Sustainability

Responsibility for construction and industry

sustainability at cirkel

Responsibility for today. Shaping tomorrow.

Sustainability has been an integral part of our operations for decades – in production, energy supply, and the ongoing development of our facilities. With certified management systems, investments in renewable energy, and a forward-looking mobility strategy, we are setting standards in the building materials industry.

We view sustainability as a commitment – to our region, our customers, and future generations.

Our milestones

ISO-certified since 1997 (quality and energy management)
Europe's most modern plants – resource-efficient, supported by the Environmental Innovation Program
PV expansion at all sites – >20% self-generated electricity by 2025
E-mobility & charging infrastructure – nationwide rollout since 2024
Member of Climate-Friendly SMEs & H2 working groups
Customized carbon footprints & transformation strategy starting in 2025
Learn more

Sustainable building materials, environmental technology, and ecological certification

Sustainable materials.
Versatile solutions.

Whether in construction or industry, our mineral products represent a future that is resource-efficient, durable, and circular.

Sustainability as a guiding principle

A holistic approach – from the quarry
to the final application

Sourced regionally, processed with low CO₂ emissions
Future-oriented product development for construction, environment, and industry
Long-term partner for sustainable solutions across various industries

Sustainability in construction

Sand-lime brick & aerated concrete
Benefits:

Recyclable & mineral-based
High energy efficiency through heat storage
Regionally produced, short transport routes
Ideal for sustainable building certifications (DGNB, QNG)

Sustainability in industry

CIRCOSIL® (Tobermorite) & CIRCOLIT® (Xonotlite)
‍Applications:

Water treatment: Pollutant binding, filtration
Fire protection: High-temperature resistant insulation materials
Chemistry & environmental technology: Adsorbents, catalyst supports
Sustainable production: Mineral substitutes, circular processes

‍Benefits

Low-carbon manufacturing
Functionality through natural crystal structures
Recyclable & environmentally friendly

Documentation & Certification

Life Cycle Assessments and EPDs for construction products
Technical data sheets for industrial applications
Recyclability & circular concepts

A look into the future

Our sustainability goals:

Expansion of low-CO₂ mineral solutions
Cross-industry circular economy
Investments in research & development for sustainable applications

Stronger together

Sustainability succeeds through networking

We work in partnership with clients from the construction, industrial, research, and public sectors on solutions that shape the future.

Become more sustainable with us

Sustainability and green milestones in our company history

2025

Development of the further transformation strategy

The long-term roadmap for sustainability and climate neutrality is taking shape.
2025

Expansion of additional PV systems
at the Haltern sites

Ongoing investments strengthen sustainable self-generated electricity.
2025

> 20% of electricity consumption
from our own PV generation

A measurable success and a milestone in Cirkel's energy transition.
2024

Expansion of the e-mobility fleet

Gradual transition to climate-friendly vehicles within the company.
2024

Planning of additional PV systems at the Haltern and Emsdetten sites

The goal is to further increase our self-sufficiency in renewable energy.
2024

Installation of wallbox infrastructure at all locations

Making e-mobility available for employees and fleet vehicles.
2023

Membership in the H2 am See working group

Exchanging ideas and working on projects centered on hydrogen as the energy source of the future.
2023

Commissioning of the 400 kWp PV system at the Neuenkirchen site

The system generates a large portion of our electricity directly from solar energy.
2022

Membership in the VEA Climate-Friendly SME Initiative

Collaborating with other companies to drive climate action.
2022

Commissioning of a rooftop PV system at the Neuenkirchen site

Another step toward our own climate-friendly power generation.
2021

Preparation of carbon footprints for every site

Transparency as the foundation for concrete climate goals and reduction measures.
2021

Start of the "Renewable Energies" project: feasibility studies for solar, wind power, and hydrogen

Solar, wind power, and hydrogen are being evaluated as future technologies.
2020

Planning and installation of reverse osmosis at the Emsdetten site

Optimized water treatment improves quality and reduces resource consumption.
2020

Commissioning of the Neuenkirchen-Vörden site

The new plant sets standards in efficiency and resource conservation.
2017

Laying the foundation stone for Europe's most energy- and resource-efficient sand-lime brick plant in Neuenkirchen-Vörden, with federal recognition through support from the Environmental Innovation Programme

A milestone for sustainable production – recognized and supported by the Environmental Innovation Programme.
2017

Renewal of the steam boiler system with an economizer at the Haltern site

Heat recovery significantly optimizes energy consumption.
2016

Renewal of the entire steam system with efficient controls at the Emsdetten and Wickede sites

New technology reduces energy consumption and increases production efficiency.
2016

Kick-off event for the company-wide CIRKEL mission statement with all employees from every location

A shared foundation of values strengthens motivation and sustainability throughout the entire company.
2014

Launch of numerous operational energy goals across all locations, including the switch to LED lighting with light management systems.

This laid the foundation for systematically tracking and continuously improving energy efficiency.
2013

Implementation of an energy management system according to DIN EN ISO 50001

This laid the foundation for systematically tracking and continuously improving energy efficiency.
1997

Quality Management Certification
to DIN EN ISO 9001

An important step toward standardizing processes and ensuring long-term quality.