Sustainability is our guiding principle – in our services and in our internal processes. It is part of our Corporate Strategy and shapes our rules, decisions and cooperation. We also consistently align our governance structures with this principle.
Governance for greater sustainability
Whether in commissions or internally: sustainability shapes all of GIZ’s decisions. To achieve this, we are guided by international standards, strong governance and the continuous involvement of our stakeholders.
Our guidelines and standards: the foundation of sustainability management
GIZ is committed to sustainable corporate governance – on a voluntary and mandatory basis.
Voluntary agreements to which GIZ is committed (selection)
- The 2030 Agenda
- The Paris Agreement
- Germany’s Sustainable Development Strategy
- The UN Global Compact
- Germany’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP)
Our Sustainability Guidelines set out how we interpret sustainability – and how we deal with the conflicting objectives that arise between environmental, social and economic requirements. They are the basis for our strategies, policies and processes and also define the structures and responsibilities for sustainability within the company.
How we make sustainability tangible
- Sustainability Guidelines in place company-wide since 2016
- Participation in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
- EMAS-certified since 2013
- Over 100 measures in the current Sustainability Programme
Improving sustainability measurably
We use a company-wide management system, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the Corporate Sustainability Handprint (CSH) to continuously measure and improve our sustainability performance.
In GIZ’s Sustainability Programme, we formulate concrete measures, implement them and report progress annually – this is transparent and integrated into our corporate reporting.
Responsibilities and roles
The GIZ Management Board as a whole is responsible for corporate sustainability. It is supported by:
- the Director Corporate Sustainability
- the Sustainability Office and
- a network of implementing business units.
Our actions are also shaped by external impetus from clients, our shareholder and national and international guidelines. Our internal committees ensure that sustainability is considered in all decision-making processes.
Involving employees and stakeholders
Sustainability thrives on participation. Employee representatives are involved in sustainability issues. Voluntary staff initiatives also help to implement and further develop ideas.
We can only achieve sustainability if we work together – which is why we actively engage with stakeholders and partners to learn from each other.
In addition, we are in dialogue with political and civil society stakeholders and networks to share experiences and gain new insights.
Ensuring sustainability in commissions
We work with the Safeguards and Gender Management System (S+G) to ensure that sustainability is not merely included in our mission statement, but is actually practiced in every commission. This ensures that ecological and social standards are taken into account from the outset – in a binding, verifiable and transparent manner.
