Silver medal awarded by the EcoVadis-Rating

Mr Lennertz, REMONDIS Maintenance & Services has once again been awarded silver in the EcoVadis rating. What is the significance of this award for the group of companies?

Jürgen Lennertz: The silver status is very important to us. After all, we also want to offer a performance that goes beyond the usual in terms of corporate responsibility. This also means that we demonstrate the traction of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in a way that is both transparent and comprehensible. This is possible with the silver label awarded by an independent body.

Does the good rating also have an internal effect?

Jürgen Lennertz: Definitely. It confirms that we are on the right track and it spurs us on to further improvements. Sustainability and CSR are not static, but an ongoing process in which we work on progress at all levels. Be it in the ecological area or in relation to economic and social criteria.

Sustainability is one of the defining trends of our time. What position does this topic occupy within the REMONDIS Maintenance & Services group?

Jürgen Lennertz: The answer to this question can already be found in our motto "Working for the future". Anyone who, like us, is future-oriented automatically attaches great importance to the area of sustainability. For us, this is true in both senses of the word, because our actions not only promote internal development. Our services also support the sustainability efforts of our customers. For example, with services that directly contribute to greater resource conservation or improved CO² balances.

The demands on the CSR performance of companies are increasing, in society as a whole as well as in the economic environment and in the EcoVadis rating.

Jürgen Lennertz: In general, this confirms a view that we have been following for a long time: Sustainability is a fundamental prerequisite for economic success. To be convincing in the long term, you clearly need a first-class range of services, but you also need the willingness to take responsibility and act accordingly. This applies to all activities and all areas of the company.

How can you ensure that CSR aspects are actually lived in the company and supported by all employees?

Jürgen Lennertz: On the one hand, by integrating and involving the employees. On the other hand, through appropriate systems and structures. For example, the central QHSE & Sustainability department is in charge of sustainability at our company. In close cooperation with the organisational units and functional areas such as Legal & Compliance or Human Resources, it promotes CSR activities throughout the organisation and at the same time ensures the necessary measurement of success. Indicator systems are used as well as documentation or sustainability certifications. The entire process is built into our Integrated Management System, which ensures result-oriented processes and thus reliable progress.

What general guidelines do you apply in terms of CSR?

Jürgen Lennertz: Our actions are guided by binding corporate principles and the ten principles of the Global Compact with regard to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. Of course, this also includes the field of sustainable procurement and supplier management as well as the assumption of responsibility with regard to the supply chains.

How will the sustainability activities of the REMONDIS Maintenance & Services Group continue?

Jürgen Lennertz: We see what we have achieved so far as a milestone and so we will continue to be committed to promoting our CSR activities in the future. Starting points for this arise every day, not only in our own operations, but also in connection with the services we provide for our customers. Providing efficient, sustainable solutions and making the best possible use of all available options for this purpose will remain a central, determining element of our corporate positioning in the future.