How we minimise the environmental impact of our own operations
Sustainability is more than a design principle for our products – it is embedded in the way we operate every day. While our compressors help customers reduce energy use and industrial waste, we apply the same philosophy to our own facilities, processes and resources.
Our actions focus on four key areas: energy efficiency, waste reduction, water and oil treatment, and regulatory compliance.
Renewable energy and energy-efficient facilities
In addition to the construction of new facilities in Alleur-Liège, in 2021 AF has invested in photovoltaic technology to enable a sustainable energy source of 200 kW of electrical power.
In 2023 a second investment in photovoltaic technology to enable a sustainable energy source of 177,6 kW of electrical power in Sclessin-Liège on the roof of the main production site. Making a total of 377,6 kW for the Belgian sites. Which represent on one year, the average annual electricity consumption of ca. 350 European households.
We also improve energy efficiency through a full transition to LED lighting across all facilities.
Responsible and traceable waste management
In the context of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), AF continually improves the management of natural resources by recycling, sorting and reducing waste on their equipment according to the regional, national, European standards in force with the provisions of the Directive 2010/75/UE, and the namely the Directive 2008/98/EC.
The present management is also based on the annual declaration with figured out reporting. These reports are externally submitted to the Belgian institutions: Valipac annually and biannually to Statbel.
Waste management covers all types of waste, from industrial waste including but not limited to various metals, electric and electronic components, solvents, etc.) to industrial packaging, plastics, wood, etc., as well as domestic waste generated by on-site personnel and their visitors.
Our internal procedures guarantee the systematic sorting, recovery, and disposal of waste by approved companies.
Controlled water and oil treatment
We carefully manage water and oils used during testing to ensure safe and compliant handling.
Wastewater
When replaced, the used water of the cooling system loop (incl. heat recovery system) at the production center test bench is evacuated in a specific water treatment system. The wastewater treatment consists in a series of three different settling tanks. At the end of the process, the residues are cleaned and removed by a certified sludge treatment company.
Used oils
When replaced, the used oils from the tested machines at the factory test bench are processed and filtered to be recovered and re-used a certain time until the oil specifications are spoiled. When replaced the waste oils are then disposed of by a recognized company for the treatment of used oils and solvents.
Environmental governance and continuous improvement
We closely monitor regulatory developments and update our internal procedures to maintain proactive compliance across all sites. Our efforts include:
- Obtaining a full environmental permit in 2025, in line with UNFCCC requirements
- Integrating standards related to industrial emissions, greenhouse-gas quotas (Directive 2003/87/EC) and official waste-reporting obligations
