A comprehensive environmental policy that focuses on more than just individual vehicle models is needed to drive forward the environmental protection project. This is why Mercedes-Benz has set itself the ambitious target of extensively reducing emissions and waste products in the production process and favouring the use of natural resources.

Clean water is one of the world's most important natural resources. Maintaining water purity is a major priority. Mercedes-Benz employs a broad range of biological and chemical processes to prevent pollution of ground water. A good example of operation without waste water is our Cologne plant. Environmental protection was included in the overall concept as early as the planning phase. Covering around 1000 square metres, the workshop operates without waste water and is not linked to the sewage network. The water required for cleaning purposes is recaptured automatically. A rain processing system, which supplies industrial water for toilet usage, further reduces water consumption. Oil and grease-contaminated water is pre-cleaned using a coalescence separator. Car wash facilities also employ micro-organisms to clean the generated waste water. The volume of water cleaned by these tiny hard-working helpers each year is equivalent to around 19,000 car wash cycles.

Mercedes-Benz production plants also play an integral role in our extensive environmental protection measures. In order to meet strict requirements, numerous measures are taken into account at the planning stage before building a plant. The Rastatt plant is an excellent example. The assembly plant was built in 1990 across a total area of approx. 147 hectares. More than 20 ecological measures based on compensating for land usage were put into place in and around the site before the first brick was laid. Part of the site is made up of green areas with 2600 trees and 100,000 shrubs and bushes. We have even taken apparently "trivial" aspects into account, e.g. 700 moth-friendly lamps that attract far fewer moths at night than conventional lamps.

Power supply is another key component of the environmental protection program at the Rastatt plant. This is ensured by a cogeneration unit, which simultaneously produces electricity and useful heat. A key advantage of a cogeneration unit is its high overall efficiency (around 80%). Comparable conventional power generators are only half as effective.

Numerous other measures, including a heat exchanger and rainwater treatment system round off the environmental program. These measures have not only harnessed a number of awards but also ensured that the endangered bird "beautiful demoiselle" has settled in the area.

The Mercedes-Benz environmental policy is not a publicity stunt. This is underlined by the fact that all Mercedes-Benz plants in Germany have been awarded the EMAS logo. EMAS monitors systematic environmental management in industry. This includes an internal environmental policy, targets based on an ongoing improvement process, a clear definition of responsibilities and the quantitative increase in indicators relevant to the environment. Continuity is crucial to companies. An environmental statement must be submitted every three years in order to retain the certification.