Executive Summary

ASSMANN began converting existing environmental key performance indicators into a carbon footprint back in 2019. However, manual data entry in Excel and the maintenance and selection of suitable emission factors were time-consuming and error-ridden, which highlighted the need for a professional tool for optimisation and audit security.

In this case study, you will learn how ASSMANN used Tanso for

• Improved data management and data quality
• Saved time in the calculation of CCF and PCF by using a holistic tool
• Ensured transparency and audit security

About ASSMANN

ASSMANN develops and manufactures furnishing solutions for modern working environments in which people enjoy working and feel comfortable. ASSMANN supports customers and retail partners with comprehensive consulting and planning services as well as excellent services. The foundation for this is one of the most modern furniture production facilities in Europe and a consistently pursued quality and sustainability strategy. As a family business, ASSMANN works every day and throughout Europe to realise innovative product ideas to create furnishing solutions for modern working environments.

• Industry: Manufacturer for furniture
• Investment projects: € 2.5 million/year
• Revenue: 150 Mio €
• Employees: 400+

Initial situation and measures in the area of sustainability

ASSMANN began collecting comprehensive environmental indicators back in the 1990s, supported by ISO 14001, EMAS certification and, since 2022, ISO 50001 certification. Thanks to these measures and the FEMB-LEVEL 3 certification, a large amount of data was collected at an early stage. The first calculations included electricity, fuel and heat consumption, initial data from Scope 3 and the conversions to CO₂ equivalents.

Dr. Julia Koch

Sustainability Manager
at ASSMANN

“We initially calculated the CCF with Tanso and have now also calculated the PCF. Thanks to Tanso's holistic approach, we can use values that have already been determined, which enables us to avoid duplicating work and save a lot of time.”

Challenges

Data management and validation

The data management was done manually in Excel, using emission factors from various databases. This manual approach was time-consuming and error-inducing, which led to unreliable updates and validations of the emission factors and therefore could not guarantee audit reliability.

Visualization and transparency of data

The data visualization was difficult and not transparent and understandable for everyone, which required a lot of educational work.

Integration into other departments

Integration of data processing in departments such as purchasing and product management to enable employees to enter values independently and relieve the burden on data management.

Lack of expertise and resources

Specifically in the area of recycling materials, there was a limited opportunity for expert knowledge exchange.

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Why Tanso

A decisive reason for choosing Tanso was the specialisation in the manufacturing industry. Equally important was the ability to map and calculate both the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) in one tool. In addition, it was essential to achieve greater transparency and traceability of the emission factors.

Key achievements

Improved transparency and data quality

Transparency across divisions and departments, as well as data quality at ASSMANN, have been improved. The data is now more comprehensible and valid, which enables precise communication of the results.

Leveraging synergies from CCF and PCF

Another important milestone was the successful launch of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Initial progress was made within just a few months. The PCF calculation is now more transparent, understandable and reliable for all parties involved. By calculating both CCF and PCF in Tanso, synergies can also be utilized and duplication of work avoided.

Streamlined audit preparation

The utilization of Tanso has also proven to be beneficial during audits, as it can be clearly demonstrated from which databases the emission factors originate. All attachments and comments are stored centrally directly in the app, which makes the organization and access much easier and significantly improves the traceability and comprehensibility of the data.

Consistent and comparable data over multiple years

The data is now consistent and comparable across the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Before using the software, emission values were calculated in Excel, which often led to discrepancies and made traceability difficult. These functionalities were positively emphasised by environmental auditors, as they significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the audits.

Expert support and knowledge building

In addition to the use of the Tanso software, the extensive support provided by Tanso and the resulting internal development of specialised knowledge has helped significantly.

Dr. Julia Koch

Sustainability Manager
at ASSMANN

“Thanks to Tanso, we can clearly show which emission factors and values come from which databases. This has not only helped us in our external communication, but was also rated positively by the environmental auditor in the sustainability report audit.”

Outlook

The objective of ASSMANN is to reduce electricity consumption at the site by seven and a half percent by 2025 and to significantly increase the amount of energy produced in-house. This year, ten percent of the company's own energy can already be produced in-house, with the long-term goal of generating around 50 percent by 2030. This progress will continue to be presented transparently in the sustainability report. Tanso has provided exciting insights - the data and analytics functions show that around 80 percent of the carbon footprint, taking all scopes into account, is generated by raw materials. This is where the biggest and most significant leverage for improvement lies.

Dr. Julia Koch

Sustainability Manager
at ASSMANN

“With improved data management, higher data quality and detailed analysis, we can see that raw materials account for 80 percent of our carbon footprint, taking all scopes into account. This helps us to take the necessary measures for the successful implementation of our sustainability strategy.”

The measures include increasing the proportion of recycled content, introducing rental models and utilising used furniture. These goals are not only clearly defined, but can also be easily linked to efforts to reduce the carbon footprint. For ASSMANN, it is positive to see how these measures are actively contributing to the promotion of a circular economy.

The company will also continue to work on optimizing data collection and processing in order to make environmental key figures even more precise and reliable. The focus in this regard is set on the automation and validation of data in order to ensure sustainable corporate management in the long term.