Press release
China
July 8, 2013

Evonik publishes CR Report 2012, reaches environmental goals earlier than planned

  • Evonik reaches long-term environmental goals two years ahead of schedule
  • Thomas Wessel, Chief Human Resources Officer of Evonik: "The early attainment of goals is the achievement of our dedicated employees"
  • Requirements for highest reporting level met 

Evonik has reached all self-imposed environmental goals two years ahead of schedule. This is highlighted in the company’s Corporate Responsibility Report 2012, which documents that Evonik reduced its specific (i.e. production output-related) energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent in the time from 2004 to 2012. During the same period, specific production waste fell by 23 percent and specific water consumption by 31 percent. "The early attainment of goals is an excellent example of the way Evonik continuously improves its processes. It is the achievement of our dedicated employees who made this progress possible with a number of technical and organizational measures," noted Thomas Wessel, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Human Resources Officer of Evonik. Original plans had called for the Group to reduce all three values by 20 percent by the year 2014.

Overall, Evonik invested some €39 million in improved environmental protection in the past year, with operating expenses for environmental protection totaling € 251 million. Compared to the previous year, energy use declined by 3 percent to a total of 89.48 petajoules in 2012.

The annual Evonik Corporate Responsibility Report provides details on the company’s commitment to greater ecological, economic, and societal sustainability. As in previous years, the latest Corporate Responsibility Report of Evonik meets the requirements for the successful application of level A+ of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in compliance with the GRI 3.1 reporting guidelines. GRI is the internationally recognized standard for comprehensive sustainability reporting and has confirmed the A+ reporting level for Evonik. Large parts of the report underwent an assurance review by an auditing firm.

The Corporate Responsibility Report 2012 can now be accessed online at www.evonik.com/responsibility

About Evonik

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.6 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.6 billion.

Evonik Industries has been producing specialty chemical products in the Greater China region (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) since the late1970’s; with wide-ranging trading relations already in place prior to this in the region. Evonik regards Greater China as one of the driving forces of the global economy and we consequently endeavour to grow our business in the region. The company now has around 3,500 employees in the Greater China region, the regional sales reached over 1 billion in 2012.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.