Strong Signal for a Sustainable Future
Strong Signal for a Sustainable Future
Bene Invests 10 Million Euros in Thermal Roof Renovation and PV System
The office furniture manufacturer Bene launched a groundbreaking thermal roof renovation project in May 2023, which was successfully completed in August 2024. The new roof reduces the heating energy demand by 50 percent. At the same time, Bene invested in a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) system, which reduces CO2 emissions by 100 tons annually.
Investment in Renewable Energy: Photovoltaic System
Bene has invested over 10 million euros in the thermal roof renovation and PV system. The system consists of 6,930 photovoltaic modules and covers an area of 13,200 square meters. The PV system can cover one-third of the annual electricity demand, while the remaining needs are fully met by hydropower. In addition to supplying the production hall and head office, the generated PV power is also used for the 23 electric vehicle charging stations. The total system output at the Waidhofen/Ybbs site is 3 MWp, which corresponds to the energy needs of about 800 households. Excess electricity from the PV system is fed into the public grid. The current feed-in limit is 249 kW, and once this limit is raised, Bene will be able to feed additional power into the system.
Reduction of Costs and CO2 Emissions by 100 Tons Annually
By switching to renewable energy, Bene is contributing to positive climate development and preparing for the future. The installation of the PV system on the production hall roof and the office building increases independence from the energy provider and reduces both electricity costs and CO2 emissions by about 100 tons per year. The company’s energy consumption profile, which has the highest demand for production machines, air conditioning, lighting, and computers between 08:00 and 18:00, perfectly matches solar energy generation. Locally generated solar power significantly reduces the need for electricity from the public grid.
"We are proud to have successfully completed one of our largest individual investments. With this, we set a milestone in the company's history and send a strong signal for sustainability and innovation," said Manfred Huber, Bene's Managing Director of Operations, Logistics, and Purchasing. "The combination of state-of-the-art roofing technology and renewable energy enables a significant reduction in the ecological footprint and promotes the sustainable development of Bene."
Pioneer in Sustainable Production Financing in Austria
In collaboration with Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), a sustainable financing model was developed. The financing was carried out through the "RBI Sustainable Loan," supported by funding from the Austrian Wirtschaftsservice (aws). This EU Taxonomy-compliant project demonstrates how sustainable investments can save costs in the long term and enhance competitiveness. Bene is establishing itself as a pioneer in sustainable production financing in Austria.
Bene Responsibility
Bene stands for inspiring office and work environments. The high standards of functionality, quality, design, and sustainability are evident in every project and product. The Austrian manufacturer operates one of the most modern and efficient production facilities in the office furniture industry in Europe.
