THE GREEN OFFICE
BENE PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT
B
ene’s strategy aims to amounts to 68% of all raw materials used, minimising offcuts the least possible
enhance the value of the thus assuming a special status. Only amount of waste is generated.
company and, long term, chipboard from Central Europe is
such added value is also processed at Waidhofen/Ybbs. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.
achieved by prioritizing As early as in 1988, Bene installed a Bene is particularly proud of the
environmental protection. paint recovery system. During the process innovative energy saving system employed
Environmental management, quality any excess paint spraying mist is collected at its Waidhofen/Ybbs location:
management and corporate understanding from the conveyor belt and processed for Energy for fuelling the production
form a unified theme for Bene. Ecological reuse after passing a cleaning and filtering process and heating the offices in
standards are an essential aspect of Bene’s station. This helps to recycle 30% of all Waidhofen/Ybbs is generated by using
corporate activities – ranging from the use paint used and ensures paint recovery of residual chipboard waste. Oil and a
of environmentally friendly materials, to 95%. Bene uses only water-diluting acrylic biomass tank are used for heating. This
sustainable use of energy and resources colour paints, UV-curing, water-based covers more than three quarters of the
and avoidance of hazardous waste. varnishes and aqueous staining solutions. company’s total thermal energy demand.
Thus, Bene’s emission levels for furniture Extraction of wood chippings is
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL surfaces are well below required standards performed at Bene with a patented energy
POLICY AT BENE (TVOC values). saving extraction system (SEPAS). This
Bene does not limit its responsibility for To reduce formaldehyde exposure system is based on optimal adjustment of
the environment purely to compliance with only chipboard, MDF and glue low in exhaust air to actual needs and optimises
legal regulations. Instead, Bene has formaldehyde of the class E1 is used. the use of fans.
succeeded in instigating and implementing Chemical waste and hazardous waste is Lost heat generated by air
environmentally friendly solutions in the avoided by only processing recyclable compressors is used for heating the
areas of avoidance, reduction, recycling textiles free of PVC. Toxic, carcinogenic, drying equipment and reduces the amount
and disposal. mutagenic or reprotoxic materials are of heating oil required. The heating
Bene deliberately chooses suppliers not used. system is equipped with state-of-the-art
with environmental management systems Component cutting from panels flue gas purification systems enabling it
in place who assume responsibility for is optimised in a computer-assisted to maintain emissions well below
environmentally safe processes. For process. 80% of the waste produced statutory thresholds. Throughout the year,
purchased raw materials and pre- during cutting is returned to the chipboard hot water is generated through heat
fabricated components Bene has defined a manufacturer for recycling. The remainder recuperation systems.
detailed list of specifications; wood supplies energy for Bene’s assembly hall The automated light control system
suppliers are FSC and PEFC certified. and office building. mounted on the roof of the assembly hall
Selection of raw materials is also part For metal working, all aluminium and is another energy saving feature. It records
of Bene’s environmental policy. Wood steel materials are strictly separated. By daylight levels and centrally controls the
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SUSTAINABLE FM | OCTOBER 2007
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