“Today we are shaping the (green) industry of tomorrow"
This guiding principle shapes our work. Sustainability issues and how we can do business in a way that is beneficial to life are therefore at the top of our daily agenda. We consider sustainability in its three dimensions of environmental, social and governance (ESG criteria) and are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations, the principles of the UN Global Compact, legal requirements and various certifications.
Sustainability in three dimensions
Ecological
We attach great importance to transparency and sustainable management with regard to the natural resources we require for our business activities. We measure and record relevant data. They provide us with information on where we can improve further. We want to use resources even more efficiently and promote environmentally friendly practices to reduce our ecological footprint. To achieve this, we are constantly rethinking tried-and-tested practices. We are on our way and are taking it one step at a time.
Social
For us, social sustainability is an integral part of who we are. It reflects our commitment to go beyond financial success and make a positive impact on employees, customers and society at large. Our collegial leadership culture in a diverse, inclusive work environment enables employees to experience self-efficacy. This not only promotes their own well-being, but also increases motivation and loyalty to our companies. In addition, we are actively committed to social engagement, supported by our own NGO: CEF-help
Governance
Our corporate culture is based on strong values, humanity, integrity and sustainable corporate governance. Governance aspects such as transparency, ethics, compliance, independence of the Board of Management, and compliance with laws and regulations play a central role here. Sound governance is crucial for sustainable business and responsible management. You can find out more about how we ensure our standards are put into practice here.
Our objectives for a changing world
We are committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. They are the core of the 2030 Agenda, which for the first time identifies social, environmental and economic aspects as equally crucial for sustainable global development. B.I.G. has identified the four SDGs with which we as a group of companies can make the greatest contribution as part of our sustainability strategy.
Sustainable growth is particularly important to us. We strive for this both internally and in cooperation with our predominantly local suppliers. We have set out our principles in our own Code of Conduct for Suppliers.
We are focussing our corporate investments on sustainable business areas such as new agricultural technology or mobility solutions in the medical sector. At the same time, we are also focussing on ecologically sustainable, socially acceptable cooperation in our campus design.
Social justice is essential for us, regardless of background or identity. What matters most to us are individual skills and commitment to our vision of an autonomous, sustainable economy. We actively pursue equality at various levels: through fair distribution of responsibilities, supported by flexible working arrangements and the concept of collegial leadership.
We are committed to sustainable consumption and production patterns - from order-based production to comprehensive customer service and maintenance. We have set ourselves specific goals to continuously improve our resource utilisation, waste management and circular economy.
Our ratings and certifications
SAQ - a sustainability standard of leading car manufacturers - above-average rating with 80 % of the possible points
Ecovadis – Rating of multinational companies - silver rating
ISO 14001 – international environmental management standard
Our Sustainabiltiy Report
With our first Sustainability Report for the reporting year 2022, we have embarked on a new path of transparency. We follow the 20 criteria of the German Sustainability Code (DNK) and the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative. The Sustainability Code is the leading reporting standard in Germany, bringing comprehensibility and comparability to corporate reporting. For us, this is just the beginning – an up-to-date picture of the Group on its way to a future fit following generations.
Diversity Charta
2023, we have signed the Diversity Charter. Diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace are extremely important to us. We are committed to eliminating discrimination and prejudice and creating an inclusive environment. Every employee, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation or religion, is valued and respected at our company. Our signing of the charter is a step toward a more diverse and inclusive working world.
Nomination for the sustainability Hero AwardS Commitment category
For several years now, DQS and the German Society for Quality (DGQ) have been honoring pioneers in the field of sustainability. In six different categories, small companies up to large corporations are rewarded for their pioneering role. In 2023, CEF’s commitment was nominated for the category “Social Commitment”.