The Largest Schwyz Company Launches
the Green Shield Program with Al Gore’s Film
Environmental Protection for Coming Generations
The well-known pocketknife manufacturer, Victorinox in Ibach-Schwyz, is sending out a clear message for practical environmental protection through its Green Shield program. For the program’s launch, the entire workforce of 900 was shown Al Gore’s film on climate change.
The production hall at the Victorinox plant was converted into a movie theater at the end of March. All of the employees viewed Al Gore’s film An Uncomfortable Truth in four showings. Company head Carl Elsener jr. stated that a central objective at Victorinox is acting to protect the environment. The basis for the livelihood of coming generations must be preserved. ’Even small steps in everyday life are meaningful when it comes to protecting the environment,? said Elsener.
This gripping documentary by the former American vice president about the dangers of climate change has sensitized the company’s employees more than even to the importance of protecting our environment. In its mission, Victorinox has been oriented to sustainability for decades. The pocketknife manufacturer has been a pioneer in saving energy and recycling. Now the company’s ecological commitment will be communicated with greater emphasis to employees and the general public.
The Green Shield program lends greater impetus to Victorinox’s commitment to the environment. Paul auf der Maur, head of the environmental protection workgroup, introduced the program. The company will launch activities for each month of the current year and beyond, such as May Bike Month, Muscles not Motors, and Saving with Power and Light. Through this, the company will promote the use of public transportation, riding bikes and saving energy at the workplace and in everyday practice. Even the purchase of seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as energy-saving appliances should be encouraged - and for this, Victorinox plans to work closely with local producers and retailers.
The company’s contributions to protecting the environment are manifold. ’Our factory here in Ibach uses only as much heating oil as a single-family home, which is sensationally little,? explained media head Hans Schorno. Thanks to an ingenious heat recovery system, 120 apartments near the plant are heated. Schorno pointed out further company innovations: 600 tons of steel residue are filtered and returned to the steel plant for recycling.
The Green Shield Program
The annual Green Shield program was launched with Al Gore’s film. Heat recovery is the company’s featured innovation in April, In May, information and suggestions on the use of public transportation and bikes will be presented. Victorinox already compensates employees for the cost of train and bus tickets. Bike courses and a bike helmet promotional campaign are planned, among other things.
Suggestions on buying seasonal products follow in June. Saving water is the center of attention in July and August and muscle power instead of motors in September. The use of heating energy is on the program for October. In November, the advantages of energy-saving light bulbs and class A appliances will be explained. A survey of employee response to the program is planned for December. The program’s logo, a green shield, is a play on Victorinox’s company emblem with the Swiss cross and underscores the firm’s commitment to protecting the environment.
Picture left:
Heat from the plant is piped to the Schmitten housing development.
