The Siemens site in Fürth wins at sustainability in more ways than one.
Established in 1954 and long regarded a pioneer in the manufacturing of automation technology, Siemens Fürth has now been awarded as a 2025 Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum. While the sustainable industrial revolution may still be in its global infancy, this site proves that factory-scale manufacturing and sustainable impact can go hand in hand — while cutting costs at the same time.
Reserved for the most revolutionary drivers of productivity and sustainability, the WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network spotlights technology-enabled change makers. For example, while Siemens Fürth produces innovative products for industrial automation, it’s also a pioneer in energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and resource conservation. Continuously growing in size and diversity, the network’s goal is to inspire more industry players to become environmental pioneers.
The sheer amount of power and heat required in traditional manufacturing facilities presents a significant barrier to making a positive sustainable impact. But decarbonizing a plant isn’t something you achieve overnight.
At Siemens Fürth, the shift can be traced back to 2012, when an increased focus on sustainability, and a cross-department sustainability team, was established. These included a system to measure and analyze energy consumption and CO2 footprint. Today, more than 350 energy meters work to combine all data from across the production site. Together, this data feeds into a smart system capable of outputting additional energy-saving improvements, to unleash hidden potentials in HCAV, lighting and building automation. Not only does this contribute to the factory’s environmental goals, it also has significant savings potential.
With a long-term sustainability strategy in place, Siemens Fürth has achieved 64% energy savings per throughput and a 74% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per throughput all while increasing production throughput by 145%. On top of this, the site has committed to become climate neutral by 2026: four years ahead of the corporate pledge.
Manufacturing a better tomorrow begins with small steps, though. From setting sustainability KPIs to simulating digital scenarios that let you test solutions and accelerate decision-making, or by installing energy-saving measures like a photovoltaic system. A focus on the circular economy and extending the longevity of products through repairs and recycling can also be part of this.
When we combine the real and digital worlds across production and supply chains using data, we reimagine industrial manufacturing with collective rather than siloed knowledge. Together, these digital threads can create a sustainable digital enterprise that can be profitable well into the future.
Empowering customers with technology capable of tackling their challenges while accelerate the sustainability transformation is at the heart of what Siemens does. From learning how to use data in a meaningful way, to developing products with a low carbon footprint, mastering energy efficient production, and extending product lifecycles, Siemens offers tried-and-tested technologies that promote a sustainable future.
As a technology company with numerous manufacturing sites, we are fully aware of the pressures of having to produce more at a faster pace while increasing profits. Having a sustainable production strategy in place can be the key to achieving all this, all while staying competitive. More than 90% of Siemens’ business enables customers to achieve a positive sustainability impact, the company thrives on transforming the everyday for companies, supply chains, and even whole communities.