Sustainability strategy 2019 - 2021

For Geberit, sustainability means being oriented towards the future and being successful over the long term. A long-term orientation results when a balance is struck between economic, environmental and social aspects in all decision-making processes. Sustained high profitability is being striven for. In addition to shareholder value, value is simultaneously created for many other stakeholders: innovative, design-oriented and sustainable products; training and education of plumbers, sanitary engineers and architects; the smallest possible environmental footprint along the entire value chain; production plants with prospects for numerous regions; a cooperation with suppliers and business partners that is based on fairness; and leadership for sustainable development in the sanitary industry.

The graphic below shows how Geberit implements integrated sustainability and thus creates value. The vision of achieving sustained improvement in the quality of people’s lives with innovative sanitary products represents the starting point. To bring this vision to fruition, Geberit continuously refines its products, systems and services and sets new standards as a market leader in the area of sanitary products. Values such as integrity, team spirit, enthusiasm, modesty and an ability to embrace change are core factors. The long-term core strategy is based on four pillars: Focus on sanitary products, Commitment to design and innovation, Selective geographic expansion and Continuous optimisation of business processes. This strategy is implemented on the basis of six growth and earnings drivers. The sustainability strategy supplements the core strategy and the growth and earnings drivers with twelve concrete modules. These modules strengthen the business model and the added value for various stakeholders in the areas People, Planet and Profit in a targeted manner. The results of Geberit’s activities show the diverse added value in the three dimensions of sustainability. At the same time, the results contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (see SDG Reporting). Goal number 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation” – and goal number 11 – “Sustainable Cities and Communities” – are a key focus for Geberit. However, significant contributions are also made when it comes to “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (goal number 8) and “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” (goal number 9).

The modules of the sustainability strategy bundle current or future projects, initiatives or activities. Each module contains clear responsibilities with measurable objectives, derived measures and quantifiable key figures for effective monitoring.

The following pages provide an overview of the sustainability modules with important facts and achievements for 2018 as well as the outlook for 2019 to 2021. The current sustainability strategy covers the entire Geberit Group and shows how Geberit intends to be a pioneer and leader in the area of sustainability in the sanitary industry.