#generationtogether – moving forward together
Dear readers,
Once again this year, we would like to provide you with an insight into the sustainability topics of the Raiffeisen Waren Group. In this publication, you will find selected key figures from the social and environmental sectors, summarized for the years 2022 to 2024, to make developments and progress visible.
For the coming year, we are planning to release a comprehensive sustainability report, which will, as far as possible, align with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). We are closely monitoring the ongoing adjustments at the European level and will incorporate them into our reporting.
If you are also interested in the economic development of the RW Group, we recommend our 2024 annual report.
Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the 193 member states of the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 17 goals designed to promote sustainable development worldwide. They address key environmental, social, and economic issues and form a global framework to be achieved by 2030.
The SDGs are also an important point of reference for the Raiffeisen Waren Group. Of the 17 goals in total, we have identified 12 as material to our company. This selection is based on a comprehensive survey in which employees, shareholders, customers, and suppliers assessed the relevance of various sustainability topics – each on a scale from 1 (very unimportant) to 7 (very important).
The responses reflect which topics are of particular importance to our stakeholders. Subsequently, the individual statements were assigned to the respective SDGs, making it clear in which areas the RW Group actively assumes responsibility and what contribution we are already making today.
This creates a transparent picture of how we embed sustainability within our company – and which global goals guide us along this path.
Below, we would like to explain how we, as a company, influence the various SDGs.
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
We provide our employees with secure jobs where they can continue to develop and grow. In addition, we offer a wide range of internal benefits, such as a company pension scheme, profit-sharing, Christmas and holiday bonuses, and meal allowances.
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
In our agriculture division, we offer farmers a wide range of agricultural inputs, grain storage and marketing services, as well as comprehensive advisory support. In this way, we contribute to optimal crop growth. We therefore stand as a reliable partner alongside farmers who produce food every day.
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
We ensure that our employees’ workplaces are safe and regularly review safety standards. In addition, we promote the health of our employees through offerings such as company bicycles and an above-average number of vacation days. The safety of our products, ensured through our quality management system, also contributes to the health of consumers.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
All of our employees receive equal pay within their respective pay grades, regardless of gender. In addition, our code of conduct clearly states that no one may be discriminated against on the basis of gender.
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all
Our Energy division offers customers a range of energy products. At present, these are still largely based on fossil fuels. However, we are increasingly focusing on expanding our offering of renewable energy sources such as green electricity and wood pellets.
Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
Our employees are our most important resource and essential to sustained company growth. That is why secure jobs, additional employee benefits, and training and development opportunities are a matter of course for us.
Reduce inequality within and among countries
A core principle of our code of conduct is that no form of discrimination is tolerated within the company. Creating a working environment in which everyone feels comfortable, regardless of gender, religion, or background, is very important to us.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Through careful product selection, we provide our customers with high-quality goods and products. With our advisory services, we support farmers in managing their operations in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Through energy efficiency measures, we have already been able to reduce energy consumption at many of our sites in recent years. In addition, we are installing an increasing number of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of our locations to supply them with renewable energy.
For several years now, we have also been calculating our greenhouse gas balance for Scope 1 and 2 in order to transparently track the development of our emissions and identify further potential for improvement.
Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
To protect terrestrial ecosystems, we have implemented numerous internal measures. These include, among other things, waste and wastewater management as well as the reduction of noise, dust, and greenhouse gas emissions at our sites.
Our environmental officer serves as the point of contact for environmental matters and monitors compliance with legal regulations.
In addition, within our agriculture division, we advise farmers on managing their land in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner.
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels
Every two years, our employees are trained in compliance topics such as data protection, competition and antitrust law, anti-corruption, and the handling of gifts and benefits. A compliance officer supports our employees with advice in their day-to-day work. In addition, our code of conduct forms the foundation for positive and respectful cooperation within the company.
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
“Acting together” and “What one cannot achieve alone, many can achieve together” are two guiding principles we live by every day. Only through cooperation with employees, customers, suppliers, associations, and even competitors can we make our company, our supply chains, and our industry future-proof.
