Many companies collect ESG data primarily for reporting purposes. Yet this data holds significant potential for operational improvements and cost savings. The HÖRMANN Group demonstrates how a data-driven approach, combined with targeted employee empowerment, delivers tangible business results.
When Data Can Do More Than Just Fill a Report
Anyone who attends sustainability conferences or follows the latest industry publications can quickly get the impression that ESG management is primarily about data collection, reporting frameworks, and disclosure requirements. In the process, a key question often takes a back seat: What do we actually do with the data once it has been collected?
In day-to-day operations, the strategic use of collected data often falls by the wayside – understandably so, since regulatory requirements already tie up significant resources. At the same time, the expectations of investors, business partners, and customers are constantly rising. The result: Companies invest in data collection and reporting but fail to fully leverage the operational potential of this information.
The HÖRMANN Group, a family-run technology specialist with approximately 2,900 employees and annual revenue of about 700 million euros, takes a different approach: Here, ESG data is not merely collected to meet reporting requirements, but is specifically linked to the question of how this data can be used to inform business decisions and drive operational improvements.
How Data Analysis Leads to Tangible Savings
A real-world example from the business world illustrates this approach: At the HÖRMANN Automotive Slovakia s.r.o. facility in Bánovce nad Bebravou, Slovakia, a strikingly high level of natural gas consumption was identified through the systematic analysis of energy data. At first glance, this seemed unusual, as the site does not operate any energy-intensive production processes that use process heat.
The in-depth on-site root cause analysis revealed, among other things, that shift work at the site leads to increased hot water consumption by employees – which, in turn, drove up natural gas consumption for hot water production. This correlation would likely have gone undetected without systematic data analysis.
Armed with this knowledge, on-site managers implemented targeted measures: The previously unused waste heat from production equipment – including laser cutting machines, compressors, and forming presses – is now being harnessed via a new air distribution system to heat the production halls. In addition, a heat exchanger integrated into the cooling circuit preheats the hot water, thereby significantly reducing the energy required for hot water production.
The result: Natural gas consumption at the site fell from about 840 MWh to 385 MWh – a reduction of approximately 55 percent.
„Data is the raw material, not the value. Value is created only when our employees interpret this data, put it into context, and translate it into targeted actions.“
Fabian Schellhas, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Investments, HÖRMANN Group
At the site in Slovakia, it was the local technical expertise that made all the difference:
„The data put us on the right track, but it wasn’t until we conducted an on-site analysis that we uncovered the connection between shift work, hot water consumption, and heating the production halls. From there, we were able to identify specific measures – with the result that we’ve reduced our natural gas consumption by more than half. These are cost savings that pay off year after year.“
Andrej Adamus, HÖRMANN Automotive Slovakia s.r.o.
Three Building Blocks That Make All the Difference
The HÖRMANN Group's approach is based on three elements that build on one another:
Advanced Data Collection: In addition to the minimum regulatory requirements, specific additional data points are collected. This expanded database enables more in-depth analysis and the identification of correlations that would not be apparent if data collection were focused solely on compliance.
Systematic Analysis: The collected data is not only compiled into reports but is also actively analyzed for anomalies and opportunities for improvement.
Harnessing Local Knowledge: Employees at the various locations understand the data, investigate the causes, and take action on their own initiative. Their technical expertise is crucial for deriving concrete improvements from statistical anomalies – supported by targeted awareness-raising, methodological guidance, and the sharing of proven solutions.
Success Factors for Operational Data Utilization
The example of the HÖRMANN Group shows that the added value of ESG data lies not solely in meeting reporting requirements. Companies that systematically analyze the collected information and involve their on-site employees can achieve concrete operational improvements – with measurable economic benefits. The key is a shift in perspective: treating ESG data not as a regulatory obligation, but as a business resource.
Author: Fabian Schellhas is responsible for sustainability and corporate investments at the HÖRMANN Group, combining two perspectives: data analysis and entrepreneurial thinking.
