Step by step into the future

As a family-owned company, Endress+Hauser has always thought in terms of generations. In light of climate change, this task becomes even more urgent. That is why Endress+Hauser used the past year to anchor sustainability more deeply in the corporate group. For example, the new position of Corporate Social Responsibility Officer was created, who also acts as Human Rights Officer. A member of the Executive Board now represents the topic of sustainability on the Executive Board. Regional sustainability networks were formed worldwide and sustainability managers were appointed at the level of the individual units. In addition, the Group has determined its carbon footprint along the value chain.

This year, too, things are to move forward with great strides:
Endress+Hauser intends to develop a climate strategy with guidance from the Science Based Targets Initiative. The initiative has created one of the most ambitious programs for determining climate protection targets in companies. It helps companies base reduction targets on scientific evidence to support the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Climate Agreement. Meanwhile, Endress+Hauser's renewed top ranking in the EcoVadis sustainability rankings shows that the company is already well on its way: in 2022, the Group scored 76 out of 100 points for the second year in a row. This puts Endress+Hauser in the top one percent of the companies compared, again achieving platinum status.

3 Questions for Julia Schempp
As the person responsible for Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights, Julia Schempp drives the Group's sustainability strategy as well as improvements in environmental, ethical and social matters.

marketSTEEL: Last year, Endress+Hauser focused in particular on the topic of climate protection. What is the background to this?

Julia Schempp: Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind. It entails considerable social and economic risks. As a family-owned company, Endress+Hauser implements long-term goals and wants to make a positive difference. That is why we are also taking responsibility here and want to combat climate change.

marketSTEEL: Where does Endress+Hauser currently stand here?

Julia Schempp: We are already on the path to far-reaching decarbonization: For example, we are constructing energy-efficient and climate-neutral buildings, using renewable energies, promoting electromobility and have been participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project since 2021. Now we want to systematically pursue this path, especially as the requirements from all sides are growing. We are currently identifying individual emissions drivers along the entire value chain and developing a Group-wide strategy based on this.

marketSTEEL: What are the challenges here?
Julia Schempp: One of the biggest challenges is data collection and standardization across all our companies. In addition, it has become clear that our carbon footprint is largely made up of indirect emissions from purchased primary products and parts. Therefore, in the future, it will be a matter of bringing about a change in the value chain in cooperation with our partners.

Acting ecologically, socially and ethically - for Endress+Hauser, this is part of corporate responsibility. That is why Endress+Hauser not only invests in expanding its business, but also in stronger sustainability.

• 2014 Since this year, Endress+Hauser has also presented a sustainability report with its annual report
• 76/100 Endress+Hauser achieved 76 out of 100 points in the EcoVadis sustainability ranking in 2022. Platinum status for the second time!
• 95 % of Endress+Hauser's carbon footprint is generated in the upstream and downstream value chain.

Images: Endress+Hauser