The Ulm-based solar installer e.systeme21 GmbH has been honoured for its outstanding commitment to sustainability with the ‘Environmental Award (Umweltpreis) for companies in Baden-Württemberg 2024’ in the ‘crafts’ category. The award was presented by Environment Minister Thekla Walker at a festive awards ceremony in Stuttgart on 4 December 2024. The environmental prize, worth a total of 70,000 euros, is awarded every two years to companies for special achievements in operational environmental protection and for exemplary environmentally-oriented corporate management.
e.systeme21 GmbH stands out as a long-standing, family-run, innovative craft business that has specialised in the planning and installation of photovoltaic systems since 2013. Following an 18-month energy-efficient refurbishment and modernisation project, the company’s own commercial property in Ulm’s Danube Valley is now completely energy self-sufficient and 100% CO2-free thanks to photovoltaics, hydrogen and battery storage. The biggest challenge was to replace the outdated technology in the existing building with new, innovative systems. In particular, there was no universal solution for the previous fossil-fuelled heat supply, which is why e.systeme21 developed a customised energy concept in collaboration with students from the universities in Ulm and Kempten.
To this end, a comprehensive power-to-gas concept was realised with photovoltaic systems on the company roof and façade, battery storage, electric charging stations, heat pump and ventilation system as well as an intelligent energy management system. The centrepiece is an electrolysis plant from ostermeier H2ydrogen Solutions GmbH, which generates hydrogen from surplus electricity from the photovoltaic system in summer and stores it on site in cylinder bundles to be used to generate electricity and heat in winter using a fuel cell. As a result, the CO2 emissions of e.systeme21 could be partially reduced to 0 t C02e in 2023 and completely reduced to 0 t C02e from 2024.
A holistic concept was pursued that also includes climate adaptation measures. The innovative insulation of the building not only reduces energy consumption and therefore CO2 emissions, but also creates a pleasant indoor climate. Another key factor was the unsealing of the entire property with paving stones. This allows rainwater to seep away better, which in turn benefits flood protection. The exterior façade and fence were also greened to promote natural cooling and CO2 storage.
‘With our pilot project, we want to show how complete energy self-sufficiency works in practice and that it pays off. As one of the most sustainable companies in Baden-Württemberg, we want to set a good example for others and encourage them to follow suit. This is our contribution to the energy transition,’ says Norbert Unterharnscheidt, founder, managing director and shareholder of e.systeme21 GmbH.