BMW ON THE WAY TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

The CO2 footprint of the fully electric BMW iX3, for example, is 30% more favourable than a BMW X3 sDrive20d taken as reference vehicle when the average electricity available on the European market is used (based on a consumption in line with the statutory WLTP cycle). If the battery is exclusively charged with electricity from renewable energies, the savings in CO2 emissions even rise to 60%.

The BMW Group has the experience of more than 1 million electrified models in the last 10 years. Therefore, when you purchase a new BMW plug-in hybrid and BMW i electric vehicle, you will receive an extended warranty for the high-voltage storage system with a maximum mileage of up to 160,000 km.

A lithium-ion battery comprises the four components of cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte. Key factors in the quality of the battery are the precise quantities and in turn the quality of the constituent parts – but also how the individual components are combined and processed.

Through the use of regenerative raw materials and natural fibres, recycled plastics, vegan alternatives to leather as well as recyclable textiles, the BMW Group is aiming to heighten general awareness of sustainable materials and offer transparent insight into its path towards a sustainable future.
 

From the viewpoint of the BMW Group, only a holistic approach in dealing with established and new materials will be able to sustainably reduce CO2 emissions in the long run. For this reason, the BMW Group is not only accelerating the successful development of a market for secondary materials but is also intensifying the collaboration with innovative start-ups in the field of future-oriented materials. 

Under the heading “Design for Recycling”, the BMW Group sees the development and production of every new BMW vehicle as laying the foundations for an environmentally compatible method of recycling. This also includes end-of-life high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles. In addition to a secondary usage as stationary electricity storage for stabilising the public electricity grid, the BMW Group is also working with various partners to develop recycling and the establishment of closed material cycles (circularity) for battery cells.

Circular economy – also called circularity – refers to the principle that products are reused for new products or materials after their initial use as a raw material.

Protecting and maintaining the environment, using valuable resources multiple times and ensuring that less waste is generated – this is what the BMW Group is pursuing with its four principles of the circular economy. In addition, the use of secondary materials (e.g. aluminium) enables CO2 reductions to be achieved. Innovation is the key to achieving a circular economy. 

The BMW Group plants are continuously promoting environmental protection through transformation with a focus on sustainability and the use of renewable materials. We employ the most effective measure according to the prevailing conditions and location. This ranges from regional green electricity from hydropower, such as in the BMW Group plants in Munich and Dingolfing, via electricity generation from photovoltaic plants in the Chinese BBA plants in Shenyang and a biogas plant some 100 km from the South African BMW Group plant in Rosslyn, through to electricity production from wind energy in the BMW Group plant Leipzig.

Securing the adherence to environmental and social standards in the supplier network is the declared aim of the BMW Group. This particularly includes observing human rights and the sustainable extraction of raw materials. Potential risks arise above all in the production and subsequent processing of 37 raw materials and groups of materials that are relevant for us. Examples include natural rubber, tungsten, lithium and cobalt. We confront these risks with standardised, preventive and reactive measures tailored to each raw material, as well as with measures specific to the BMW Group.

The BMW Group applies a large number of measures to ensure environmental and social standards within the supplier network. BMW expects all suppliers to implement an effective programme of environmental protection management, to adhere to environmental standards and to continuously minimise resource consumption and environmental impacts (energy, water, waste, emissions, etc.). Various actions, such as audits, are employed to monitor compliance.

CO2 emissions occur, for example, due to the combustion of carbonaceous materials such as oil, coal and wood. Consequently, the quantity of CO2 emissions has risen tremendously since industrialisation. The originators of CO2 emissions are producers of electricity and heat as well as industry but also private households. With respect to the automotive industry, CO2 emissions can result from the production, use and disposal of vehicles. This is why the BMW Group is attempting to address all three issues in order to reduce CO2 emissions. 

Changing over to an electrified BMW model can reduce the individual CO2 footprint during the use phase compared with a vehicle fitted with a classic combustion engine. Technologies such as eDrive Zones additionally help to realise the full potential of a BMW plug-in hybrid. Furthermore, the My BMW App [digital solutions to support your e-mobility] offers smart services for a driving style that conserves resources.

Commitment to sustainability is part of the philosophy of the BMW Group. As a company with a multinational workforce and locations on five continents, we are part of society and accept our responsibility. We are committed to intercultural communication, well-founded education for children and young adults as well as safety in traffic. The voluntary involvement of our employees makes just as important a contribution to the social responsibility of the BMW Group as does the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, an independent company trust.

Through the BMW iFACTORY, the BMW Group is presenting a revolutionary strategy for the automobile production of the future. Implementation of the BMW iFACTORY is taking place in all BMW Group plants around the world. At the same time, it is setting new benchmarks in matters of climate protection and competitiveness with flexible, efficient and digital production technologies. The pioneer project is the new plant in the Hungarian city of Debrecen, which is set to produce the fully electric New Class as from 2025.

The BMW Group views diversity as a strength. This is why we use training courses, talks and dialogue formats to create awareness among employees and management staff of the positive contribution that diversity is able to make within the company. Furthermore, the BMW Group promotes diversity and equality of opportunity in personnel development. Key principles such as protection against discrimination, equal treatment for all employees and respect in everyday business are firmly anchored in guidelines, which include the BMW Group Code of Conduct or the BMW Group Code on Human Rights and Working Conditions.

Through its social commitment, the BMW Group aspires to meet specific needs and achieve long-term impact. At the heart of these endeavours, we place projects that we are able to support in a targeted manner through our competencies. At our locations, we develop educational projects aimed at facilitating entry into the labour market for young people and thus opening up better prospects for them in life. In cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), we have been regularly presenting the Intercultural Innovation Award since 2011. The award is bestowed upon projects that seek constructive solutions for intercultural tensions and conflicts.