Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Protecting human health and the environment
Environmental protection forms an integral part of the strategy at OEZ. We are aware of our responsibility and actively contribute to sustainable development. We are part of the Siemens Energy Efficiency Program (EEP), which focuses on reducing emissions, improving working environments, and saving energy. Our aim is to become a carbon-neutral company by 2030. We want to achieve this aim by increasing energy efficiency, using renewable resources, and minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill.
A part of our commitment to protecting nature includes transferring to digital instructions. We no longer attach printed instructions to our 3VA series circuit breakers. Every product is provided with a QR code, which directs the customer to the product site offering the electronic instructions for download. This step significantly reduces our paper consumption.
In February 2024, Siemens introduced a new product label called EcoTech. Products under this label meet strict criteria in transparency, circularity, material sustainability, and use optimisation. They have a lower carbon footprint, use recycled materials, are easy to repair, and are recyclable. Our EcoTech products better meet customer requirements for sustainability and contribute to environmental protection.
The Sentron MCCB and Sentron Air circuit breakers produced by the OEZ plant in Letohrad are among the first products under this brand.
Biodiversity and ecosystems
When building, as well as when dismantling our infrastructure, we proceed with maximum respect and care for the environment, and always in compliance with the applicable legislation and standards, and under the supervision of the competent authorities. We strive to restore the site to its original condition whenever possible. We do not endanger biodiversity with light pollution.
You will find bird and insect houses on our premises. Greenery covers more than one third of our grounds and significant funds are invested annually in its maintenance.
On OEZ premises, you can find, for example, Norway maple, small-leaved linden, sage, oregano, echinacea, narrow-leaved lavender, daffodils, crocuses, catmint, alliums, cotoneaster dammeri, smooth hydrangea, and more.
Energy efficiency and decarbonisation
We have been exclusively purchasing green electricity since 2018. For us, the key to carbon neutrality is reducing the energy demand of buildings. As part of our projects focused on energy efficiency and decarbonisation, we analyse energy consumption and look for energy-efficient solutions. In 2025, we renovated our testing laboratory building to make it completely CO₂-neutral.
In 2023, we launched the first stage of our in-house photovoltaic power plant with a 388.8 kWp capacity, with the second stage launch scheduled for 2025. The total power of our solar panels is going to reach 998 kWp.
Our employees' health
We prioritise a safe, high-quality working environment. We invest in technologies, modernise equipment, and encourage a responsible approach among our employees. We make sure our employees are satisfied, which is why we keep improving their working environment and social facilities. In the context of a targeted social programme, we provide a broad range of employee benefits. We organise health days and offer mental health support.
Corporate social responsibility
As a significant regional employer, we cooperate with the town of Letohrad, with primary, vocational, and high schools in the region, and provide long-term internship and scholarship options to university students. Since 2016, we have cooperated with the Neratov Association employing disadvantaged individuals in protected workshops. At the protected workshops in Králíky and in Brno, employees perform simple assembly jobs. We also provide annual support to volunteer and non-profit projects through the Philanthropy Exchange. Thanks to these activities, we won the title of 2020 Responsible Company.
Awards and certifications
Since 2001, we have held the CQS Diamond Certificate, documenting successfully implemented quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), OHS (ISO 45001), and energy management (ISO 50001) systems. We are certified under EMAS (the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme). We have also been awarded under the Safe Enterprise programme and the Health Promoting Enterprise programme. We regularly and successfully maintain our entitlement to hold these certificates and awards.