E-Mobility
Electromobility is gradually making its way into the RBB Aluminium fleet. Renewable energy takes center stage in fleet management. In addition to existing electric vehicles, the fleet will be expanded by 5 more fully electric vehicles starting in 2024. We also prioritize energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electric forklifts to create optimal ecological conditions within the production. The entire forklift fleet at RBB Aluminium operates purely on electricity.
Photovoltaics
Over the years, approximately 1 MW of photovoltaic systems have been installed on our own warehouse roofs, utilizing RBB Aluminium profiles for various mounting systems.
The ground-mounted solar park by RBB Aluminium, operational since 2015, has a capacity of 540 kWp.
In 2024, it was expanded by around 1.0 MW to reach 1.54 MW. A further expansion of approximately 1.1 MW is planned for 2024, bringing the total capacity to 2.64 megawatts.
From 2024 onwards, the company will generate around 3,640,000 kWh annually through ground-mounted and rooftop installations, providing a significant portion of its own energy needs.
This results in substantial ecological benefits, including a reduction of approximately 2,900 tons of CO2 emissions per year, making a crucial contribution to climate protection and the energy transition.
New Habitats for Animals and Plants
In the solar park, green areas are maintained not by machines but by twenty Cameroon sheep, aligning with the company‘s concept of ecological power generation.
To preserve biodiversity in and around the solar park, green spaces are complemented by specially created Eifel high-stem orchards. These orchards, in addition to their characteristic landscape, hold high ecological value, serving as important habitats for various animal and plant species. Native high-stem orchards are estimated to harbor a biodiversity of over 3,000 animal species, many of which are considered endangered. Moreover, they play a crucial role in the regional climate and act as producers of fresh air.
Amidst the green spaces and meadows, one can also find a pond created by RBB Aluminium, which provides an idyllic home for numerous fish species and waterfowl.
Beehives and Orchards
The vegetation of the solar park and orchards provides an essential retreat for honeybee colonies established by RBB Aluminium.
Since 1989, the population of bees and insects has declined by nearly 80%. Scientific studies in the USA suggest that solar parks can counteract this decline.
Motivated by this aspect, RBB Aluminium introduced three honeybee colonies near the groundmounted photovoltaic installations in 2018, along with nesting aids for wild bees. The meadows of the solar park, as well as the orchards and cornflower fields of the company, create optimal living conditions for bees, offering them ample food.
The fruits of the orchards, especially plums, mirabelles and apples, are harvested every autumn and are subsequently processed into schnapps or jam.
Harvest Mottos:
2019: “Aluminium Meets Plum”
2020: “Aluminium Meets Bee”
2021: “Aluminium Meets Mirabelle”
2023: “Aluminium Meets Bee”
All Facts at a Glance
Through the photovoltaic systems and the construction of the open-field solar plant, RBB Aluminium has succeeded in making a significant contribution to the promotion of renewable energy and the reduction of CO² emissions.
This has been further complemented by a natural landscaping measure through the use of the company’s own flock of sheep, as well as the creation of new habitats for bees, insects, and plants. Sustainability is and will remain a key corporate principle for RBB Aluminium and a strategy that we will continue to focus on in the future.
