In the area of climate protection, the company focuses on areas that can be improved through its own efforts: for example, all direct emissions from more than 400 locations around the world and all indirect emissions from the company's own energy consumption. as much as possible. In this way, more than 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced annually by 2030. This is equivalent to the consumption of a town of about 12,500 inhabitants, for example, energy efficiency programs, switching to green electricity, investing in photovoltaics and switching to LED lighting all help to achieve this.

Emissions that are currently unavoidable are offset by climate protection projects, as there is currently no corresponding technology or the necessary infrastructure on the market. This applies, for example, to part of the company's own truck fleet or to special machinery and vehicles in the service area of steel mills.

Further focus on green customer products and solutions: the first CO2-reducing steel is already available

In addition to its goal of becoming a climate-neutral organization by 2030, the company wants to support its customers in this challenge. Various levers will be used to achieve this. First, products that reduce CO2 emissions will increasingly be offered in the future – the first steels with CO2 reduction are already available to customers. Second, the product portfolio includes services that make customers' supply chains sustainable, such as solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or recycle products. "Our customers have become increasingly concerned about sustainability. It's not just about green products, it's about complying with all the standards in the supply chain and optimising them."

Digitalisation is a key driver: 'Tons of data are reduced'

The power of data and digitization is crucial for the implementation of measures as they ensure transparency and thus sustainable action across the supply chain. In the sense of "reducing tons of data", it can significantly improve the efficiency of material management. This supply chain optimization allows for a "green" effect by reducing waste in procurement, scheduling, production, processing, transportation and logistics. In the automotive industry, for example, the company uses artificial intelligence solutions to help reduce waste in the supply chain. Incorrect deliveries are avoided and inventory costs, storage costs and shipping times are reduced.