Since the start of summer, scorching sun has hung high in the sky, and intense heat has swept across many countries, with red alerts being issued frequently. Against the backdrop of global warming, extreme heatwaves have become increasingly common.
As temperatures continue to rise, challenging people’s perception of heat, ‘adapting to climate change’ has evolved from a scientific issue into a pressing everyday concern. Sustainable development is no longer a future vision but a practical action that every company must undertake.
From the renewable electricity flowing from solar panels, to the low-carbon footprint left by hydrogen-powered trucks, to the circular wisdom behind waste recycling… SKF has always been taking action to ‘cool down’ the Earth.
Now, let us follow the footsteps of ‘SKF China 2024 Sustainability’ and feel the true power of sustainability through reflection.
Moving towards ‘green’ Energy transition, energy efficiency improvement
In 2020, SKF joined RE100, committing to 100% renewable energy use by 2030. In 2024, SKF China has made significant strides on the path of energy transition.
In 2024, the self-generated and self-consumed electricity from distributed photovoltaic systems exceeded 23,600 MWh, representing a 192% increase compared to 2023.
The renewable energy usage rate reached 76%, an increase of 123% compared to 2023.
75 energy efficiency improvement projects, cumulatively saving 19 GWh of electricity
These achievements are not just about numerical growth; they have also effectively reduced operational costs and made positive contributions to reducing environmental impact.
Starting from ‘zero’ towards green logistics and net-zero
In the logistics sector, SKF China has delivered impressive results in promoting green logistics transformation through multiple innovative practices.
Replacing traditional diesel trucks with hydrogen-powered trucks has achieved a breakthrough in net-zero emissions at the logistics end, reducing carbon emissions from NEA to trunk line transportation by 63%.
Optimising warehouse door zones and distribution route planning, and improving logistics pickup processes, has reduced pickup trips by 22%.
Continuing ‘sustainable’ ecological protection, green factories
Efficient use of resources is the core of sustainable development. In 2024, SKF China achieved outstanding results in green factory construction and ecological protection. These efforts not only reduced environmental impact but also set new benchmarks for sustainable development.
Waste recycling rate reached 92%, with 100% resource utilization of waste grinding residue
VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions decreased by 45.33% compared to 2023
Nine factories obtained green factory certification, with three of them being awarded the national-level green factory title
Deep research and swift action to build a circular economy
In 2023, SKF released its first bearing PCR (Product Category Rule), pioneering the standardisation of research into the environmental impact of bearings throughout their entire lifecycle and setting a benchmark for the industry.
By the end of 2024, based on the research findings of the PCR on the entire lifecycle of bearings, SKF China compiled and released the ‘Guidelines for Carbon Footprint Calculation of Bearing Products.’ The release of these guidelines made a significant contribution to the research project on carbon verification solutions for wind power equipment R&D and manufacturing, earning SKF the ‘Industry Pioneer Award’ from the Renewable Energy Experts Technical Committee.
While continuously strengthening its own sustainability capabilities and performance, SKF is also exploring the extension of sustainability pathways into its business operations.
In 2024, SKF China issued five ‘SKF Green Service Environmental Benefit Certificates’ to its partners and customers to recognise their contributions to environmental improvement and the circular economy through bearing remanufacturing.
Milestone Moment
In 2024, SKF’s product manufacturing process
saw a 63% year-on-year reduction in carbon footprint,
achieving the interim target ahead of schedule!
From clean energy to green manufacturing,
from technological innovation to industrial collaboration,
SKF is taking concrete actions to fulfil
its solemn commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in global manufacturing units by 2030
and net-zero emissions across the entire supply chain by 2050!