Applications can be submitted until 31 July 2021
Companies that are pursuing ambitious climate targets and have a record of achievement regarding sustainability and energy efficiency can apply to become members of ‘Klimaschutz-Unternehmen’, a nationwide pioneering initiative that brings together companies committed to mitigating climate change. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce are calling for interested firms to apply. German companies of all sizes and from all sectors are eligible, provided they are successfully pursuing climate change mitigation as a strategic corporate objective. The next round of applications starts now and runs until 31 July 2021.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier said: "Despite the current coronavirus crisis, we must not lose sight of the major issues of the future. Whoever wants to do business in a forward-looking way has to think sustainably – this is how we boost our competitiveness. To do so, we need entrepreneurial role models with a can-do attitude. So please join the effort as flagship companies in the fight against climate change."
Federal Minister for the Environment Svenja Schulze said: "The stimulus programmes launched in response to the pandemic have succeeded in aligning economic recovery with climate change mitigation. By investing in climate action, we are also investing in Germany’s economic future. Now that another round of applications has started, we are again on the lookout for companies that are committed to climate change mitigation, have the necessary expertise, lead by example and are able to inspire other businesses.”"
Jörg Schmidt, Chairman of the Executive Board of Klimaschutz-Unternehmen e. V.: "Our members ensure that their business activities are in line with the principles of sustainability. For them, climate change mitigation is a strategic corporate objective with a clear road map towards cutting carbon emissions. To achieve this, our association is an ideal place to look for support – after all, our work is all about the exchange of ideas on innovative emissions reduction projects. It is guided by the motto: think ahead, lead by example, show the way forward! We have been growing rapidly over the past two years and are now looking for further pioneering companies that would like to contribute to our network with new ideas and benefit from our expertise."
If that sounds interesting, this is how it works: the application procedure starts with an online-based check that provides you with some initial orientation on your prospects of success. At the end of the procedure, the advisory council, an independent body of experts, decides whether you will be accepted. Successful applicants will be admitted into the association at a public event in Berlin, where they will be awarded a certificate from the Environment Ministry, the Economic Affairs Ministry and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce.