Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability at FSB

Sustainability is a core pillar of FSB’s corporate strategy. Our approach is holistic and grounded in environmental commitment, economic foresight, and social responsibility.
Wildflower meadow in front of FSB factory building. Photo by Philipp Jester.

© Philipp Jester

"How green is our business?"

Since the early 1990s, FSB has worked continuously to make its production processes more eco-friendly and resource-conscious. We use recyclable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze while reducing energy consumption and emissions.

One example: we use Hydro REDUXA aluminum, which emits just 4 kg of CO₂ per kg—less than a quarter of the global average. Our new Aluminum Pure finish further reduces energy use by 37% compared to conventional anodized surfaces. Together, these innovations not only set new benchmarks in sustainable hardware design, but also reflect our mission to develop durable, recyclable architectural solutions.

Over the years, we have launched many large and small initiatives in pursuit of climate-friendly production and a sustainable corporate culture. These include our first environmental charter in 1991, certifications to ISO 14001 and EMAS validation (until 2023), and a full switch to 100% renewable electricity. You will find the milestones of our sustainability journey here.

Social Responsibility

Sustainability also means acting responsibly toward our employees, partners, and society as a whole. We foster a company culture that creates long-term perspective and integrates social responsibility at every level. As an employer, we invest in the growth and well-being of our people through:

  • Job security: Many of our employees have been with FSB for decades. We focus on long-term employment and fair compensation.

  • Professional development: We support ongoing learning through seminars, training programs, and individual development opportunities.

  • Health and wellness: Ergonomic workstations, preventive care, and regular health checks ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

  • Work–life balance: Flexible working hours and family support programs help employees manage both career and caregiving responsibilities.

  • Sustainable mobility: Our e-bike leasing program supports low-impact, regional commuting options for staff.

Regional Responsibility

As a company rooted in Brakel for generations, we feel deeply connected to our region and our partners. That’s why we:

  • Build fair, long-term partnerships with regional and global suppliers who share our values and uphold high social and environmental standards.

  • Support local causes through donations to educational initiatives, social institutions, and community projects.

Sustainability Report

Our sustainability report, published in accordance with GRI standards, documents our progress and current actions toward environmental responsibility. Key themes include:

  • Energy and resource management: How we’re reducing our carbon footprint

  • Material strategy: The use of recycled and eco-friendly raw materials

  • Corporate responsibility: Our social and environmental commitments

  • Goals for the future: Climate neutrality, greener materials, and innovative packaging

The full report is available for download here:

Sustainable Design and Packaging

For us, sustainable design means choosing durable, recyclable materials and using them as efficiently as possible. We avoid environmentally harmful substances, reduce water and energy usage, and promote a circular economy through repair-friendly construction.

We’ve also optimized our packaging, i.e., reduced sizes and transport volume, minimized plastic use, and switched entirely to recyclable materials.

  • We have been committed to sustainability for over 30 years. This commitment is reflected in numerous certifications and initiatives. Key milestones include:

    1990 - 2010

    1991
    First company-wide environmental charter in Germany

    1992
    Establishment of an eco-friendly corporate structure

    1993
    First environmental declaration (EMAS)

    1994
    German Environmental Award for the East Westphalia–Lippe region

    1996
    EU Eco-Audit certification (ISO 14001)

    2007
    Commissioning of local heating system – powered by waste heat and regionally sourced wood fuel

    2009
    Free drinking water stations for all employees

    2010
    Member of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

    2010
    First hardware manufacturer worldwide to offer Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as per ISO 14025

    2011 - 2024

    2011 - 2014
    Participation in the LEEN OWL 2 energy efficiency network

    2013
    Launch of E3Con energy monitoring system

    2013
    Company-wide energy management certification to ISO 50001

    2014–2017
    Participation in the LEEN OWL 4 energy efficiency network

    2017
    E-bike leasing for employees

    2019
    Expansion of E3Con with reporting and KPI system

    2022
    Membership in the Institute for Construction and Environment (IBU)

    2022
    Launch of sustainable packaging solutions – first hardware manufacturer in the market to introduce eco-friendly packaging

    2023
    Commissioning of 750 kWp photovoltaic system and first GRI sustainability report

    2024
    100% green electricity and addition of 112 kWp PV system

    2025
    Sustainable packaging in use – already 30% of our product volume is shipped in environmentally friendly packaging

Contact

If you have any questions about sustainability at FSB, please reach out to us!

Alina Bay

Alina Bay

Environmental, Energy & Sustainability Manager

alina.bay@fsb.de +49 5272 608521

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