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Brenntag Essentials opens world’s first CO₂ emission-free distribution site
With the inauguration of its fully climate-neutral site in Traun, Austria, Brenntag Essentials sets a global benchmark for sustainable chemical logistics. The facility is the first of its kind and serves as a blueprint for over 600 sites worldwide.
Brenntag Essentials officially opened the world’s first CO₂ emission-free chemical distribution site. Located in Traun, Upper Austria, the site underwent a complete energy overhaul over recent months. It now serves as a flagship project for the group’s roughly 600 global locations across more than 70 countries.
The facility was energetically upgraded and the entire energy system redesigned. Measures included thermal renovation of buildings, optimised control of heated acid and alkali tanks, a switch to a groundwater heat pump system with low-temperature radiators, and the installation of a photovoltaic plant to cover electricity demand for the heat pumps, the site itself and several EV charging points.
EUR 1.5 million investment and 120 tonnes of CO₂ savings
Brenntag invested over EUR 1.5 million in the conversion. The 220 kWp photovoltaic system will generate approximately 220,000 kWh of electricity annually, fully covering the needs of the two heat pumps (73 kW and 110 kW). The total savings amount to roughly 120 tonnes of CO₂ per year – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of around 50 households.
The opening ceremony was attended by regional political and public figures, including Provincial Councillor Dr Christian Dörfel, Mayor of Traun Karl-Heinz Koll, and representatives of the church and local government.
Emanuel Guelfenburg, Managing Director of Brenntag Austria, welcomed Benjamin Deister, Regional President of Brenntag Essentials EMEA Central. This region includes Austria and approximately 15 other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, generating annual sales of around EUR 1.5 billion with a workforce of more than 2,000 employees.
The site in Traun is positioned as a model for future developments across the network and is part of Brenntag’s long-term ambition to become climate neutral by 2045.
