The UK-based BOC Foundation for the Environment was established in 1990 to fund air and water quality projects. Over the last 17 years, the BOC Foundation has been involved in more than 140 projects in the UK with a total investment volume well in excess of € 10 million. New and ongoing projects include:

• a review of roadside emissions testing
• development of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) “clean” fuel cell technology
• a new oxidation technique for combusting pharmaceutical toxic waste
• an evaluation of photovoltaics for solar power
• research into the impact of electrical and electronic hazardous waste
• a programme to develop low-cost electrolysers in support of the hydrogen economy
• a joint project with France to investigate ozone depletion in the Channel region

BOC also joined forces with the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) to launch an environment award for schools in the North East of England. Pupils are invited to submit practical ideas on environmental issues ranging from recycling to preservation of air and water resources. In February 2007, for instance, the award was presented to a team at St. Michael’s School, Billingham, for their efforts in maintaining the John Whitehead Park in Billingham.

The Linde Group has decided to continue and complete all current BOC Foundation projects but not to launch any new projects (see chapter "Collaboration with third-level education bodies").

Our gases and application processes also make a lasting contribution to protecting the environment and responsibly conserving natural resources. BOC has formed a partnership with the Morgan Motor Company, for example, to develop LIFECar, the world’s first hydrogen-powered sports car. The car is setting new standards for emission control, range and performance. The LIFECar is based on Morgan Aero Eight technology. A hydrogen fuel cell manufactured by QinetiQ produces electric energy that powers four separate electric motors – one at each wheel.

We are also involved in a pilot project with Dabbrook Services. This involves combining solar power with hydrogen fuel cell technologies to develop an eco-friendly water management system for the Environment Agency in the UK.

Looking within company walls, efforts to minimise environmental impact focus primarily on further reducing CO₂ emissions at our production plants by improving energy efficiency. Our far-reaching energy management programme, for example, cut CO₂ output by a total of 1,110 tonnes a year.

Various plants in the UK & Ireland jointly established an energy forum in 2006. The objective is to develop best practices in energy management. This project was supported by Carbon Trust, a government-funded independent company that helps businesses and the public sector in the UK to cut carbon emissions. As this project progressed, employees became much more conscientious in their use of energy. Various Energy Awareness Programmes at different plants prompted employees to take a more critical look at energy consumption within their sphere of influence and to look for areas of potential savings.

We are also working to optimise distribution efficiency. Concrete measures include improving transport logistics (e.g. through smart route planning to reduce mileage) and modernising our fleet (to deploy newer vehicles with lower fuel consumption and emission levels).