José Vicente Aguilar
Agfra CEO
Agfra aims to satisfy the needs and expectations of its customers, employees, suppliers and the society in which it operates, complying with the applicable legal or regulatory requirements and with other requirements agreed with other interested parties, striving at all times towards continuous improvement of its processes and products. Likewise, as a responsible company that respects all its stakeholders and is committed to ensuring that its products improve the environment, it seeks to ensure that its processes and procedures necessary for the development of its activities cause the minimum possible environmental impact, as far as its possibilities allow.
To achieve this it is necessary to:
This Integrated Management System implemented in Agfra is based on the requirements of the UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 standard ‘Quality management systems. Requirements’ and the UNE-EN ISO 14001:2015 ‘Environmental Management Systems standard.
The Management Policy is reviewed periodically and is by the General Policy of the company and with the changes that may occur in the organization. The Management Policy must be assumed and understood by all levels of the organization, for which: it is communicated to Agfra staff through talks and meetings; it is displayed on the company’s notice board; and it is also available to third parties.
Our Environmental Management System has been certified with the UNE-EN ISO 14001:2015 standard. For us, it has been a great satisfaction to have been recognized for our commitment to the environment, which sectors such as Automotive and Renewable Energies value and promote.
This certificate, together with our ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensures our continuity and commitment to total quality. This is something we could not have achieved without the support and trust of our customers and which we hope will intensify our technical and commercial collaboration.
Our Integrated Management System (Quality and Environment), certified according to the ISO 14001:2015 standard, within the environmental section ensures that:
AGFRA has defined sustainability objectives and priorities to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, approved by the UN in 2015.
The prioritized SDG, SDG 13 Climate Action, will have an improving effect on:
The fact that this goal has been prioritized does not mean that we do not support the other goals. Thus, as we will mention below, we contribute or intend to contribute with different actions to the achievement of the following objectives:
Goal 3. Ensure a healthy life and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Goal 4. Quality education.
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation.
Goal 7. Affordable and clean energy.
Goal 8. Decent work and economic growth.
Goal 10: Reducing inequalities.
Goal 11. Sustainable cities and communities.
Goal 12. Responsible production and consumption.
Goal 14. Underwater life.
Goal 15. Life of terrestrial ecosystems.
Goal 17. Partnerships to achieve the goals.
We are committed to the fight against climate change and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Within the framework of SDG 13 “Climate action”, we are committed to reducing GHG emissions and contributing to the fight against climate change by first reducing the organizational carbon footprint and then offsetting it.
To achieve this, it is necessary to calculate this indicator. At AGFRA, we are committed to the following during 2021:
The aim is to obtain the CALCULATE label, and then to obtain the CALCULATE and REDUCE label.
In May 2021 we registered our 2019 carbon footprint in the Registry of carbon footprint, compensation and carbon dioxide absorption projects of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, obtaining the CALCULO seal, and in October of the same year, we registered our carbon footprint for 2020.
As part of this commitment, since June the electricity we consume has come from 100% renewable energies.
In 2022, we committed to registering our carbon footprint for 2021, with a target of a 50% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2019. In May 2022 we registered our 2021 carbon footprint, with the 2021 reduction compared to 2019 being more than 60%, meeting the 50% reduction target. About the ratio of emissions (to turnover), in 2020 it increased due to the decrease in turnover in 2020, but in 2021 the decrease was more than 30% compared to 2019.
This year we are committed to registering our carbon footprint by 2022, with a target of 87% reduction in GHG emissions compared to 2019 and 100% by 2030, making us a carbon-neutral organisation.
a. Energy efficiency
With the following measures we contribute to achieving SDG 7 “Affordable and clean energy”, which, in addition to addressing the need to increase energy from renewable sources, promotes energy efficiency technologies:
Efficient driving courses
Replacement of energy-consuming equipment with more efficient ones (LED luminaires in all facilities).
On the other hand, the roof of the building is made up of a double layer and therefore double skylight. In 2023, the lower translucent panels will be removed. With this measure, there will be a better use of natural light in the hall, making less use of artificial light. Theoretically, this will reduce electricity consumption.
In 2022, electricity consumption has decreased by more than 15 % (kWh) compared to 2021.
b. Water and Waste Management
Climate change will hurt water, leading to a reduction in water resources and an increase in extreme events such as floods and droughts.
Within the framework of the SDGs, another of the prioritized objectives is SDG 12 “Responsible production and consumption”, which includes the aspect of WATER, among others, as we will see below.
Our organization is making an effort to try to adapt to the consequences of climate change and mitigate, as far as possible, its adverse effects. AGFRA will therefore encourage the rational and efficient consumption of this resource, promoting water-saving devices. In this sense, possible savings will be studied by investing in these devices.
This year, 2022, all the bathroom taps have been checked and the deteriorated aerators have been replaced. These devices mix the water with the air, reducing the water flow and allowing a 40% water saving.
In 2022, water consumption has decreased by 9% compared to 2021.
We are also committed to the reuse and recycling of waste.
Ferrous and non-ferrous waste from machining. We separate and manage shavings according to the type of material, which can then be recovered. Of course, one of the main benefits of recycling is to help the environment. Recycling reduces the amount of such waste, as well as avoiding all the environmental problems that can be generated in the environment, such as the consequent pollution of water and air.
All hazardous waste, which is managed through SERTEGO, is recovered, as stated in the annual summary and treatment contracts. The hazardous waste we manage is
In addition to all hazardous waste generated, collection is also managed:
c. Installation of bike racks
We have installed, in collaboration with the Silla Town Council, a bicycle parking station to encourage the use of bicycles by our employees when commuting to our facilities. In this way, we contribute to reducing diffuse greenhouse gas emissions from transport and improve air quality in cities. Replacing cars with bicycles leads to safer cities, with less air, light and noise pollution, and healthier citizens. This action contributes positively to the achievement of several of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 3 “Health and well-being”, SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” and SDG 13 “Climate action”.
d. Replacing plastic cups with biodegradable paper cups – Reducing waste
This action responds to SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production” and its fifth target to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. Likewise, this initiative responds to SDG 14 “Underwater Life” and its first target to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular that produced by activities carried out on land, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
At Agfra, we believe that recycling is no longer enough and that recycling is the false circular economy and that we are still in an economic model based on the throwaway model.
The true circular economy would be to never close the circle and, therefore, to reduce waste and rubbish to a minimum. Ideally, a product should never reach the end of its life and should be kept within the economy as long as possible, thus creating additional value and a long lifetime.
It is a Circular Economy if the plastic bottle did not exist and was made of another material that would allow me to refill it. The same goes for paper cups.
Agfra is going to promote the reuse of paper cups for more than one use, as well as the use of refillable cups and bottles. A leaflet will be distributed encouraging the reuse of paper cups, the use of personal cups and the use of refillable bottles. In order to reinforce its commitment to environmental protection, Agfra distributes reusable metal bottles to all employees.
Aware of the crisis generated by plastic waste, the company set out to reduce the more than 16,000 single-use cups purchased during 2021, thus contributing to the reduction of plastic production and, therefore, to the promotion of the circular economy.
This initiative aims to minimise the use of single-use cups, which is already emerging as one of the most damaging environmental crises alongside climate change and the disappearance of the planet’s diversity of species.
In 2022, 100 BIO cups were purchased, compared to more than 16,000 in 2021, at a total cost of €29.7. The reduction was more than 95%.
In this way, Agfra fights against the use of the plastic hand in hand with all its employees, generating a general awareness in all areas of the company of the importance of caring for the planet and water resources.
e. Replacement of degreaser with a biodegradable degreaser.
This action contributes to SDG 15 “Life of terrestrial ecosystems”, which aims to promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, mainly by combating deforestation and land degradation, taking measures to conserve biodiversity, protecting endangered animal and plant species and combating poaching and trafficking of protected species.
f. Purchasing PEFC-certified wood packaging
Wooden boxes are purchased from a supplier whose wood is PEFC certified, guaranteeing that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. This action again contributes to SDG 15 “Life of terrestrial ecosystems”.
g. Purchase sustainable packaging materials
This action responds to SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production” and its fifth target to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. It also responds to SDG 14 “Underwater Life” and its first target is to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. It also contributes to SDG 15 “Life of terrestrial ecosystems”, SDG 6 “Clean water and sanitation” and SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities”, which focus on ensuring adequate sanitation and building sustainable communities by reducing the environmental impact for cities through effective waste management, including waste disposal.
In an increasingly plastic-free world, businesses need to rethink the way we present our products.
There are various materials that facilitate this process and that respond to certain basic characteristics: they must be recyclable, biodegradable and reusable.
Today, we are all aware of the damage that plastics cause to the environment. We know that they take many years to decompose completely and we know exactly the effects of microplastics and the extent of the pollution they generate.
Zero plastic is the ideal goal. For this reason, in packaging where it is difficult to do without, we should reduce the amount as much as possible. And when there is no other option, we should prioritise the use of biodegradable packaging. Biodegradable packaging is considered to be a material composed of plant fibres and organic by-products that allow them to decompose naturally over time. Biodegradable plastics improve the possibilities for disposal and recycling of waste at the end of a product’s life. This can reduce the burden on our existing waste systems and also on the environment. Biodegradable plastics are fully recyclable after their useful life, they have the ability to completely biodegrade in an outdoor environment. Most importantly, it leaves no microplastics or harmful substances.
Agfra, committed to the environment, will study and, if necessary, use the following packaging materials as substitutes for the current ones:
h. Reduction of office paper
This year we have reduced by 13% (by 60% in 2020 and 20% in 2021) the paper used in the management of a project (mainly printing of plans and lists). An investment has been made in tablets and PCs, so that no physical drawing is required for manufacturing, except for certain parts. A computerised production, warehouse and assembly management application has also been created. This year, maintenance has also been digitalised. This action once again contributes to SDG 12 “Responsible Production and Consumption”. The paper purchased in 2022 is PEFC certified. Office paper will be required to be FSC, PEFC or European Ecolabel certified. The European Ecolabel, better known as the EU Ecolabel, is a fully voluntary certification that aims to make it easier for consumers to identify products that are green and environmentally friendly.
In order to raise awareness among employees and stakeholders, an agreement has been signed with the foundation “Llamada Solidaria” to carry out a campaign:
DONATION CAMPAIGN FOR OLD MOBILE PHONES
Disused mobile phones can help others by giving them a little more hope, and we know that they will be recycled or reused. Obsolete or unusable phones are recycled by a specialised company in an environmentally friendly way. However, phones that can be reused are conditioned and given a second life, thus extending their function and further minimising their environmental impact. This initiative is promoted by the company so that its operators and stakeholders become ambassadors of good practices whose benefits are passed on to society.
With this gesture we achieve:
This agreement fulfills the goals:
In June 2021 the foundation collected a box with 42 mobile phones and 2 tablets. We still have another box available to continue collecting old mobiles.
This year 2022 we have undertaken the following project, continuing with the objective we set ourselves to promote a circular economy project annually:
RECYCLING AND RECYCLING BOOKS, in collaboration with the NGO AIDA (Aid, Exchange and Development).
AIDA’s mission is “To promote the integral development of peoples and the improvement of the living conditions of the most disadvantaged communities, always seeking to contribute in the most effective and efficient way possible to the general action against poverty. The books that are donated are offered for sale in their bookshops. This sale of second-hand books in the bookshops contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation and halting biodiversity loss. With this initiative, we wanted to contribute to the following SDG targets:
– SDG 15: Life of terrestrial ecosystems, which focuses on promoting sustainable management of all types of forests, halting deforestation, restoring degraded forests and increasing afforestation and reforestation globally.
– SDG 4: Quality education, which aims to achieve quality education for all within the 2030 Agenda. Education is the key to achieving many of the SDGs. Thanks to it, people achieve greater knowledge and better behaviors to be able to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, among many other improvements that can be achieved, such as reducing inequalities and escaping poverty.
In addition to the SDGs:
– SDG 3: Health and well-being
– SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities
At the end of April this year we delivered a pallet box of 157 kg of books to the NGO AIDA, giving them a second life.
As we have said before, recycling is a false circular economy. We are still in an economic model based on the use and throw-away model. At Agfra, we think that recycling is no longer enough.
To put it simply, a bottle that says “made from recycled plastic” is not a true circular economy as part of it is made from recycled material and part of it needs new virgin raw material. A bag or T-shirt made from leftover plastic bottles is not a true circular economy, because it has needed new raw materials to be made.
The true circular economy would be to never close the loop and therefore reduce waste and waste to a minimum. Ideally, a product should never reach the end of its life and should be kept within the economy wherever possible, thus creating additional value and a long lifetime.
The Circular Economy is to encourage repair, refilling, second-hand, and exchange.
Therefore, from AGFRA:
– We encourage the repair of machine tools before the purchase of new machines (if it is really possible). Not only taking into account the cost of the repair but also the environmental cost.
– As mentioned above, we encourage the refilling of water bottles.
– The reuse of cups.
– The use of cups and/or glasses to make our coffee and/or tea.
We have yet to define which circular economy project we are going to undertake this year 2023 within the objective we have set ourselves of promoting one project per year.
In addition, Agfra staff are encouraged to deposit their used batteries in the tanks set aside for this purpose. Promoting SDG 14 “Underwater Life” and SDG 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems
We collaborate with:
ASINDOWN
People with disabilities are mentioned directly in the SDGs in 5 of the SDGs.
SDG 4. Quality education.
SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth.
SDG 10. Reducing inequalities.
SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 17. Partnerships to achieve the goals.
AECC “Little Home” Project
With this collaboration we also participate in the achievement of SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.
AGFRA, as a responsible company that respects all its stakeholders and is committed to ensuring that its products improve the environment, seeks to ensure that its processes and procedures necessary for the development of its activities cause the minimum possible environmental impact, as far as its possibilities allow. 2015 was a year of important changes for the sustainable development of the planet. On the one hand, a historic agreement was reached, the Paris Agreement, by the UNFCCC, which represents a great qualitative change for the future, as for the first time a consensus was reached in almost all emitting countries on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the UN approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an opportunity for countries and their societies to embark on a new path to improve the lives of all, leaving no one behind. The Agenda has 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from the elimination of poverty to combating climate change, education, women’s equality, environmental protection and the design of our cities. This is therefore a decisive moment to successfully face the greatest challenge of our time: climate change.
AGFRA takes on these challenges as its own and will incorporate them into its internal Corporate Social Responsibility policy, specifically through its corporate social responsibility actions. AGFRA has defined objectives and priorities in terms of sustainability in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Therefore, AGFRA is committed to:
It is therefore important for AGFRA to know its carbon footprint (CF), to know the total amount of GHGs caused directly or indirectly, thus allowing it to know the impact on climate change, to be able to influence the emissions associated with its activity. This is the first step towards a carbon-neutral organization. AGFRA ratifies its commitment to the environment and society, announcing its commitment to reduce its CO2 emissions.
AGFRA’s CO2 Policy is integrated with the Management Policy, which is also reviewed periodically and is by the company’s General Policy and with any changes that may occur in the organization. The CO2 Policy must be assumed and understood by all levels of the organization, to which end:
Lean Manufacturing identifies what should not be done because it does not add value to the customer and eliminates it in all operational areas of manufacturing: workstation organization, quality management, internal production flow, maintenance, supply chain management. The benefits obtained are evident and proven.
Taiicho Ohno, an engineer at Toyota, is considered the father of Lean Manufacturing. Ohno laid the foundations of what is known as the JIT/Just in Time Management system, also known as TPS (Toyota Manufacturing System). The system formulated a very simple principle: “Produce only what is demanded and when the customer asks for it”.
The ultimate goal of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy is to generate a new culture of improvement based on communication and teamwork. To achieve this milestone, it is essential to adapt the method to each specific case. Hence the flexibility and agility of this system point to highlight its implementation.