It's April 22, so we are once again celebrating Earth Day — a day that reminds us all of the pricelessness of our environment, as well as the importance of protecting it and acting sustainably. For us at commercetools, this day is not just one opportunity, but rather an ongoing commitment to sustainability by enacting initiatives focussed on preserving our environment and resources.
As a globally growing company, we bear a significant responsibility for our planet. In 2023, we introduced our ESG Policy, which sets clear goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and resource conservation. These commitments are not empty promises but an integral part of our daily work practices.
Our ESG team plays a crucial role in the strategic planning of all departments. We are continuously working to establish a comprehensive database on greenhouse gas emissions, and have already taken measures to reduce our business travel and increase online meetings. Through these and other initiatives, we strive to continually reduce our environmental impact.
But sustainability is more than just a corporate responsibility — it is a shared commitment that should be embraced by everyone. That's why we established the Employee Resource Group "Planet Earth Alliance." This group advocates for integrating sustainability and environmental awareness into all areas of our company and serves as a shining example of sustainable engagement.
One inspiring initiative showcasing our employees' commitment was the "1 Like = 1 Kilo" campaign for World Water Day on March 22. Together with our partner everwave, we managed to gather 486 likes — a milestone in commercetools' history. In recognition of this success, management decided to double the donations, allowing us to ensure the removal of 972 kilograms of waste from our waters.
However, our success is not solely based on our own efforts but also our collaboration with partners and service providers. That's why we actively support them in measuring their environmental impacts and becoming more sustainable. We believe that a green supply chain not only benefits our company but also adds ecological value to our products and services.
Another pillar of our sustainability efforts are our dedicated employees who engage in charitable organizations. Through" Volunteer Days Off," we encourage them to dedicate their time and energy to worthy causes. We firmly maintain that engaged employees feel both more motivated and also bring valuable experiences that further enhance our company's sustainability.
We are proud to be part of a movement dedicated to protecting our planet. Our commitment does not end here — it is an ongoing process that requires constant efforts and innovation. We invite you to join us in shaping a sustainable future together.
Together, we can make a real difference.
To learn more about our commitment to sustainability, visit our ESG values page.
Björn Holeschak is commercetools' Corporate Compliance Manager and lead on the ESG program. The former IT Security Specialist in the German armed forces gained experience as a Corporate Data Protection Officer and Occupational Health Officer in his previous company. As business lawyer, he is now taking care of the commercetools compliance framework.