Addressing energy efficiency
To better tailor the training programme on environmental issues the adidas Group conducted specific needs assessments among its suppliers. These sought to understand their environmental priorities, which can differ significantly from site to site, depending on product complexity and production processes. Many reported that energy consumption was one of their main concerns. The drastic increase in oil prices has affected energy costs and the high demand for energy has resulted in power shortages in factories in China, where several of the suppliers’ factories are located.
Accordingly, the adidas Group conducted a series of supplier energy efficiency workshops. With the help of an environmental consultancy, we developed customised training materials and technical recommendations across the different product divisions.
In 2007, Vietnam and South China were chosen as the countries to kick off the series of energy workshops. More than 100 core suppliers attended these training workshops. The workshops, which were run under the theme ‘Energy Efficiency – Advantage for Environment and Industry’, stressed the significant economic potential for industry and business and the tangible benefits to the environment. In-depth training was given on various aspects of energy management and contained a wide range of improvement suggestions for factory managers and their facilities. Another important topic was how to stay competitive and safeguard production performance while at the same time reduce pollution and its impact on global warming.
- Energy workshop, China
- In-depth training was given on various aspects of energy management and contained a wide range of improvement suggestions for factory managers and their facilities.