Standards, goals and targets

Our sustainability targets 

We believe that progress needs specific and measurable targets. The figure shows an excerpt from our target system, outlining the key targets per area. Information concerning the measures by which we intend to reach these targets can be found under the individual topics on this website and in our Sustainability Report.  

Standards, goals, and targets: Shaping the future 

In order to achieve our goals, it is important that our performance and progress are transparent and comprehensible. We prioritize transparency and traceability of our performance, and comprehensively document and communicate our sustainability activities. This commitment reflects our desire to actively shape the future. We participate in the following initiatives and programmes to ensure transparency and comparability. We also participate in futher industry- or location-based ratings such as NQC (SAQ questionnaire) and IntegrityNext. 

EcoVadis: Enhancing transparency 

The results of our EcoVadis sustainability rating show that we are well on our way toward achieving sustainability in our business operations. In 2024 we achieved gold status, which places us among the top 5 percent of companies rated in this category. 

SBTi: Efficient reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

TÜV SÜD is the only German testing service provider to commit to net zero in accordance with the SBTi standard. The climate protection initiative has validated TÜV SÜD’s emissions reduction target for 2030 and the net-zero climate goal for 2050. The TIC company’s net-zero target is thus in compliance with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, and its climate-protection strategy is in line with the latest scientific findings and the 1.5-degree threshold of the Paris Agreement.

Near-term goal: We are committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain (Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2050 at the latest. TÜV SÜD is committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 compared to the base year 2023. In addition, absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, upstream transportation and distribution activities, and business travel are to be reduced by 25% within the same period.

In the long term, TÜV SÜD is committed to reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 90% by 2050 compared to the base year 2023 in order to achieve the SBTi Net-Zero target. Any remaining emissions will then be removed from the atmosphere retrospectively. 

CDP 

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a non-profit organisation and operates a global system for the disclosure of environmental impacts. CDP collects climate and environmentally relevant data and information from companies using a questionnaire. The aim is to make corporate environmental protection measurable and comparable and to promote it with the help of standardised surveys. 

SDGs: We support the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) 

Within the scope of our activities to improve sustainability, we also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. The following SDGs are of particular relevance to our company:  

Munich Business Climate Pact: We collaborate and share our knowledge 

The Munich Business Climate Pact is an initiative of the City of Munich Department of Labour and Economic Development with 16 major Munich-based companies and three cooperation partners. They all work together to make an effective and binding contribution to the City of Munich’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2035. Together with the City of Munich, the companies form a strong network for implementing climate change projects, serving as role models for other companies in the region and in Germany. Phase 3 of the Munich Business Climate Pact under the banner of: “Binding. Effective. Visible.”  

Diversity Charter: We are committed to a work environment free from bias 

TÜV SÜD signed the German Diversity Charter in 2017 to mark its active commitment to a work environment free from bias where all employees are valued irrespective of their age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender or gender identity, physical and mental ability, religion and world view, sexual orientation, and social origin. The German Diversity Charter is the leading initiative for supporting diversity in companies and institutions in Germany.  

Audit "berufundfamilie"

We have been certified in Germany in accordance with the audit workandfamily (audit berufundfamily) since as far back as 2009. One of the key goals of the initiative, in addition to promoting a good work-life balance, is to significantly increase the share of women among skilled staff and in management positions.