The Berghof Group officially launched its ambitious sustainability project this spring. With the support of LoNa GmbH (Lorenz Sustainability Management), further effective strategies are to be developed and the best possible results achieved.

Sustainability and the development of sustainable products have always played a central role in the history of the Berghof Group, which has long been active in the fields of filtration (water recycling), e-mobility and environmental technology. Sustainability has always been an integral part of our corporate strategy and is reflected in the resource-saving developments of the entire Berghof Group.

From 2025, reporting under the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will be mandatory. This will affect 15,000 companies in Germany and around 50,000 companies in the EU.

In order to be well prepared, the Berghof Group is already starting to prepare a sustainability report one year before the reporting obligation comes into force.

1. Understanding the new requirements

The CSRD places increased demands on the disclosure of sustainability information. Companies need to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and understand the specific data and information that needs to be disclosed.

This includes

• Environmental aspects: Measures to reduce CO2 emissions, sustainable use of resources and protection of biodiversity

• Social aspects: Diversity and inclusion initiatives, labour rights and community engagement

• Governance aspects: Corporate governance, compliance, anti-corruption

2. Data collection and management

Gathering the necessary data is a major challenge. In the Berghof Group, all subsidiaries work together, with each subsidiary assigning a staff member to work intensively on the topic and to prepare the specific figures, data and facts for the respective company. In addition, a core team from the Berghof Group manages and coordinates the project together with Jannik Lorenz from LoNa GmbH.

This requires

• Training employees to deal with the new reporting requirements

• Working with suppliers and partners to obtain relevant data

3. Data quality and accuracy

Data quality and accuracy are critical to the sustainability report. The entire Group must ensure that the data is reliable and accurate.

This includes

• Developing and implementing quality control procedures

• Carrying out internal audits and reviews

• Engaging external auditors to verify data

4. Integration with existing business processes

Integrating sustainability reporting into existing business processes can be complex and time-consuming. The Berghof Group aims to ensure that sustainability issues are integrated into strategic planning and day-to-day business.

This requires

• Adaptation of strategy and goals

• Training managers and employees

• Analysis of existing processes

• Developing and implementing new processes and policies

5. Communication and transparency

Transparent communication of sustainability activities and strategy is also part of the process.

This includes

• Preparing clear and attractive reports

• Using different communication channels

• Disclosing challenges and progress

• Ongoing reporting

6.  Meaning to our customers and partners

For our partners and customers, this sustainability project means that we not only comply with legal requirements, but also actively take responsibility for the environment and society.

Sustainability at product and development level

We will also carry out sustainability analyses at product level. This includes the continuous review and optimisation of our processes, particularly with regard to the use of materials and resources. Our aim is to continually improve the efficiency and sustainability of our products by using resource-saving materials and developing innovative processes. In this way, we ensure that our products not only meet the highest quality standards, but also make a positive contribution to society.

Conclusion

Fulfilling CSRD obligations and producing a sustainability report is a significant challenge for B2B companies.

For the Berghof Group, CSRD enables the definition of clear sustainability goals, the development of a strategy and continuous improvement. This should contribute to long-term success as a responsible company.

It is not only about fulfilling legal requirements, but also about self-improvement.