Environmental Prize Awarded to Huber, Pioneer in the Development of Environmentally Friendly Temperature Control Devices

Environmental Minister Franz Untersteller awarded the “Environmental Prize for Companies 2016” on 17 November 2016 in Stuttgart. Peter Huber Kältemaschinenbau AG from Offenburg received the award in the category of crafts. The company is a pioneer in the development of environmentally friendly chillers and temperature control devices. Huber was an early adapter of non-CFC chillers and a driver for the diffusion of natural refrigerants such as CO2, propane and isobutane.

At the official event in Stuttgart, Environmental Minister Untersteller noted: “We recognise companies that make a bold and exemplary commitment to environmental protection and sustainable business practices. It is remarkable how some companies implement the principle of sustainability within their business practices.”

Sustainability is also a core concern at Huber: 100% green electricity, our very own photovoltaic facility and an exemplary concept for building climate control through heat recovery and groundwater cooling are just a few of the environmental measures Huber has implemented. The company offers a bicycle leasing programme to its employees; it procures goods according to ecological guidelines and it obtains climate-neutral printing products.

Green ideas and successful business practices are not opposed but rather supplement one another. Untersteller went on to note that more and more companies are recognising the opportunities provided by sustainable management: “Those who reduce their energy and raw material consumption through environmental management strengthen their own competitiveness and prospects. This practice also contributes to conserving our natural foundations for life.”

The Environmental Prize for Companies has been awarded since 1993. “The nominated and award-winning companies are role models; they demonstrate impressive entrepreneurial boldness along with ecological and social responsibility,” explained the Minister of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector. The 2016 Environmental Prize conferred awards for the categories of Trade and Services, Crafts, companies with less than 250 employees, and companies with over 250 employees. In addition, the jury prize “Corporate Responsibility - Regional Engagement” and a special prize for non-profit organisations were awarded for the first time this year.

Presiding over the worthiness of the applications was a jury comprised of representatives from economic organisations, environmental and climate protection associations, and state ministries.