GoGreen250 – the sustainability initiative of Kurtz Ersa

Kurtz Ersa gives ecological, social and economic issues the importance they need in this day and age. With “GoGreen250”, an initiative was launched in 2020 that takes into account the various facets of sustainability. By the 250th anniversary in 2029, the transformation to a CO2-neutral company in its own business area (Scope 1+2, partly Scope 3) is to be implemented.

Through the continuous further development of “GoGreen250” and the consistent integration of ecological, social and economic aspects, we are already living the “More than Green” principle in many internal processes and initiatives.

In order to do justice to this entirety of topics, Kurtz Ersa has defined a total of six fields of action that consider our influence in our own business area, but also in the upstream and downstream supply chain, and aim to continuously improve them.

Specific targets and measures, KPIs and implementation are managed by our topic-related working groups. These groups develop sustainable solutions for our business division as well as for the upstream and downstream supply chain. In particular, we always keep an eye on our overarching goal of becoming a CO2-neutral company by 2029.

Sustainable brand values

Already with its brand values Global. Ahead. Sustainable., Kurtz Ersa shows how central the issue of sustainability is for the company. It is therefore only logical that this is also reflected in our organizational and communication structure. Just one example: the Advisory Board, shareholders, Global Board and all employees and managers are regularly informed about general business developments, including in the area of sustainability.

Kurtz Ersa organizational structure

ESG (Environmental, Social und Governance)

ESG is the abbreviation for “Environmental, Social and Governance” and reflects the holistic approach behind the term sustainability. 

Environmental

This includes all targets, measures and projects as well as KPIs relating to environmental and climate protection. For example, the following goals are particularly important for Kurtz Ersa:

  • The expansion and use of renewable energies
  • Increasing our energy efficiency
  • The continuous reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3)
  • Our contribution to the mitigation of climate change
  • Sustainable use of resources
  • Our careful use of water
  • The development of sustainable products and solutions
  • The protection and preservation of healthy ecosystems

Social

People are the focus of our social activities - both as a responsible employer and as a reliable business partner. We live this in particular through:

  • High standards of occupational health and safety
  • Training and further education tailored to our employees
  • A fair and non-discriminatory working environment
  • The promotion of customer health and safety
  • Compliance with human rights
  • Our social and societal commitment

Governance

Übergeordnetes Ziel ist die Sicherstellung einer verantwortungsvollen Unternehmensführung. Diese sichert unseren Geschäftserfolg und das Vertrauen unserer Geschäftspartner und Mitarbeitenden.

Wesentliche Maßnahmen zur Erreichung dieses Zieles sind beispielsweise: 

  • Unser Compliance-Management-System, dieses beinhaltet …
    • die Einhaltung von Gesetzen und rechtlichen Vorgaben sowie interner Kurtz Ersa-Richtlinien, u.a. zu den Themen: Datenschutz, Anti-Korruption, Informationssicherheit
    • einen einheitlichen Code of Conduct für Kurtz Ersa und unsere Geschäftspartner
    • unser Hinweisgeber- und Beschwerdemanagementsystem für Mitarbeitende und Dritte
  • Wir schaffen Transparenz, z.B. durch die …
    • Veröffentlichung eines freiwilligen, jährlichen Nachhaltigkeitsberichts (CSRD-basiert ab 2024, frühere Nachhaltigkeitsberichte orientierten sich am GRI-Standard)
    • jährliche Teilnahme an ESG- und CDP-Rating
    • Mitgliedschaft beim UNGC (UN Global Compact)
  • kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung unseres Risikomanagements

Bei all diesen Aktivitäten verfolgen wir einen ganzheitlichen und internationalen Ansatz.