Integrated sustainability strategy
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VAUDE Green Shape
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EMAS and ISO 14001
Environmental protection as a corporate goal
At VAUDE, environmental protection is an essential part of our corporate values and goals. We work holistically and systematically to minimize the ecological effects of our products and our business activities.
To this end, environmental protection concerns must be integrated into all operational processes. Investments must also be made in technical improvements. In addition, VAUDE employees in the CSR team work on environmental and social issues with defined job percentages in their specialist departments. More on the VAUDE CSR Team here
Certified Environmental Management System
EMAS is the Eco Management and Audit Scheme. As one of the European Union’s environmental initiatives, it creates a binding framework for the improvement of corporate environmental protection.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized and implemented standard for environmental management systems. The standard was published in 1996 by the International Organization for Standardization and last amended in 2015.
VAUDE EMAS certified since 2008
In 2008 VAUDE was the first company in the outdoor industry to introduce an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS and ISO 14001. Since that point, an independent environmental verifier has reviewed our environmental management system and validated the VAUDE environmental statement, including all figures contained therein on an annual basis. Every three years, re-certification takes place in accordance with EMAS and ISO 14001 standards.
EMAS has convinced us: This management system helps us to holistically and systematically analyze all of our environmental aspects, to regulate our corporate responsibility for environmental protection aspects clearly, to derive goals and measures that take us forward in a continuous improvement process, and to make an annual assessment with an independent verifier about whether we are on the right track.
EMAS certification also covers the mandatory energy audit.
Below you will find the content of the VAUDE EMAS Environmental Statement and links to each page in our comprehensive sustainability report, which is published annually online. EMAS is a component of this Sustainability Report.
EMAS Environmental Statement 2016
1. VAUDE Environmental Policy
VAUDE is equally committed to its economic, social and ecological responsibility. As a sustainably innovative mountain sports supplier, it is important to us to protect the "playing field" of our customers and employees: nature.
We are committed to long-term, sustainable use of nature and active environmental protection:
At our headquarters
- through resource-saving management in administration and production
- through the use of renewable energies and investments in the conservation of biodiversity
With our products and suppliers
- through innovative, environmentally friendly materials and recycling
- through environmentally friendly production processes
In our industry and in society
- through active environmental policy in professional associations and joint environmental protection projects with competitors
- through cooperation with environmental associations, universities and public projects such as the German Sustainability Code
Our environmental protection activities go far beyond the legal requirements. We are continuously expanding our commitment to the environment. VAUDE's environmental policy is an integral part of our corporate strategy. And: Environmental management at VAUDE is a top priority.
2. Environmental Aspects
Measure and evaluate environmental aspects annually within the Materiality Analysis, which we perform for the reporting in accordance with the GRI Standard.
2.1. Products
VAUDE places a high value on environmental protection throughout the lifespan of its products in the product development stage. VAUDE Green Shape is our own system for this.
2.2. Materials
We place the highest demands on material quality, both in terms of durability and in terms of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and the careful management of chemicals.
2.3. Supply Chain
VAUDE takes full responsibility for its supply chain - whether in Germany or Asia. We challenge and support our suppliers.
2.4. Headquarters Tettnang-Obereisenbach
This is our company headquarters – “green” in location and “green” in conviction.
2.5. Made in Germany
We produce waterproof, HF-welded, PVC-free classics such as our panniers at our headquarters in Tettnang.
2.6. Energy
Energy management makes sense – not just from an environmental viewpoint, but also from an economical viewpoint.
2.7. Water
We do not consume process water for manufacturing at our company headquarters. However, it is still an important issue.
2.8. Waste and Wastewater
Thanks to strict laws and good management, waste and wastewater pollute the environment here in Germany less than in many other countries. Microplastics are also a part of the problem.
2.9. Biodiversity
No habitats = no biodiversity. Why biodiversity is important for VAUDE.
2.10. Emissions
2.11. Transport
Business travel, commuter traffic and merchandise logistics produce noise, air pollution and climate emissions. Information on the VAUDE Mobility Concept can be found here.
2.12. EMAS Core Indicators
Key environmental figures, data and facts at a glance. Available for download here
2. Goals and Goal Achievement
Environmental protection is fully integrated into our corporate strategy, objectives and measures.
3. Internal Environmental Auditing
At VAUDE, environmental aspects are integrated into everyday operations. We carry out regular inspections and audits in our Quality and Environmental Management Program and Occupational Safety Program. We monitor criteria and process quality of the VAUDE Green Shape Concept, the quality Gates for materials and products and energy management, for example.
4. Legal Compliance
With strict environmental legislation, Germany provides clean air, good drinking water and healthy soil. We appreciate this and fully comply with all laws.
5. Management Review
We carry out an annual Management Review with all department heads and senior management in which we monitor whether our environmental management system is working, what special findings, structural, organizational or technical changes were made in the past year, examine all key figures and what we want to focus on in the upcoming year. The results of this review are included in the annual corporate goals process.
6. Environmental Statement
7. Environmental Verifier Validation
As part of the EMAS certification, an independent environmental auditor reviews our environmental performance annually who confirms that we have complied with EMAS regulations with a validation certificate.
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