a pioneer of digital locking technology, it’s important to us as a company to create something sustainable. This not only concerns our products, but also the company and its business practices as a whole. Recently, we took another key step in our commitment to sustainability, by joining the United Nations Global Compact. We talked to Franziska Thorn (Manager of Sustainability & Compliance) about this important step, to find out about its background, effects and more.
Franziska, we’ve recently become an official part of the United Nations Global Compact. What exactly does that mean for our company?
Participation in the Global Compact is a clear commitment to corporate responsibility. One of the things it pledges us to do is observe the initiative’s Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption, and to incorporate them into our day-to-day business practices. These Principles are universally applicable and offer a common ethical basis to guide us – not only within our own company, but also in our collaboration with partners along the supply chain.
What prompted us to participate in the United Nations Global Compact?
It was important for us to send a visible signal. Particularly in times of global crises and increasing social responsibility, we want to position ourselves clearly: we stand for sustainable action, but not just on paper. The Global Compact is a strong framework for this, because it’s carried by a globally recognised organisation and offers an excellent international network. Participation also brings with it the commitment to take action on these issues.
In contrast to other certifications: what is special about the Global Compact?
The Global Compact is not a distinction or certification in the true sense of the word, but is based on voluntary participation. There’s no rating, scoring, or checking by external auditors. Rather, it’s a question of transparency, our own responsibility and continuous further development. We’re now part of an international network of more than 20,000 companies and organisations throughout the world, which brings with it the opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another and work on solutions together. For us, this is a valuable resource.
What did we have to do to be accepted?
The process itself was straightforward. We had to fill in a registration form, declare our agreement with the Ten Principles and pay an annual fee. We were then officially accepted. We’re now also listed publicly as a participant on the Global Compact website. But the important thing is: within the first year, we must either publish a sustainability report or complete a comprehensive questionnaire. We’ve decided to create our own report in the medium term.
What effects will it have on our day-to-day business?
Just joining won’t change our day-to-day work, but it will reinforce the direction in which we want to go anyway. It will sharpen our sustainability profile, whether it’s with external stakeholders, such as customers, partners or applicants, or our colleagues within the company. Sustainability will therefore become more visible and more binding. It will motivate us to question processes and accept new ideas – and, above all, to stay on the ball.
Which of the Ten Principles are particularly relevant to us from your point of view?
All of the Ten Principles are actually relevant to us, although with differing intensity. When it comes to human rights, we pay conscious attention, for example, to procuring as many components as possible from Europe. This isn’t just a question of quality and delivery reliability, but also reduces the risk of human rights violations in the supply chain. Our production takes place exclusively in Germany, which also guarantees high standards. We can say with a clear conscience that we fulfil these principles when it comes to labour standards, too – such as protection against discrimination or the prohibition of child labour and compulsory labour.
And the environment?
There, the challenges are greater. Our products consist primarily of steel, which is a resource-intensive material. Although we attach great importance to long service life and energy efficiency for operation, recycled alternatives are often not resilient enough for our requirements when it comes to the materials we deploy. Nevertheless, we actively address issues: we’ve already created a CO₂ balance, differentiated according to Scope 1, 2 and 3, and are currently analysing where we can take targeted action. In addition, we will be professionalising our processes more strongly for the purpose of environmental management, for example through regular reviews and setting strategic goals.
What can employees do to contribute to implementation of the Principles?
A great deal! Sustainability lives from being thought through and shaped in our day-to-day work, not only “from above”. Every individual has a different view of things in their area, sees other options and can make suggestions for improvement. That’s why it’s important to us to get everyone on board. It’s often small tips or ideas from the team that make the difference, especially when it comes to the environment. We’re consciously building a network here, in which sustainability is understood as a common concern.
Are there any concrete next steps that you can tell us about?
Currently, our biggest project is the compilation of a sustainability report for 2026. Due to the CSRD directive, we’ve already carried out a materiality analysis and a GAP analysis, which means that we’ve analysed what subjects are particularly relevant for us and where there are still gaps. Specific measures, for example for CO₂ emissions or supply chain transparency, will now result from these.
In addition, platforms such as EcoVadis and the United Nations Global Compact mean that we can be more easily found and are better prepared to answer questions from partners and customers. That’s why we’ve also set up the central email address sustainability-simonsvoss@allegion.com, which focuses on all subjects to do with sustainability and is open for questions.
The interview was carried out by our Content Marketing Manager, Marius Meyer.