Focus on energy efficiency and environmental considerations
From the energy-efficient design of our facilities to measures for nature-friendly site development, such as the construction of a fire-fighting pond: we take energy efficiency and environmental considerations into account in our actions at various levels.
Our Contribution to the SDGs
Our environmental activities help to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15.
Using energy efficiently
The compressors at our Bad Lauchstädt and Bernburg sites are among the largest energy consumers in storage operations. By combining both sites into a single storage zone, we can operate the plants in a coordinated manner and make compression processes more efficient. This helps to reduce energy consumption.
We also rely on efficient technology for our heat supply. A modern heating system has been installed at the Bad Lauchstädt site. The improved efficiency optimises fuel consumption and reduces energy use.
For people, nature and animals
When planning and implementing construction projects, we take environmental aspects at our sites into account. Where possible, we support suitable conditions for plants and animals through afforestation measures and the maintenance of land. Where interventions in nature and the landscape are necessary, we implement supplementary measures as part of nature and species conservation projects.
At the Bernburg site, a fire-suppression pond designed to be as close to nature as possible has been constructed. In addition to its technical function, it can provide additional habitats for certain animal and plant species.
Furthermore, we support the City of Leipzig’s ‘Baumstarke Stadt’ tree-planting campaign and have taken on tree sponsorships.
Measures
Energy-efficient Compression
Two locations, two energy sources, one synergy concept: the compressors at our Bernburg and Bad Lauchstädt locations are our largest energy consumers. One is an electric piston compressor, and the other a natural gas-driven turbo compressor. In combining the two sites into one storage zone, we can use them much more effectively. This combination allows for improved utilisation, even when working with low nomination volumes. The turbo compressors operate more often within their optimal ranges, and the gas needed for operation sinks. We are also able to better avoid counter currents meaning that the one location no longer needs to withdraw when injections are being done at the other. This means less low-volume storage operations and, finally, lower energy and gas consumption.
Eco-account
Since 2011, we have been maintaining an Ecological Points Account for the State of Saxony-Anhalt. This enables compensation measures to be documented and allocated across different projects.
Objectives
A key objective of our activities is to reduce the emissions associated with our business operations. To this end, we are implementing measures to optimise our processes and are systematically developing our range of services.
In addition, we have incorporated further storage and energy services into our portfolio to meet the changing demands of the energy system.
Certification
Safety, health, Information security, quality, environment and energy efficiency – these are the supporting columns of our internally developed management system, integrated and certified since 2014.
Our Standards
The integrated management system is audited annually in accordance with the following standards:
- DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
- DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management
- DIN ISO 45001:2018 – Safety Management
- DIN EN ISO 50001:2018 - Energy Management
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 - Information Security Management
Into VGS’s management system are currently the requirements of the IT security catalogue as per section 22 para. 1b of the German statutory requirements (EnWG)integrated.
G 1000
The Technical Safety Management of VNG Gasspeicher GmbH was successfully audited by the DVGW in accordance with the requirements of DVGW Code of Practice G 1000. In this worksheet, the requirements for companies for the operation of gas supply plants are presented with regard to the structural and procedural organization.
Job+Family
The balancing of professional, personal, and family life is an important aspect of our company policy. Since 2013, VGS has been recognised with the "beruf+familie" (job+family) seal of quality, confirming that we properly implement policies promoting healthy family and personal lives for our employees.