What have you achieved as a team?

"The external perception of thyssenkrupp on sustainability issues is actually positive. This is due not least to very good results in various ESG ratings. At CDP, for example, we have an A rating, the highest category, for seven years.

We are also proud of our official sustainability reporting. Here we create transparency on energy consumption, CO2 emissions and other environmental data such as water consumption or waste volumes through an annual environmental data survey of all companies and sites. On this basis, we have developed roadmaps for CO2 reduction in collaboration with all segments and business units, which we also back up directly with concrete measures. For example, with energy efficiency projects as part of the Groupwide energy efficiency program GEEP.

We have defined concrete climate targets for the entire thyssenkrupp Group: 30% reduction in our own CO2 emissions by 2030. 16% reduction in CO2 emissions in the upstream and downstream supply chain. By 2050 at the latest we aim to be climate neutral in all businesses and locations. The independent scientific organization Science Based Target Intiative (SBTi) has recognized this as ambitious. Only a few manufacturing industrial companies confirm this. In fact, individual tk companies and sites want to be climate neutral even sooner."

How did you achieve this together?

"Perfect teamwork with technical expertise and competencies in sustainability management as well as interdisciplinary cooperation with businesses and functions make us strong.

We create transparency on environmental data and other relevant sustainability topics such as diversity, occupational safety, etc. We also set targets for improvement in these areas, which are sometimes linked to incentives for managers. This creates trust among investors, customers and other business partners - and additionally motivates managers to seek and promote improvements.

We are continuously in intensive dialog with all stakeholders: Internally with colleagues from the businesses and other functional areas. Externally with customers, investors, banks, insurance companies, authorities and NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations)."

What is the significance of your achievement for thyssenkrupp?

"Good external perception on sustainability issues is a prerequisite for customers, investors, banks and other stakeholders to do business with thyssenkrupp.

While the businesses develop and offer green products for our customers, the sustainability team coordinates and manages activities at Group level so that thyssenkrupp itself becomes better at sustainability issues and meets the increasing legal requirements. Two sides of the same coin that cannot be separated. Otherwise we would not be credible, thyssenkrupp could be accused of greenwashing.

Environmental, social and responsible corporate governance issues are becoming increasingly important for the capital market. Investors and banks would pull out without successful participation in ESG ratings and official sustainability reporting. In the end, there would be no more money from the capital market for necessary investments in our businesses.

Our annual targets for energy savings lead to investments in greater energy efficiency. Every year, this noticeably reduces costs and CO2 and thus improves the performance of the businesses and the Group.

And last but not least, all these competencies and experiences benefit both the Group of Companies and the thyssenkrupp brand, as well as the functional areas and businesses, which are increasingly asked about sustainability topics and data, especially by customers."

Congratulations to the #topteam on this great achievement!

Are you also part of a #topteam or know people who are? Then send us an email. We look forward to celebrating your successes together!