An initial environmental strategy was tabled and specific measures implemented at Geberit as far back as 1990. Since then, this has gradually developed into a comprehensive sustainability strategy that is now closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.

The sustainability strategy includes both ongoing and future projects and contains clear responsibilities with measurable objectives. It promotes the well-being of employees, society, the environment and the economy alike, and focuses on twelve sustainability modules. Among these are occupational health and safety, social responsibility, conservation of resources, energy and CO₂ reduction, eco-design and green procurement.

The Geberit sustainability strategy is based on three dimensions:

• The social dimension (People)
• The ecological dimension (Planet)
• The economic dimension (Profit)

The three dimensions of sustainability are based on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and their 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As a leading international company in the sanitary industry, we focus on the following sustainability goals:

Geberit also acts in accordance with international and national climate protection agreements and has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2008.

People take centre stage at Geberit and are the reason why we enjoy long-term success. This is why we are always there to support our employees individually – at all levels and in all phases of their career. We ensure that they are able to develop their capabilities and personalities in accordance with our corporate culture.

However, sustainability is also a promise to society. Geberit fulfils its responsibilities here with absolute conviction, as demonstrated by long-term partnerships with social institutions, participation in development projects and through a global commitment to the human right to clean drinking water and basic sanitation.

In terms of People, our sustainability strategy focuses on four sustainability modules in particular:

• Employer responsibility
  Geberit positions itself as an attractive employer and is committed to offering jobs of the highest quality. We also support disadvantaged employees and apprentices.Find out more

• Occupational health and safety
  Geberit operates safe production plants and logistics sites and promotes a health and safety culture at a high level.

• Compliance and integrity
  Geberit complies with all laws, guidelines, norms and standards. We check the effectiveness of internal monitoring systems and guidelines and implement appropriate measures in the event of misconduct.

• Social responsibility
  Geberit fulfils social responsibilities in society within the scope of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With our social commitments, we make a sustainable contribution to improving quality of life – for example, by helping people in developing regions to receive better basic sanitary services.

Environmental friendliness, resource efficiency, occupational safety and innovative thinking are all key prerequisites for sustainable production. This is why we constantly optimise our production processes while consistently reducing our environmental impact.

Global standards help us to systematically tackle areas with potential for improvement and achieve our goals. All production sites and our logistics centre work in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Several plants also work in line with the ISO 50001 standard for energy management. In terms of Planet, our sustainability strategy focuses on three sustainability modules in particular:

• Resource conservation
  Geberit conserves natural resources and practises the circular economy, both in production as well as with its products.

• Energy and CO₂ reduction
  Geberit actively contributes to climate change mitigation and consistently reduces its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

• Intelligent water management Geberit supports the economical and careful use of water along the entire value chain.

In production, the goal is to close internal material cycles, and to minimise waste and recycle it where appropriate. Moreover, the share of recycled materials in production will also be constantly increased.

Regardless of where our products are manufactured, global standards and the latest technologies have the highest priority at all our plants. For our customers, for our employees, for the environment – and for our future.

The comprehensive life cycle assessment process was expanded to the field of logistics as this area also focuses on the environmental impact in addition to reliability and profitability. This creates transparency for the systematic reduction of CO₂ emissions and for making decisions on working with selected companies.

Sustainable operations demand the highest ethical and environmental protection standards – including in the area of procurement. As a result, suppliers are obliged to adhere to a comprehensive Code of Conduct based on the same standards that Geberit applies to itself. This covers issues such as environmental protection, socially acceptable working conditions and fair business practices.

In terms of Profit, our sustainability strategy focuses on five sustainability modules in particular:

• Eco-design
  During the development process, Geberit products are optimised with regard to their environmental friendliness, resource efficiency, recyclability and durability. Environmental aspects are already considered during technology development.

• Green procurement
  Suppliers demonstrably comply with Geberit’s high standards for eco-friendly and socially responsible production.

• Modern processes and infrastructure
  Geberit procures, builds and operates durable and high-quality infrastructures such as buildings, equipment and tools. Global standards help us to systematically tackle areas with potential for improvement and achieve our goals.

• Green logistics
  Geberit optimises its logistics with regard to energy consumption, emissions and packaging.

• Green building
  Geberit has high levels of expertise in the fields of water conservation, drinking water quality, sound insulation, hygiene and cleanliness, which is why it is the leading partner in the planning and implementation of first-class sanitary solutions for green building.