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2015 Sustainability Report
published 2016/07/13
About VAUDEOur Sustainability Strategy Our Goals in Detail

Our goals in detail

We want to be a company that is sustainable to the core. We came closer to this goal again in 2015. For 2016, we have additional sustainability measures planned.

Seven business goals - key events and goal achievement

Once again, a lot happened at VAUDE in the area of sustainability in 2015. By and large, we have been able to achieve our goals. The award “Germany’s Most Sustainable Brand” provided validation by an independent third party of the success of our strategy – see Our Sustainability Strategy.


2015 - a good year for sustainability at VAUDE

Other awards, such as the 1st place in the “Rank a Brand” list of sustainable outdoor companies shows that we’re on the right track – see Our Awards.


There are, however, critical voices from our customers too. We are very open to examining constructive criticism about our strategies and receiving input about improvement, about our CSR performance, as well as about how to improve our communication – see Stakeholder Engagement.


Always making new sustainability goals – based on our convictions

Our conviction remains: we are continuing to work toward increasing our sustainability. In the areas where we are not completely satisfied, we are always setting new goals in order to achieve our corporate vision.

“As Europe’s most sustainable outdoor outfitter, we are contributing to making the world a better place to that tomorrow’s generation can enjoy the outdoors with a clear conscience. We are taking a stance and setting sustainability standards worldwide.”

We publish our corporate objectives that are directly related to sustainability in our report. For competitive reasons, we do not publish targets for market share, profit margins and distribution channels.


GRI:   G4-1
Provide a statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization (such as CEO, chair, or equivalent senior position) about the relevance of sustainability to the organization and the organization’s strategy for addressing sustainability.
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About this report
VAUDE is publishing its second GRI report Read more
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Tettnang-Obereisenbach is the location of the headquarters of the family-owned business VAUDE Read more
Business philosophy
Responsible business practices as a guiding principle Read more
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We are economically self-sufficient and positioned for a promising future

GRI aspect: Economic performance
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016

Increasing/stabilizing of the equity ratio
See also: Sustainable Business is Worthwhile

Equity Ratio

39.2%

52%

47.7%

51.6%

Increase sales
See also: Sustainable Business is Worthwhile

Sales

1.7%

+6.1%

+3.5%

6%

Concept development "Green Financing"
See also: Sustainable Business is Worthwhile





Criteria for Green Financing at VAUDE has been adopted

Concept development and introduction of profit participation certificates
See also: Sustainable Business is Worthwhile





Employees can purchase profit participation certificates
Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:

  • We were nominated for the Boldness Business Award 2015 in the category “Corporate Responsibility/ Environment” by the Financial Times – Sustainable Business is Worthwhile.


We are transparent and authentic.

GRI aspects: advertising, identification of products and services, compliance (product identification), policy
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016

Transparency in the supply chain: we publish the locations of our producers and material manufacturers

Publication

Production countries of the material manufacturers and producers are published. 

Production countries of the material manufacturers and producers for each product in the web shop.

Due to resource related reasons, this was delayed until 2016-2017

Publication of the location of material manufacturers and producers for each product in the web shop

Voice of Consumer: End consumer satisfaction measured and involvement of end consumers by means of active dialog
See also: Customer Satisfaction as the Highest Goal


67.3%

Increase customer satisfaction (Satisfaction Score)

77.7%

Increase customer satisfaction (Satisfaction Score) and definition of the measures for end consumer involvement

Active dialog with customers (specialized dealers)
See also: VAUDE in Dialogue with Stakeholders



Development of sustainability dialog with sport dealers within the framework of the ISPO and Outdoor trade fair.

Two dialogs on the theme "Communicating sustainability authentically and successfully in specialized dealers" conducted

Continue dialog with specialized dealers

Active dialog with environmental stakeholders on environmental management issues in the supply chain
See also: VAUDE in Dialogue with Stakeholders





Hold "Dialog Day"
Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:



Our products are sustainably innovative

GRI aspects: materials, products and services, health and safety of customers
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016 Comments

Increase the total percentage of environmentally friendly products
See also: VAUDE Green Shape

Total percentage of environmentally friendly products in the entire Collection (Green Shape)

Summer 2015: 48%
Winter 2015: 57%

So far we haven't defined any target values, because increasing our Green Shape percentage is extremely dependent upon the PFC-free DWR for waterproof products. This is related to the Collection S16 & W16 for which the new Green Shape rules apply. More at - Green Shape

Summer 2016: 53%
Summer 2017: 57%
Winter 2016: 62%

Increase percentage of the products

The 2015 actual values can not be compared to each other because we improved the calculation methods.

 


Total percentage of environmentally friendly products in the Apparel Collection (Green Shape)

Summer 2015: 87%
Winter 2015: 76%

So far we haven't defined any target values, because increasing our Green Shape percentage is extremely dependent upon the PFC-free DWR for waterproof products. This is related to the Collection S16 & W16 for which the new Green Shape rules apply. More at - Green Shape

Summer 2016: 79%
Winter 2016: 73%
Summer 2017: 88%

Increase percentage of the products

The 2015 actual values can not be directly compared to each other because we improved the calculation methods.


Total percentage of bluesign® certified fabrics in the Apparel Collection

Summer 2015: 77%
Winter 2015: 80%

Increase percentage

Summer 2016: 74%
Winter 2016: 64%
Sommer 2017: 79%

Increase percentage of products

In accordance with the new bluesign® rules, we will evaluate the percentage of bluesign certified fabrics starting with the Winter Collection 2015.
 

Increase the percentage of recycled materials used
See also: Recycled Materials

Percent of the entire Collection made from recycled materials



Summer 2016: 4%
Winter 2016: 13%
Summer 2017: 5%

Increase percentage of products



Percentage of the Backpack Collection made from recycled materials

Summer 2015: 4.42%
Winter 2015: 17.65%

Increase percentage of the products

Summer 2016: 13.54%
Winter 2016: 20%

Increase percentage of products


Manufacture products with PFC-free finishes
See also: Water Repellent Materials

Percentage of PFC-free products in the Apparel Collection

Overall Apparel Collection:
Summer 2015: 72%
Winter 2015: 77%

Products with DWR:
Summer 2015: 41%
Winter 2015: 52%

Increase percentage of the products

Overall Apparel Collection:
Summer 2017: 95%
Summer 2016: 78%
Winter 2016: 66.3%

Products with DWR:
Summer 2017: 87%
Summer 2016: 50%
Winter 2016: 52%

Increase percentage of products 

We are dependent on the availability of a marketable OC chemical in order to increase the percentage of waterproof products with a CO - finish.

Packs 'n Bags products PVC-free
See also: PVC-free

Percentage of PVC-free products in the Packs ´n Bags Collection

Summer 2015: 77%
Winter 2015: 94%

By 2018: 100%

Summer 2016: 94%
Winter 2016: 94%

By 2020: 100%

We delayed the time frame target from 2018 to 2020. The goal is a high challenge for us because the material is 30% more expensive.
Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:


Our company is climate neutral

GRI aspects: energy, water, emissions, waste, transportation, biodiversity, wastewater, compliance (ecological), overall (environmental issues)
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 201413 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016 Comments

Development of an Energy, Water and Waste Management System

Increase energy efficiency 20% by 2020 (Base year 2008)




Increase energy efficiency

We are not pursuing the goal "Reduce electricity procurement at Vaude Str. 2, 20% by 2015 (time frame 2015)"

 

Reduce manufacturing waste per ton of production output of finished products (base year 2015)




Reduce manufacturing waste per ton of production output finished products

We are not pursuing the goal "Waste per employee in kg (time frame 2015)"

Implement Mobility Concept 

Reduce emissionen from transport business travel and commuting) 10% by 2020 (base year 2015)




Reduce emissions from commuting 

We are not pursuing the goals "Emissions from business travel OEB (time frame: 2015)" "Emissions from commuting per employee" and "Average fuel consumption of the company fleet (time fram 2014)


Kilometers of bike commuting

53,672

55,000

51,235

55,000


Green Logistics (analyze merchandise flow to reduce/optimize emissions that result) 

Concept submitted


Concept submitted

Research phase

Concept from the University Darmstadt has been submitted.


Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

* We changed Performance figure of Waste to Waste per employee

** We changed Performance figure of Emissions to Emissions per employee


In addition, we have achieved the following:


We implement high environmental standards in the supply chain.

GRI aspects: evaluation of suppliers in terms of ecological aspects, grievance procedures in relation to environmental aspects, grievance procedures regarding working practices
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016

Ensure materials traceability

Leather - certified (proof of origin)

Winter 2015 and Summer 2015: 100% in Apparel
62% in leather shoes

100%

starting Summer 2016 and Winter 2016: 100% Terracare® leather


Maintain

 

Wool - certified (mulesing-free)

100% (Supplier Confirmation)

Maintain

100% (supplier confirmation)

Certification in accordance with the Responsible Wool Standard

Ensure environmental standards in the supply chain 

Percentage of producers that have signed the RSL

84%

100%

82%

100%

 

Percentage of suppliers that have signed the RSL

70%

100%

83%

100%

Environmentalmanagement in the Supply Chain - see also: "Supplyers as partners"

Signed RSL (producers)


develop pilot project:VAUDE supports material suppliers in introducing sustainable systematic environmental protection and in continuing to improve the measures they already have in place.

pilot project is developed and will be realized

Implementation of training and individual consultations on-site with 10 material suppliers that cover 80 percent of our material usage
Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:

  • For apparel we are exclusively using down certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) for the Winter Collection 2015 and for sleeping bags starting in the Summer Collection 2016. Thus we ensure the traceability of the geese and ducks from the parent farm. More at – Heat storage as light as a feather – one of nature’s marvels
  • We use certified recycled material exclusively for products that use recycled materials. More at Recycled Materials.
  • We are a founding member of the “Partnership of Sustainable Textiles”. In this association, the federal government, textile industry, apparel industry, retail, unions and social civilities combine their knowledge and power with the goal of better implementing internationally recognized environmental and social standards in the entire production chain of textile production. More at – Founding Member in the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles


Our employees are satisfied and we are an attractive employer.

GRI aspects: employment, employee-employer relationship, education and training, diversity and equal opportunities, equal pay for women and men, equal treatment, compliance (socially), indirect economic performance
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016 Comments

Support occupational satisfaction

Improved results in a survey of employee satisfaction


Suspended for 2015


Conduct survey and target improved results 



Employee turnover rate

4.5% (from improved calculation basis) 

Maintain

6.1%

5%

 

 

Absentee rate

5.57%

5%

6.65% 

5%


 

Average number of hours of training and professional development (Academy Program)

Men average 10.6 h. women average: 6.1 h
Total 7.5 h

Maintain

Average for men 11 h. Average for women 9.7 h
Overall 10 h 

Maintain 


 

Increase percentage of women in management positions per category )

Overall: 37%
First Management Level: 14.3%
Second Management Level: 33.3%
Third Management Level: 45.8%

Midterm - long term time frame:
First Management Level: 43%
Second Management Level: Maintain
Third Management Level: Maintain

Overall 38.7%
First Management Level: 28%
Second Management Level: 30.8%
Third Management Level: 45.8%

Midterm - long term time frame:
First Management Level: 43%
Second Management Level: 33%
Third Management Level: 45%

We are taking steps toward our goal of increasing the percentage of women in management positions. We are pleased with our low employee turnover rate and want to maintain this. This is the reason that the rate of women in management can only be substantially changed over the longterm.

Enable inclusion 

Percentage of employees with handicaps

0.62%

1.25%

0.6%

1.25%


Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:

  1. We have created and implemented a transparent and fair payroll system. More at – Diversity in a world that’s worth living in
  2. We have ensured the compatibility of career and family with flexible work models, home offices, and in-house childcare. More at VAUDE as employer
  3. We have a return rate of 100 % after parental leave. More at – A good balance between family and career


We have implemented high social standards in the supply chain.

GRI aspects: market presence, procurement, employment, employee-employer relationship, health and safety, diversity and equal opportunities, equal pay for women and men, evaluation of suppliers in terms of work practices, equal treatment, freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, child labor, forced labor or compulsory labor, evaluation of suppliers with respect to human rights, grievance procedures regarding human rights violations.
Strategic measures Key performance indicator Actual value 2014 Target value 2015 Actual value 2015 Target value 2016

Results of the Brand Performance Check FWF: Audits of the production facilities and monitoring of the CAP - see also: "Social Standards Assessment"

Overall results of the Brand Performance Check

Leader

Maintain

Leader

Maintain

 

Benchmarking Score in % from the FWF Brand Performance Check

83%

Maintain

94%

Maintain

 

Percent of audited production facilities

96%

Maintain

99%

Maintain
Target value reached
Target value partially reached
Target value not reached

In addition, we have achieved the following:

  1. We are a founding member of the Partnership of Sustainable Textiles. In this association, the federal government, textile industry, apparel industry, retail, unions and social civilities combine their knowledge and power with the goal of better implementing internationally recognized environmental and social standards in the entire production chain of textile production. More at – Founding member in the Association for Sustainable Textiles


Partner DAV WWF FAIR WEAR
100% CO2 - neutral Website myclimate
Brand alliance VAUDE EDELRID