efficient as possible and to use as few land resources as possible. The result is a stately building surrounded by greenery. Thanks to clever construction and further investments, the operation of the company headquarters is CO2-free.
The Trafag building in Bubikon is a showcase for environmentally conscious construction and sustainable land utilisation. It is surrounded by natural meadows and has an inner courtyard with native plants and ponds where amphibians also feel at home. The roof is partially extensively greened and offers additional green spaces.
Sustainably built and operated
Awarded the Minergie label by the Canton of Zurich, the building stands for CO2-free operation. An efficient heat pump and a comfort ventilation system with heat exchanger ensure optimum air conditioning with minimal energy consumption. In addition, the highquality building envelope and strong insulation contribute to the high energy efficiency. Since 2023, a photovoltaic system has complemented our energy concept and enables us to produce our own electricity. The well thought-out building concept symbolises our commitment to the environment and our promotion of biodiversity.
Saving energy – also in the future
In our ten-year programme with the Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW), we have already implemented numerous measures to reduce energy consumption. The optimisation of lighting and heating, the permanent tightness control of compressed air or the adapted ventilation during peak working hours — to name just a few examples — have led to considerable energy savings: Overall, we now require around 180,000 kilowatt hours less per year. This corresponds to around 8% of total energy consumption. And our goal is, of course, to become even more energy efficient
Reduction in external electricity procurement
Another significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions was taken in summer 2023 with the commissioning of the 290 kWp photovoltaic system. Since then, we have been producing around 240,000 kWh of electricity per year ourselves and have thus been able to reduce the amount of electricity we purchase. The remaining electricity requirement is also covered exclusively by hydropower.
Sustainable – for our customers, too
Power supply – safe and environmentally friendly
What expertise is needed to ensure that the power supply is safe, reliable and environmentally friendly? Environmental influences, operational safety, efficient maintenance, regulations: these are just some of the challenges that operators of high-voltage switchgear have to overcome. In addition, it must be possible to switch high voltages safely. Gas-insulated switchgears are used for this purpose, in which the high-voltage components are installed in pressure chambers. These pressure chambers contain an insulating gas under high pressure – usually SF6 today – which prevents or extinguishes arc faults and short circuits.
Read on to find out how Trafag's SF6-free reference chambers help customers to use alternative gases as insulation gases instead of SF6:
Lower emissions in shipping thanks to future fuels
Shipping plays a crucial role in the global economy, as it accounts for 90% of global trade. The challenge is that it also causes 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a strategy to reduce emissions. Alternative fuels play a major role in this.
Read how Trafag is enabling the use of future fuels in shipping with customised pressure transmitters: «Future fuels in shipping»
Hydrogen in the fight against climate change
Hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil fuels such as gas, coal and oil. That is why it is often seen as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Pressure measurement technology plays a key role here – for both mobile and stationary hydrogen applications, such as fuel cells, electrolysers, compressors and storage tanks.
Read how Trafag is enabling the use of hydrogen with customised pressure transmitters:
More about sustainability
These articles can also be found in our sustainability brochure: