Sustainability in operation
How responsibility becomes visible in operation.
In day-to-day operation, sustainability is put into practice through clear responsibilities, measurable processes and daily decisions. Environmental management is part of how the company is run.
Systematic rather than piecemeal
Our environmental management has been certified to ISO 14001 since 1997. It provides the basis for not merely describing environmental performance but measuring, auditing and continuously improving it.
This includes compliance with relevant regulations, internal and external audits, ongoing improvements to environmental and safety measures as well as ecological criteria in development, engineering and procurement.
Using energy that arises in operation
Erich Keller heats with wood waste from its own production. The shavings are collected and burned in a special plant. A particulate filter reduces emissions. The particulate level is more than a factor of 10 below the statutory limit.
The photovoltaic system on the company site delivers up to 140 kWp of solar power. It is complemented by in-house electric vehicles and the option of charging electric cars with energy from our own roof.
Durability is the first way to save resources
Our products are meant to work for a long time. Surfaces are not only designed but protected. Coatings extend the service life of furniture and interior fit-outs. Wherever possible we use water-based lacquers and environmentally friendly surface treatments.
With wood and panel materials we look for low-emission solutions. As a rule we use PEFC-certified wood; on request we also work with FSC wood. For furniture, interior fit-out and workstations we take the requirements for a healthy indoor climate into account on the material side.
Responsibility does not end at the factory gate
Key suppliers undertake to produce according to environmentally relevant criteria and to comply with applicable law. The code of conduct for business partners is part of our terms of supply. The first suppliers with their own CO₂ accounting and reduction or offsetting measures have already been brought on board.
Biodiversity right on the doorstep
The company site in Sulgen is deliberately designed close to nature. More than 90 native plant species, biotopes, flower meadows and habitats for insects show that ecological responsibility does not begin with the product.
Training and occupational safety
Sustainability is not only about environmental figures. It also shows in how we work, train and take responsibility.
Erich Keller has been training apprentices for many years – above all joiners specialising in furniture and interior fit-out as well as interior design draughtspeople. In this way we pass on expertise and invest in the future of the trade.
Occupational safety is part of this responsibility too. Accidents and absences are recorded, analysed and reduced with targeted measures. This includes internal training, awareness-raising and particular attention to apprentices.
Working with Valida
Working with Valida is a firm part of our social responsibility. Valida creates work opportunities for people who need support and combines care, development and productive work.
Erich Keller assigns selected tasks to Valida and thereby strengthens a regional partnership that combines economic benefit with social added value. For us this is a concrete contribution to a working world in which people with different circumstances can take part meaningfully.
Our priorities through to 2030
Using energy more efficiently
We want to reduce electricity consumption per million in turnover further and keep peak loads stable.
Conserving resources
Water consumption, waste volumes and VOC levels remain central environmental indicators in our operations.
Targeting the biggest CO₂ levers
The CO₂ balance shows where the greatest impact lies: in raw materials, materials, energy and the supply chain.
Working safely
Occupational safety and absences remain part of our social responsibility.