We are giving this matter thorough consideration and taking practical steps to optimise our own environmental footprint. We aim to avoid emissions – and only as a secondary measure to reduce them – and, where they cannot be avoided, to make a ‘ClimatePlus’ contribution via the climate fund.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we have been operating in accordance with the ‘Eco-Management and Audit Scheme’ (EMAS) since 2006. The first external audit took place in December 2012. Key steps taken to improve our environmental performance in recent years include:

• sustainable procurement
• Treating waste as a resource
• Conserving water and electricity
• Meat-free catering
• Purchasing certified green electricity and expanding renewable energy sources.
• Avoiding unnecessary overheating when heating
• Encouraging the use of bicycles, public transport and car-sharing for the commute.
• Travelling by land rather than by air, and using public transport

Business trips outside Europe account for a large proportion of our CO₂ emissions. We plan these trips taking environmental and social criteria into account and systematically reduce them through the use of digital communication technology.