Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Employees
• Social Commitment
• Customer Focus
• Innovation

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced annual electricity consumption by 3.6% at German locations (excluding Munich) in 2020 due to IT centralization and energy-efficient hardware.
• Increased share of electric vehicles in the fleet to 6% by the end of 2021 (and 43% combined with hybrid vehicles).

Social Achievements

• Achieved a staff turnover rate of 7.4% in Germany in 2021 (below the target of 10%).
• Raised EUR 7,500 through a charity run in 2021, donating to various projects.
• Maintained a low sick rate of 3.0% in Germany and 3.2% across the group.

Governance Achievements

• No cases of corruption identified in 2021.
• No administrative fines or penalties imposed for non-compliance.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Shortage of technical and management employees.
• Pandemic impacting recruitment pace.

Mitigation Strategies

• Focus on recruitment, motivation, and retention of existing staff.
• Expansion of virtual training options.
• Investment in employee development and training.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Regional focus when selecting suppliers
• Code of conduct for suppliers based on ILO core labor standards

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, UN Global Compact, ILO core labor standards, EU Taxonomy Regulation (2020/852)

Certifications: EN ISO 50001:2011 (energy management)

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Software-as-a-Service solutions for optimal resource utilization and energy efficiency.

Awards & Recognition

• Germany’s Best Sustainability (DEUTSCHLAND TEST study by FOCUS)
• Top Company 2022 (kununu)
• One of Germany’s best employers (Great Place to Work®)

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
• Employee Well-being
• Energy Efficiency
• Social Commitment
• Climate Neutrality

Environmental Achievements

• Reduced electricity consumption by 4.3% in Germany (excluding Munich) from 2020 to 2021 and 2.4% globally (excluding US) despite adding new sites. Increased share of electric vehicles in the fleet to 12% in 2022 from 6% in 2021.
• Achieved a balanced carbon footprint for electricity, fuel, and paper consumption in Europe in 2020 through offsetting emissions with a climate protection project.

Social Achievements

• Received "Top Company 2023" and "Most Wanted Employer 2022" hallmarks on kununu.
• Recognized as one of Germany's best employers by the Great Place to Work® institute.
• Launched a 36-month loyalty program in 2023 with a bonus payout in 2026 and preparing for an employee stock program.
• Increased the number of apprentices/students to 19 in 2022.
• Donated €8,500 to various charities based on employee suggestions and €30,000 to Ukraine aid projects.
• Participated in the "Post mit Herz" campaign, sending over 500 Christmas cards to elderly and sick people.

Governance Achievements

• Transparent remuneration policy for the Supervisory Board published in the annual report.
• Annual audits for corruption risks at all locations.
• Compliance with the dual control principle for all contracts and agreements.
• Whistleblower system integrated on the homepage.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Shortage of technical and management employees.
• Low share of women applicants.
• Staff turnover rate above target (12% in 2022).
• Sick rate above target (3.7% in 2022).
• Data limitations for 2022 due to late receipt of utility bills.

Mitigation Strategies

• Focus on recruitment and retention of existing staff, including variable salary components and company car scheme.
• Active increase in the share of women in the workforce and management positions.
• Expansion of virtual training options.
• Implementation of energy efficiency measures and ongoing centralization of Group IT.
• Continuous improvement process based on employee and customer feedback.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Regional focus when selecting suppliers.
• Code of conduct for suppliers based on ILO core labor standards.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, German Sustainability Code, UN Global Compact, ILO core labor standards

Certifications: DIN EN 16247 (energy audit)

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Software-as-a-service solutions for optimal utilization and energy efficiency of server rooms.

Awards & Recognition

• Top Company 2023
• Most Wanted Employer 2022

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Economy
• Ecology
• Social Issues
• Human Resources
• Environment
• Employee Rights
• Community
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Environmental Achievements

• Achieved a balanced CO2 balance for electricity, fuel, and paper consumption in Europe in 2021 by supporting climate protection projects (sustainable forestry in the Amazon and well repair in Malawi).
• Increased the proportion of electric vehicles in the company fleet to 24% in 2023 (from 1% in 2021) and hybrid vehicles to 41% (from 49% in 2021), resulting in a 65% share of electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Installed a photovoltaic system at the Möglingen headquarters in 2023, generating 78 kW of solar power.

Social Achievements

• Increased the Group workforce to 807 employees in 2023 (from 783 in 2022).
• Reduced staff turnover rate to 8.3% in 2023 (from 12% in 2022).
• Maintained a sickness rate well below the German average (4.1% vs. 6.8%).
• Achieved an average of 2.5 training and development days per employee in 2023.
• Awarded the “Top Company 2023” and “Most Wanted Employer 2022” seals by kununu and certified as an “Attractive Employer” by Great Place to Work® in 2023.
• Awarded the “Top Arbeitgeber Mittelstand 2024” seal by Focus Business.
• Launched a 36-month USU loyalty program in 2023 with a loyalty bonus payout in 2026 and a share program allowing employees to purchase shares at a discount.

Governance Achievements

• No known cases of corruption in 2023.
• No fines or non-monetary penalties imposed for non-compliance with laws and regulations in 2023.
• All employees complete online training courses on relevant compliance areas.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Shortage of specialists and managers in the IT industry.
• Comparatively low proportion of women in management positions.
• Increase in electricity consumption due to e-mobility.
• Difficulty in precisely measuring the reduction in CO2 emissions due to various implemented measures.

Mitigation Strategies

• Expansion of dual training and talent development.
• Targeted recruitment strategies, mentoring programs, and tailored training opportunities for women.
• Ongoing centralization of Group IT and selection of more energy-efficient IT hardware.
• Increased use of hybrid and electric vehicles, along with the installation of charging stations.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Code of conduct for suppliers; preference for regional suppliers; focus on compliance with human rights and ILO core labor standards.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GRI, UN Global Compact, ILO core labor standards, German Sustainability Code

Sustainable Products & Innovation

• Software-as-a-Service solutions for optimum utilization and energy efficiency of server rooms.

Awards & Recognition

• Highest Trust seal (FOCUS DEUTSCHLAND TEST, 2023)
• Top Company 2023 and Most Wanted Employer 2022 (kununu)
• Attractive Employer (Great Place to Work®, 2023)
• Top Arbeitgeber Mittelstand 2024 (Focus Business)