Kistler Group presents its global climate strategy

Winterthur, November 2022  – The Kistler Group presents its global climate strategy with facts and figures on its commitment to greater sustainability in its first sustainability report. A reduction of 880 tons of CO2 has already been achieved through a complete switch to green electricity at the six largest German sites. Kistler also provides information on planned projects and measures. For example, with the “Cut the Carbon” initiative, the company aims to cut its CO2 emissions worldwide by half by 2025. Kistler is also striving for CO2 neutrality for the entire Group in Scope 1 and 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol by 2030.

Rolf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group, and Franziska Kunz, Sustainability & CSR Manager and Site Manager in Meerane, present their ambitious plans in the Kistler Group's current Sustainability Report for 2021/2022. Broken down into the areas of Environment, Social, and Governance, the report provides information on the company's commitment and progress to date. It also shows the way towards the planned global CO2 neutrality in 2030. “Our current sustainability report proves that sustainability is measurable. We are not just showing that we are aware of our responsibility but that we are also actively working towards coherent and reliable targets,” explains Rolf Sonderegger. 

For example, as part of the “Cut the Carbon” project, the six largest German production sites are to be CO2 neutral by 2025 in categories 1 and 2 in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Kistler intends to achieve this goal primarily by optimizing heat and energy use, by purchasing green electricity, and by expanding e-mobility within the company.

Focus on electricity and mobility as largest emission areas

The core measures focus on electricity and mobility, the company's largest emitters: at 36 and 38 percent respectively. The first milestones have already been reached. All six German production sites are run on green electricity, and by the end of 2023 the remaining German sites and the subsidiaries in Switzerland, China, Japan, the USA and Slovakia will follow suit. This is expected to reduce Kistler's emissions by up to 1,300 tons of CO₂ per year. Kistler is also continuing to minimize its environmental footprint with projects such as the installation of a photovoltaic system at the Straubenhardt site in Germany and the relocation of the IT site in Bratislava to the greenest building in Slovakia. 

In the area of mobility, Kistler is gradually converting its company vehicle fleet to electric models while expanding charging stations at its Germany and Switzerland sites. There are additional offers such as leasing e-bikes for employees.

Employee participation and training 

Kistler employees are also involved in other areas of the company’s commitment to sustainability. The “Cut the Carbon Challenge” calls upon all employees in Germany to submit their ideas on how Kistler can further reduce emissions. A jury will evaluate the ideas and award prizes to the best proposals before the end of 2022. 

In the area of social sustainability, Kistler focuses on employee training. Values including diversity, equality and tolerance will be promoted through digital learning opportunities. “We can only achieve our goals if we take a holistic approach to sustainability and show commitment in all areas,” says Franziska Kunz.