Today, sustainability has long since ceased to be a “nice to have” for businesses, but has become a major deciding factor – even when it comes to working relationships with suppliers and partners. And this applies to SimonsVoss, too.
In the past few months, we’ve received an increased number of queries about whether we’re listed with EcoVadis. The desire behind this: more transparency and comparability when it comes to sustainability, ethics and corporate responsibility. In the meantime, we’re pleased to announce: we’ve taken part in our first EcoVadis rating process and are officially listed!
What is EcoVadis – and why is it important to us?
EcoVadis is an internationally recognised platform for rating sustainability practices in companies. The ratings are based on four core areas: the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. In contrast to many other platforms, declaring your intentions is not enough: every statement made must be substantiated by solid evidence. In our case, this consisted of more than 50 documents, which we collected and uploaded for rating.
The deciding factor for our participation in EcoVadis ultimately came from a major customer, who makes an EcoVadis rating a condition for future collaboration. Looking back, we’re very pleased to have taken this step. We now know: the EcoVadis rating is not merely a symbol, but a well-founded insight into what we do and what we can do better.
Our first result: a solid basis, clear perspectives
With our first result, we’re already above the average of the rated companies. We were able to achieve a particularly good result in the area of ethics. And in the other areas, too, many measures and steps are already part of our day-to-day work, but we’re working on improving our documentation of these.
Our participation in the United Nations Global Compact, shortly after the EcoVadis rating, was a direct consequence of this process.
Concrete examples: what we already do
A few examples from our day-to-day work demonstrate that sustainability at SimonsVoss is more than just a buzzword. We’ve opted for paper-based packaging, for example, and avoid plastic wherever possible. Our production generally uses hazard-free alternatives to classic hazardous substances. Our ISO 14001 certification, which is renewed annually, is also a strong signal in the direction of environmental management. And: most of our suppliers are located in Germany or the EU, which is a clear commitment to regional value creation and short delivery distances.
What EcoVadis means for our partners
Our participation in EcoVadis means that we’re now more transparent and more tangible for our customers and suppliers. Companies that are also active on the platform can view us there. We’re open to enquiries and are happy to exchange ideas. And we’ve also set up a central point of contact for questions concerning sustainability. If you’re interested in details or would like to reach out to us, simply write an email to sustainability-simonsvoss@allegion.com.
A start has been made – the journey continues
We don’t view our first EcoVadis rating as a conclusion, but as a further step towards a more systematic approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The process has already helped us to make many things more visible and provide new momentum. We’re looking forward to the next steps – and to exchanging ideas with all those who want to accompany us on this journey.