Resource conservation
Along with fuel economy and emissions during vehicle operation, the processes used to manufacture our vehicles also play a key role in determining their environmental compatibility. For this reason, we work continuously to make production more efficient by, for example, reducing waste, utilizing closed-loop water systems, and recycling batteries from electric vehicles.
Production
Mercedes-Benz Cars is setting the course for green production in Germany and the rest of Europe in order to reduce the impact our plants have on the climate. Plans call for all manufacturing facilities in Europe to be supplied with CO2-neutral energy fro
Our commitment to the environment is an integral component of our sustainable business strategy. For this reason, we have established environmental management systems at our manufacturing locations. In addition, our Environmental Management Manual defines a standardized Group-wide framework for our environmental management systems. The manual describes our environmental and energy guidelines in detail, as well as key environmental protection provisions of relevance to the Group.
We regularly check to ensure that all of our plants comply with these environmental protection provisions. Any incidents relevant to environmental protection that occur at production locations that are majority-owned by the Group are documented within the framework of the plant environmental management systems. We then take all necessary measures to eliminate any damage. We also implement measures for improvement wherever this is possible and expedient. The environmental measures are monitored by external auditors as part of the certification process for our environmental management systems (ISO 14001, EMAS, ISO 50001), as well by internal environmental risk assessments (See graphic E.01).

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Products
During the development of our Mercedes-Benz car models we prepare a recycling concept for every vehicle model. This concept includes an analysis of the suitability of all components and materials for the various stages of the recycling process. As a result, all Mercedes-Benz car models are 85 percent recyclable and 95 percent recoverable, in accordance with ISO 22 628.
In order to evaluate the environmental compatibility of a vehicle, Daimler has for many years now been producing life cycle assessments and examining environmental effects throughout the vehicle’s entire life cycle — from the extraction of raw materials and vehicle production to product use and recycling. In addition to raw material consumption, these examinations take into account other factors such as the medium-term and long-term availability of raw materials.
Environmental protection and resource conservation are coordinated and managed in various units throughout the Group. Group management is involved when fundamental decisions regarding vehicle development are made and when targets are defined for climate protection, air quality, and resource conservation.