STRATEGY &
ORGANIZATION

The commercial success of the BENTELER Group is directly linked with corporate responsibility – for employees, environment and society.

Strategy & Organization

We leave nothing to chance

We see global developments such as climate change and urbanization as challenges that we address through value-based governance, technical innovation, and social engagement.

The foundation of our sustainability strategy

The materiality assessment enables us to evaluate which topics are relevant for our sustainability reporting. We fundamentally changed the process model for our materiality assessment in 2023.

It now takes the future requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into account and already uses the principle of double materiality. Accordingly, when we applied it for the first time in 2023, we analyzed BENTELERʼs impact on its environment and the opportunities and risks that result from it. In the first step, matters potentially relevant to sustainability were identified.

Impacts, opportunities and risks for each of these topics were then identified in collaboration with relevant stakeholders (these impacts, risks and opportunities are described in the report in the respective sub-chapters).

This was followed by an assessment of the identified impacts, opportunities and risks based on predefined criteria and a validation of the assessment by the stakeholders. Based on this, it was determined that all sustainability matters with impacts, opportunities, and risks rated above a defined threshold are material.

The resulting list of material matters was ultimately validated by the Executive Board of the BENTELER Group.

MATERIAL SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS IN 2023

Climate change mitigation
Climate change adaptation
Energy

Water withdrawal
Water use

Resource inflows, including resource use
Resource outflows in connection with products
Waste

Corporate culture
Management of relationships with suppliers, including payment practices
Corruption and bribery

Working conditions
Equal treatment and opportunities for all
Other work-related rights

Our Sustainability Strategy at a glance

We have defined focus areas for our sustainability strategy based on our materiality assessment and the key sustainability issues that resulted from it. In the next step, specific matters were assigned to these areas, which we aim to achieve in the future.

These targets not only take into account the results of our impact, opportunity and risk analysis, but are also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

This resulted in the formulation of the BENTELER Groupʼs comprehensive sustainability strategy, which, together with action plans, concrete measures and interim targets, forms the foundation for achieving our sustainability goals.

Our focus is on five areas: Climate change, circular economy, water, employees and working conditions as well as our business conduct. These priorities cover the areas of environment, social affairs and sustainable governance and extend across all business units and the entire BENTELER value chain.

„Sustainability is the key to a successful long-term business model."

Stefan Henkelmann Director Divisional Strategy & Group Sustainability Office

Science-based climate goals

The BENTELER Group has set climate targets to act in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. After the methodology and emission figures had been assessed and confirmed in advance by external auditors, they were also validated by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). Our aim is not only to reduce our emissions, but also to ensure that our contribution to climate protection is effective and substantial, which is why we also rely on scientific validation.

The prestigious Science Based Target Initiative is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Our Sustainability Office
manages implementation

The BENTELER Group established a Sustainability Office with several sustainability experts in 2022. They support the measures required for the implementation of the sustainability goals, are in regular contact with the departments and ensure that all those responsible receive the support required for the implementation of the measures. The Sustainability Office reports directly to the Executive Board.

We maintain an ongoing dialog

To understand the needs of our stakeholders and continuously improve our performance, we maintain an ongoing dialog. Our goal is to shape the future of the BENTELER Group together with all stakeholders. The group-wide communication strategy is updated annually. It defines target groups, topics and dialog formats.

We attach great importance to dialog in our communication activities. We are convinced that only by exchanging ideas with our stakeholders can we learn from each other, strengthen the general bond and thus make a sustainable contribution to the company's success.