Economic Activity for the Benefit of All

A common good balance sheet measures entrepreneurial success not only in terms of financial gain, but also in terms of its contribution to the common good. This includes human dignity, cooperation, environmental sustainability, social justice, and democracy. The objective is a transparent and credible assessment of where a company is in relation to the common good. Unlike other sustainability standards such as GRI or EMAS, an ECG Balance not only provides clear insight into all areas of corporate responsibility, but is also a qualitative assessment.

The balance sheet is initially created as a self-assessment in a detailed ECG report. Then this information is examined and evaluated by an external ECG auditor. Using a point system, the company’s self-assessment and the external ECG auditor’s assessment are directly compared. The results are published in an audit report. In a related audit certificate, total assets are published. As a result, the company’s contribution to the common good is directly comparable.

Video-Statement by Antje von Dewitz (VAUDE CEO) concerning the Economy of the Common Good (optionally with English subtitles):

VAUDE achieved a balance sheet total of 502 points on a scale from -2850 to +1000. VAUDE was particularly exemplary in the areas of "Ecological Design of Products" and "Reducing Environmental Impact". Also, VAUDE’s positive influence on "Increasing Social and Environmental Industry Standards" throughout the outdoor industry was highlighted. Another positive appraisal was that VAUDE has taken first steps in the ECG aspect "Social Design of Products", such as its cooperation with FairWertung to give used products a second life.