Committed to Sustainability
“Responsibility with a Long-term View” is one of our five corporate values and it has shaped our activities as a family business since its foundation in 1901. Today, we see our value “Responsibility with a Long-term View” as a guiding principle for meeting the demands of economic, ecological and social responsibility with holistic solutions. Our customers expect this as much as we do.
Shaping the climate-neutral mobility of the future
In line with our vision “Our Inspiration Drives the World of Mobility”, we are shaping the climate-neutral mobility of the future with our innovative drive, expertise and global network. For us, environmentally and socially responsible management is explicitly not based on short-term profit maximization, but on long-term strategies and value generation.
You will find our entire understanding of sustainability in our Sustainability Report.
Sustainability: Our fields of action
Customer & Products
With our passion for technology and innovation, we are expanding our range of products in the area of electromobility. We are a key partner for manufacturers as they transition to sustainable mobility, while our comprehensive solutions for end consumers make home charging easier and more attractive.
Committed to sustainable mobility
Webasto wants to make a relevant contribution by creating added value for the climate-neutral mobility of the future.
We work closely with almost all automotive manufacturers worldwide and have a thorough knowledge of the standards, requirements, markets, and trends of the industry. The automotive industry is currently undergoing a major transition due to emerging ambitious international, European, and national climate targets that are accelerating the shift towards electric motors and zero-emission mobility. As the industry transitions, we are developing our product portfolio accordingly and channeling our R&D expenditure into high-tech, sustainable innovations.
Recent mergers and acquisitions have strengthened our position as systems partner for the global automotive industry. Constantly product quality and customer satisfaction are core priorities that we pursue through consistent quality management and monitoring. Our high level of customer satisfaction was affirmed in various reader surveys, and we have received recognition for our products from numerous automotive manufacturers. We intensify our focus on sustainability and follow our ambitious goals. This is what we have achieved recently.
- Solar Technology
- Climate Mobility
- Leightweight Solutions
Solar roof technology for electric and hybrid vehicles
In 2021 we launched solar roof systems for two electric vehicle series of a Korean manufacturer. The solar cells have an efficiency of 23 percent in converting solar energy into electric power.
We produce solar roofs with a power output from 180 up to 300 Watt Peak.
High-performance products for climate-friendly mobility
Automobile manufacturers and their suppliers are actively shaping the transformation by developing more efficient and needs-driven technologies. As innovation and technology leader, Webasto offers a broad portfolio of advanced solutions, for example the high-voltage heater for electric and hybrid vehicles, individualized and standardized battery solutions or an intelligent charging and load management for fleet operators.
These are our current goals
- We will integrate ESG criteria in our product evolution process (PEP)
- We will set CO2 emission targets for our main products by 2023
- We will develop recyclability criteria with suppliers and customers
Purchasing & Supply Chain
We strive to build a sustainable and ethical global supply chain and establish clear social and environmental responsibility requirements for suppliers. Defined processes for purchasing ensure suppliers are certified to meet environmental protection standards.
Committed to responsibility
Webasto wants to add value for the climate-neutral mobility of tomorrow. In this context, responsibility in the supply chain is gaining momentum. Within our mission to achieve cost efficiency, reliable quality, and timely delivery in Purchasing we aim to protect fair supply chains and human rights along our supply chain.
Our general purchasing conditions for suppliers stipulate that they must act on the precautionary principle with regard to environmental protection, take initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies.
We source up to 200 types of pre-products from approximately 1,700 suppliers for the manufacturing of our products. A large share of pre-products is sourced locally and delivered by truck to our plants; the remaining parts are shipped by sea or air freight. Webasto Purchasing has a strong regional and business unit focus on sourcing which helps the organization react quicker to changing requirements. We intensify our focus on sustainability and follow our ambitious goals. This is what we have achieved recently.
- Ensuring Standards
- Supplier CoC
- Whistleblower System
These are our current goals
- We are implementing the German Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act (LkSG) by 2023
- We are adapting our supplier management process to integrate the new requirements
- We ensure that ESG risks are effectively managed by 2022
Climate & Environment
We aim to ensure sustainable business operations and align our actions to preserve natural resources and reduce our carbon footprint. We design our production processes and products to be as resource-saving and environmentally compatible as possible.
Committed to impact
The manufacturing of our products is undeniably resource and energy intensive. As such, the Operations Department of Webasto has a substantial environmental footprint. We are aware of this and are ready to take responsibility. In order to strike a balance between production and environmental protection, we have set targets for the near future. These targets take the requirements of our customers into account, but also our willingness to transition towards more sustainability and a circular economy. Each plant is in charge of defining action plans for meeting the sustainability targets for CO2, energy, water, and waste. In the future, these measures will be centrally recorded, evaluated, and then converted into standards.
Our Webasto locations (with corporate functions and production) are annually reviewed by auditor teams of our certification bodies. Please find the available certificates here. We intensify our focus on sustainability and follow our ambitious goals. This is what we have achieved recently.
- Photovoltaic System
- Road to Rail
- Climate & Environment
100% renewable energy sources at all German sites
In 2021, we switched to entirely renewable power at all our German sites. A number of sites outside Germany are also supplied with self-produced or purchased renewable energies. For further sites, the options for a supply from renewable energies are being reviewed and, where possible, converted step by step.
These are our current goals
- Carbon reduction scope 1 & 2: -50 percent by 2030 *
- Net Zero emissions in scope 1 & 2 by 2045 *
- Carbon reduction scope 3 upstream: -25 percent by 2030 *
*All carbon reduction targets are in line with the SBTi framework and refer to the base year 2021. They were announced in October 2022 as part of the Webasto climate strategy.
Webasto continues to work diligently to improve its climate impact and find ways to drive its strategy and actions throughout the organization.
Employees & Workplace
We believe our success starts with our people and we are committed to help our employees reach their greatest potential. At Webasto, we ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace, foster employee growth and development, and endorse a positive work-life balance.
Committed to passion
From Europe, Asia, Australia to America: Webasto is wherever our customers need us. Our multicultural workforce of over 15,000 employees works in more than 50 locations in over 20 countries worldwide and is united by our values that emphasize collaboration, openness and mutual respect. As Webasto continues to grow, it is important to us that we maintain our open and welcoming atmosphere. We take the well-being of our employees seriously and are committed to fair and attractive working conditions. We focus on long-term opportunities for our employees, taking into account their individual talents and strengths, and encouraging anyone who wants to take on new challenges or more responsibility. By managing leadership, grading and performance management processes, we promote sustainable people management and live the Webasto values as ONE organization.
At Webasto, we believe that a diverse workforce is key to developing innovative products for our global markets and understanding our customers. We are therefore committed to creating equal opportunities for all and fostering an environment in which our employees can grow. We intensify our focus on sustainability and follow our ambitious goals. This is what we have achieved recently.
- Vision Diversity
- Employee
- Top Employer
- Webasto Academy
Our vision of diversity
Different cultural backgrounds, ways of thinking and experiences increase our innovative power and improve our understanding of our customers.
Based on the Webasto Diversity Charter we commit to further strengthen diversity in four core areas: Gender, age, culture, and professional background.
Global Employee Engagement Rate 75 of 100
Webasto conducts an annual global employee survey to measure employee engagement and identify starting points for organizational development.
The 2021 engagement index of 75 out of 100 points was measured on job satisfaction and employees’ willingness to recommend the company to others.
Internal Webasto Academy
Webasto employees have access to the global learning management system “My HR” that was implemented in 2019. A network of internal and external trainers as well as technical experts provide learning content in quality, safety, project management, IT, logistics, finance and legal.
These are our current goals
- We will double the number of female managers in Germany by 2028
- 1st Female Executive Board Member started in 2022
- We will increase the training hours up to 10 hours per employee until 2025
Society & Engagement
Since its foundation in 1901, Webasto has always believed that business activities should be socially responsible, and that society should benefit from successful business. In contributing to climate-friendly mobility, Webasto combines both aspects. The establishment of the Webasto Foundation in 2019 is further proof of our commitment to social responsibility.
Committed to social engagement
Webasto invests in sustainable and climate-friendly mobility, thereby securing jobs and creating new opportunities. The company also lives up to its social responsibility when investing in infrastructure. ‘We Drive the Future – Sustainably Mobile into a Good Future!’ The Webasto Foundation's new leitmotif relates its social engagement to the topic of Mobility and furthermore covers one of the dimensions: Social, Health & Education, or Environment & Innovation. Following this narrative, the projects supported by the Webasto Foundation are closely linked to the Webasto vision ‘Our Inspiration Drives the World of Mobility’ and at the same time embody the ambition of the owner families and the company to work for a sustainable and better future.
Information & Download Center
In our Information & Download Center you will find detailed information and personal statements by Webasto management on the topic of sustainability in our Sustainability Report. Furthermore, you will find links to related topics and additional information.
Sustainability Report
Our first sustainability report, "Committed to Sustainability," has been available since May 2022. Our sustainability program describes what we do in terms of sustainability and what we aim to achieve. The report relates to the Webasto Group and was prepared in accordance with the GRI standards.
Quality Policy
„Committed to Sustainability“ is the driver for quality throughout the Webasto Group. Our Quality Policy.
Information Security Policy
„Committed to Sustainability“ is the driver for information security throughout the Webasto Group. Our Information Security Policy.
Environmental Policy
"Committed to Sustainability" is a motivation for the environmental responsibility of the entire Webasto Group. Our Environmental Policy.
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
“Committed to Sustainability“ is a driver for occupational health and safety throughout the Webasto Group. Our Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
Corporate Governance / Compliance / Code Of Conduct
The corporate governance systems, including the Compliance Management System ("CMS"), support our efforts to ensure compliance. The Webasto Code of Conduct forms the core element of our CMS and provides binding guidelines for employees in all areas and activities.
Webasto Foundation
Under the motto "We Drive the Future - Sustainably mobile into a good future!", mobility is the focus of our international social commitment. Please read about our current projects here.
Certificates
Our Webasto sites (with corporate functions and production) are audited annually by teams of auditors from our certification bodies. Click here for our current certificates.
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