The key to realizing the All Electric Society is Goal 7: affordable and clean energy. Energy has also been the hub of the Phoenix Contact product portfolio since 1923.
Our sustainable actions
As a manufacturing industrial company, we are aware of our responsibility in terms of sustainability. That is why Phoenix Contact is aligning its business models with sustainable business practices.
We act in accordance with ESG criteria and take equal account of environmental (E for Environmental), social (S for Social) and economic aspects, bringing them into line with legal requirements and social demands (G = Governance) - all with the aim of sustainable corporate management.
Our goal is clear: We want to be carbon-neutral throughout our entire value chain by 2030.
Power
Energy is the key to a sustainable world and an important lever for us to act even more sustainably.
With success: In terms of power supply, we at Phoenix Contact are already carbon-neutral in all of our locations! We offset unavoidable residual emissions by investing in international climate protection projects. However, we are working to consistently reduce our emissions as well as our energy requirements. Within the framework of our PV offensive, we are producing solar power at ever more locations worldwide by using new technologies. Wherever and whenever this is not sufficient, we procure green electricity from the grid suppliers.
How we are reducing our carbon emissions
Environmental protection and resource conservation
As a manufacturing company, we have an obligation to use resources as consciously as possible. We are continuously trying to maximize the conservation of resources step by step through the use of recycled materials and the development of smart recycling concepts. The same applies to the use of environmentally friendly materials in our packaging.
In order to save valuable resources such as water and to avoid the use of hazardous substances, as a general rule we examine all work steps and production processes to see how we can optimize them and make them more efficient. Our major goal in this context is to establish an effective circular economy that is ecologically and economically beneficial for all.
Sustainable supply chains
We are partners with our customers as well as partners with the companies that supply us. Together, we are working to manufacture more intelligently, optimize the value chain, and keep products in the cycle for as long as possible. A large number of projects and processes have already been initiated to consistently reduce energy requirements and to improve resource efficiency among all stakeholders. As a part of this, we also have our sights firmly set on compliance with the German Supply Chain Act.
Social sustainability
As a family business, we have always viewed sustainability from a social perspective as well. This is why we treat everyone with respect and appreciation: our colleagues, business partners, customers, and all our fellow human beings. We are aware of our social responsibility and take this seriously. As a part of this, we actively support social and ecological projects.
Attitude requires action. Together with our employees, we create a sustainable, healthy, diverse, and overall a supportive work environment. In doing so, we focus primarily on the topics of diversity, a sustainable mindset, and social commitment.
We do everything we can to make everyone feel welcome and to create an environment where people with different characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives can work together. Through contributions and campaigns, we are encourage our employees to act in an environmentally conscious manner in their professional and personal environments. In our social projects, we combine social commitment, technical expertise, and the personal development of our employees.
Sustainable production and manufacturing
Sustainability thrives on consistency and continuity: We focus on sustainability in all process steps of our products and solutions - from development to production, through logistics to recycling. Durability, repairing instead of completely replacing, and reusing - these are just three of many product features that we are increasingly focusing on for this purpose. And always in line with the wishes and requirements of our customers.
In the future, we will consider the life cycle assessment of our products in our ‘Product Environmental Footprint‘ (PEF), which we will assign to products starting in 2023. This PEF enables us to create maximum transparency - for example, in terms of the carbon emissions of a product over the course of its entire life cycle. In this way, we are providing each customer with support in making their own sustainable decisions. At the same time, we are ensuring that our partners and suppliers are accepting that the issue of sustainability is a decisive criterion for future cooperation.
Six goals for a better future With our product and innovation portfolio, we at Phoenix Contact are directly supporting six of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In many countries around the globe, Phoenix Contact makes an important contribution to Goal 8: decent work and economic growth. Within the company, employees can expect fair working conditions, respectful treatment of each other, and the development of all employees.
With its technological solutions, Phoenix Contact is an empowering force for the successful implementation of digital transformation. The company continuously develops new products with broad range of technical expertise and strong innovative power.
The requirements for urban environmental protection include the extension and redevelopment of infrastructures as part of the energy revolution.
Phoenix Contact makes it possible to live more sustainably with integral solutions, far-reaching digitalization, and the networking of sectors in cities and communities.
Phoenix Contact follows an economical and considerate approach to using resources, based on the company’s own drive and conviction. Goal 12, responsible consumption and production, is supported by lived actions and conduct. In machine building, we take great care to ensure the economical use of compressed air, lead-reduced production, and the recycling of valuable materials – all of which relieves the burden on the environment. Our employees embrace this as their personal responsibility. All areas of manufacturing, as well as the operating technology, servicing, and maintenance operations, are subject to a continuous improvement process.
As a family business, Phoenix Contact it is important to preserve what we have created for future generations. Goal 13, measures for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, is important to Phoenix Contact. The need to preserve resources, protect the environment, and reduce our impact on the climate is taken into consideration when developing new products, when manufacturing, and in relation to economics.