SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
We take responsibility
Long-term business success must create value: for the environment, society, and the economy. That is why sustainability has been a fundamental component of our corporate strategy for many years. We consistently integrate aspects of sustainability into our actions. We understand future sustainability trends and derive appropriate measures for our business. Sustainability remains deeply anchored in our company strategy.
Within the framework of our entrepreneurial self-obligation, we define measurable sustainability goals and methods for their implementation. In our corporate strategy, we have set sustainability priorities and linked these to the relevant SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals of the UN). CHT has selected 11 of the 17 SDGs which are highly relevant for our business activities today and in the future (see graph).
- We buy responsibly.
- We align our production safely for people and the environment.
- We treat our staff and society with respect and appreciation.
- We are the preferred partner and leading reference for sustainable chemical solutions in our markets.
Energy and climate protection, portfolio management, supply chain responsibility, staff commitment and resource efficiency as well as responsible production are the focal points of our sustainability management.
These aspects play a vital role in our long-term steering processes and reports. We consider the relevance of these topics for our business, the effects along the value chain and the significance for our stakeholders.
We involve stakeholders: open dialog
Our commitment to sustainability is characterized by a trusting and open dialog with our stakeholders. These include the owners of our company, our staff, and external stakeholders such as our customers, suppliers, associations, universities, research institutions and NGOs. In an exchange with them we identify new trends and demands at an early stage, so that we can include them in our development and entrepreneurial decisions.
Stakeholders' needs and expectations of CHT
Employees
- Safe workplace
- Attractive and fair employer
- Development opportunities
- Trust
- Protection of health
Owners, CHT foundations
- Responsible and sustainable management
- Profitable business expansion
- Risk minimization
Customers
- Innovative and sustainable solutions
- Reliability
- Good cost effectiveness
Suppliers
- Fair and reliable business relations
- Support in the implementation of social and ecological demands
Banks
- Long-term planning and performance
- Reliability
- Transparent risk management
Society, politics, NGOs, media
- Responsibility and credibility as a partner
- Production of safe products in compliance with environmental and social standards
- Jobs and tax payments
We measure value contributions through sustainability
We want to capture the value contribution of our sustainable corporate activities along the entire value chain. We aim to increase our positive contribution to society and minimize the negative effects. To achieve this, we need to better understand the impact of our actions on the environment. We use the experience we have gained in the sustainability assessment of our products, as well as eco-efficiency analyses prepared jointly with partners.
In 2022, we improved and completed the collection of data used to calculate our corporate carbon footprint (CO2 balance) in order to report in accordance with SBTi. In addition, to increase the transparency of the climate contribution of our products, we addressed the calculation of the product carbon footprint based on the TfS (Together for Sustainability) methodology.
Valid data collection
All data in this report is recorded and documented in a reporting system used throughout the group. The reporting system uses a uniform data platform which is available at all CHT sites worldwide. All group-wide data in the areas of ecology and society is collected by locally responsible and access-authorized employees at the various CHT sites. The validity of such data is ensured by a two-stage confirmation process. The tool contains calculation factors, so that all consumptions and emissions can be recorded, calculated, and evaluated centrally.
In addition, CHT has implemented a tool for the group-wide management and assurance of compliance and CSR guidelines. The companies of the CHT Group process a comprehensive compliance survey in the form of a compliance audit or self-assessment. The evaluation is carried out by the Head of Compliance and is summarized and presented to the CHT management for assessment.
Sustainability management
We are continuously working to expand our positive impact on key sustainability issues and reduce the negative impact of our business activities. The Central Corporate unit “Global Sustainability Management”, together with decentralized specialist managers, is responsible for integrating sustainability into core business activities and decision-making processes. This unit is also responsible for the global management of climate-related issues.
The systematic assessment of sustainability criteria, including the impact of climate change, is an integral part of acquisition and investment decisions relating to property, plant and equipment. We assess not only economic dimensions, but also potential impacts on areas such as the environment, human rights, and the local community.