Intro

The leading global company Pankl AG has partnered with Tanso since 2023 to quickly and efficiently create an audit-compliant CO₂ balance. Compared to the previous tool provider, Tanso’s sustainability software provides effective support by enabling cross-departmental and cross-location task distribution while also offering the necessary transparency for emission factors.

In this case study, you will learn how Pankl AG:

• Achieved 33% time savings compared to the previous tool provider
• Improved quality and efficiency
• Enabled fast identification and correction of errors thanks to clear and traceable data capture

About Pankl AG

Pankl AG develops, manufactures, and distributes high-precision single components or complete systems for high-tech sectors across various markets, including motorsports, luxury automotive, trucks, aerospace, truck & off-highway, two-wheelers, and industrial applications. As a globally leading manufacturer with around 4,500 employees and 20 locations worldwide, as well as divisions in racing, high performance, aerospace, pumps/engine components, and brake discs, Pankl stands for quality and diversity. In line with a comprehensive sustainability strategy, the board initiated the future calculation of a Corporate Carbon Footprint in 2019. This process quickly revealed the need for collaboration with an external partner with specialized expertise to ensure effective implementation.

"With Tanso, we found a clear and user-friendly tool that enhances our collaboration, provides transparency around emission factors, and ensures audit readiness."

Robert Gugganig

Head of Sustainability

Initial calculation of the Corporate Carbon Footprint

Carbon emissions tracking initially began at the Austrian locations, while the German sister company SHW simultaneously focused on its sites in Germany. Over the years, not only did data quality continuously improve, but all global locations were gradually included as well. The tracking process was gradually expanded to include additional categories of Scope 3. The original focus was on Scope 1 and 2, supplemented by easily accessible data incorporated into Scope 3.

Initially, sustainability measures were limited and primarily focused on energy savings to reduce costs, without significantly reducing the carbon footprint or aiming for a more sustainable way of doing business.

Challenges

Scope 3 Data

The availability and consistency of data - particularly in Scope 3 - posed significant challenges, as materials are often purchased in non-standardized units. This led to uncertainties and extensive data conversions, especially when information from global sites was not provided in the metric system.

Challenges with Excel Usage

Using Excel as the primary tool for data collection frequently resulted in transparency issues and errors that affected data integrity. Limited employee enablement also led to a high number of follow-up questions and considerable additional effort. This, in turn, reduced team motivation and hindered cross-site collaboration, further decreasing the efficiency of sustainability efforts.

Why Tanso

The emissions data initially collected with Excel, and later with a previous provider's tool, proved inadequate. Auditors highlighted issues with the traceability of CO₂ emission factors and the absence of source references. Furthermore, the tool lacked an audit trail, prompting the company to seek a new partner to address these shortcomings.

They ultimately selected Tanso, whose software enables seamless, cross-location task management and delivers essential transparency in emission factors, making it a dependable and efficient solution. Tanso also meets the audit security requirements crucial for traceability and compliance.

“Thanks to the Tanso software, we were able to complete our carbon footprint on time and save up to one month compared to our previous provider.”

Anja Brauneder

Sustainability Manager

Key achievements

Since implementing the Tanso software, Pankl has seen significant progress in the creation and management of its sustainability report. The software enables the decentralized, organization-wide collection of traceable data across all 20 locations, supporting the effective execution of the sustainability strategy and significantly improving data integrity and quality. The comprehensive analytics capabilities and company-wide shareable dashboards have proven to be invaluable tools for location-specific information, greatly enhancing collaboration between teams. Thanks to clear and traceable data capture, errors can now be quickly identified and corrected, resulting in far fewer inquiries and ensuring efficient workflows.

Pankl was also able to achieve significant time savings in creating the CO₂ balance: this year, the report was completed over a month earlier, whereas last year, the deadline was barely met.

Additionally, Tanso provides clear indicators for the progress of the sustainability report, allowing the team to maintain a constant overview of the current status. Finally, Tanso’s responsive support ensures that issues are resolved promptly and questions are answered efficiently.

• 33% Time Savings: Faster carbon accounting compared to the previous software provider
  

• Quality and Efficiency: Significant improvement in quality and efficiency through methodological and expert support
  

• Optimized Error Correction: Faster identification and resolution of errors

Outlook

Pankl is pursuing an ambitious future strategy: starting next year, CO₂ neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 is to be achieved in Austria, by 2030 across Europe, and globally by 2040. Tanso plays a crucial role in supporting the development of a comprehensive decarbonization strategy. The Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) highlights the largest reduction potentials and CO₂ emitters, especially within the supply chain and Scope 3. While this area has been less detailed in the past, it will be a stronger focus moving forward to make significant progress toward carbon neutrality.