1. Introduction
Geberit’s sustainability reporting is fully integrated in the online Annual Report, as it has been for some years. The company’s systematic and transparent communication on the subject of sustainability is addressed to a range of target groups, including customers and partners, investors, the general public and company employees. Overall, Geberit thus wishes to demonstrate to its stakeholders and shareholders the many and sustainable ways in which it creates added value. To this end, information is made available at different levels:
- CEO statement on sustainability
- Current highlights sustainability
- Business and financial review, as part of the Annual Report integrated into the chapters Employees, Customers, Innovation, Production, Logistics and procurement, Sustainability, Compliance and Social Responsibility
- Sustainability strategy with objectives, measures and results
- Materiality analysis
- SDG Reporting
- Key figures sustainability
- Communication on Progress UN Global Compact
Since 2006, a sustainability performance review has been presented annually in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In this reporting year, Geberit has once again implemented the “Comprehensive” option of the GRI Standards. For the reporting on Water and waste water (GRI 303: 2018) and on Occupational health and safety (GRI 403: 2018), the standards updated by GRI were used. For the Materiality Disclosures Service, the GRI inspected whether the GRI Content Index is clearly presented and the references for disclosures GRI 102-40 to GRI 102-49 match the corresponding parts of the report. For details on the successful inspection, see GRI label in the formal GRI Content Index. The Report is available in German and English. The German version is binding.
As prescribed by the GRI, a Materiality analysis based on the aspects defined by the GRI was the strategic starting point. As in 2012, 2014 and 2016, an external stakeholder panel was also consulted in 2018. Its mandate consisted of scrutinising the results of the internal materiality analysis and providing feedback on the sustainability strategy and sustainability communication. The external panel summarised the results in a panel statement. The response from Geberit to the panel statement illustrates how the recommendations are being taken into consideration in the further development of the sustainability strategy and reporting. The next stakeholder panel is planned for 2020.
