The manufacturing sector faces the major challenge of becoming more energy-efficient while remaining competitive. That's why Heinrich Honert jr. oHG from Balve, in collaboration with ENVIRIA, has taken a significant step toward sustainable energy supply.
By switching to solar energy, the company can reduce its operating costs in the long term and become less dependent on energy market fluctuations – all while lowering its CO2 emissions.
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As a manufacturer of high-quality specialty screws, nuts, and fasteners, Heinrich Honert jr. oHG relies on a cost-efficient energy supply to maintain stable production costs and meet sustainability goals. In an industry traditionally dependent on high energy use, key factors such as supply security, price stability, and improved carbon footprint are crucial.
Despite production numbers not havin increased, greenhouse gas emissions in German industry rose by 2% in 2024 to 158 million tons of CO2 (1). This highlights the urgent need for manufacturing companies to switch to renewable energy – not only to improve their own carbon footprint but also to contribute as a critical sector in meeting national climate goals. At the same time, these companies must find future-proof and practical solutions.
With the installation of a 655 kWp photovoltaic system, Heinrich Honert jr. oHG can now cover about 58% of its annual electricity needs with solar power. The system comprises 1,504 PV modules installed over 7,500 m² and generates approximately 584,019 kWh of clean energy annually. This enables the company to save around 274 tons of CO2-equivalents each year – the equivalent of approximately 2,112 economy flights from Munich to Berlin (2).
The energy produced on the company’s rooftop is consumed on-site, reducing reliance on external electricity providers and lowering energy costs. Surplus energy is fed into the grid, generating additional revenue for the iron and metal goods factory located in the Märkischer Kreis region.
Instead of investing in the PV system themselves, Heinrich Honert jr. oHG opted for ENVIRIA’s rooftop leasing model – a smart decision that preserves company liquidity while allowing them to benefit from solar energy. This model eliminates upfront investment costs while continually reducing operating expenses. At the same time, the company earns rental income by leasing its roof space to ENVIRIA for the operation of the PV system.
With roof leasing, there are no capital expenditures. ENVIRIA covers all costs for planning, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance. This allows Heinrich Honert jr. oHG to focus entirely on its core business without allocating financial resources for the system.
The solar power generated on-site can be used immediately – cheaper and independent of the volatile electricity market. Grid fees and charges are eliminated, as the electricity comes directly from the rooftop and does not pass through the public grid. This significantly reduces energy costs.
Using self-generated electricity not only reduces dependency on fluctuating energy prices but also ensures long-term planning certainty. Especially in energy-intensive production, this can significantly boost competitiveness.
Lower CO2 emissions strengthen Heinrich Honert jr. oHG’s position in terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria and fulfill the increasing transparency demands in supply chains. Increasingly more business partners and customers require climate-friendly production processes as part of their own sustainability commitments. Early adopters of sustainability can secure and strengthen their role in global supply chains.
The commissioning of the Balve facility in March 2025 marked a significant milestone, as Heinrich Honert jr. oHG has since been actively using solar energy at its North Rhine-Westphalia site. But the company with a long tradition is going further: another solar project with ENVIRIA, with a capacity of 822 kWp, is already planned for Königsbronn. This expansion shows the company is laying the groundwork for a long-term, sustainable, and economically viable energy supply. It’s clear: sustainable business practices and economic success can go hand in hand.
(1) https://www.agora-energiewende.de/publikationen/die-energiewende-in-deutschland-stand-der-dinge-2024 (Source: Status 22th May 2025)
(2) https://ftp.climatepartner.com/static2/co2-vergleich/de/html (Source: Status 22th May 2025)
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