Environmental Responsibility
Caravanning gives us the opportunity to experience nature and landscapes up close. Protecting and preserving natural environments is therefore of particular importance to the Erwin Hymer Group. Against this backdrop, the responsible use of resources, the reduction of environmental impacts arising from our business activities, and the fulfillment of our social responsibilities are key elements of the way we conduct our business.
Together with our parent company, THOR Industries, we pursue a climate strategy that is guided by science-based climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our targets and the progress made towards achieving them are published annually in THOR Industries' Sustainability Report.
Key targets include reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, as well as reducing Scope 3 emissions. In addition, THOR Industries has committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by no later than 2050.
The following greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalents) were recorded in fiscal year 2024/2025:
Kategorie Emissionen Veränderung zum Basisjahr
Scope 1 approx. 8,880 t CO₂e −57 % (baseline year 2018/2019)
Scope 2 approx. 1,080 t CO₂e −57 % (baseline year 2018/2019)
Scope 3 approx. 4,028,060 t CO₂e −15 % (baseline year 2021/2022)
In addition, we invest in the development of new technologies and concepts that help us further reduce environmental impacts. Our key research areas include alternative powertrain systems, lightweight construction, aerodynamics, the use of circular materials, digital connectivity and automated driving functions.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Efficient Use of Resources
Heat from Biomass
At six German sites, the Erwin Hymer Group relies on biomass plants to provide heat for its production facilities. These plants use wood residues from manufacturing processes as well as discarded wooden pallets, which are utilized as a source of energy.
With a combined thermal input capacity of around 10 megawatts, the plants make a significant contribution to the sites’ heat supply and, depending on the heating season, can cover more than half of their heating demand. By replacing fossil fuels, the systems can reduce fossil greenhouse gas emissions from heat generation by up to 4,500 tonnes of CO₂e per year.
Heat Recovery Heat Recovery
The generation of compressed air produces heat that often remains unused and is released into the environment. At selected sites, the Erwin Hymer Group uses heat recovery systems to capture and utilize part of this waste heat for heating buildings and production areas.
By recovering and using the generated heat, the demand for additional heating energy can be reduced. Heat recovery therefore contributes to a more efficient use of energy within the production process.
Water Treatment Water Treatment
Water leak testing is a key element of quality assurance for our vehicles. The water used for this process is treated in a water treatment system and then reused within a closed-loop cycle. This approach helps reduce the demand for fresh water required for the testing process.
Treating and reusing the water enables a more efficient use of this resource and contributes to reducing overall water consumption.
Renewable Electricity
The Erwin Hymer Group continuously invests in expanding photovoltaic systems at its sites. In Germany, photovoltaic installations with a total installed capacity of 11.5 megawatts are already in operation, some of them jointly used with partner companies.
The solar power generated by these systems supports the sites’ energy supply and increases their self-sufficiency with renewable electricity.