When Volkswagen published its first environmental report in 1996 – still voluntarily at the time – only few people probably had any idea of how relevant this form of reporting would become almost two decades later. The 2023 Group Sustainability Report was published recently – and with it a reference guide full of facts that provide client companies with comprehensive information about the sustainability activities of the Volkswagen Group.

All the relevant information: brought to life in the sustainability report

The more than 130-page compendium of the Volkswagen Group is split into a strategy section and six sections devoted to the focus topics of decarbonisation, the circular economy, people in the transformation, diversity, integrity and compliance and supply chain and human rights. These sections largely set out clear objectives and milestones as well as KPIs and packages of measures. The PDF document has a clickable table of contents so that you can find the specific information you need in a flash.

Download (PDF): Group Sustainability Report 2023

Focus topics and highlights

Decarbonization

The Volkswagen Group has set itself the goal of becoming a net carbon-neutral company by 2050. By as early as 2030, it plans to reduce the carbon footprint of its passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 30 per cent per vehicle compared with 2018. This target is to be achieved purely through emissions-reducing measures and by switching to renewable energy – without resorting to offsetting measures.

In addition, the Volkswagen Group is increasingly focussing on integrating renewably generated electricity in the usage phase and switching the entire power supply of its plants to renewable energy.

Download (PDF): Decarbonization 2023

Circular Economy

The increasing closed-loop circulation of materials contributes significantly to reducing the negative environmental impact of resource consumption and to counteracting the shortage of raw materials. This makes it a key sustainability topic for the Volkswagen Group. At the same time, this development offers significant opportunities, by driving innovation in the areas of material design, recycling technologies and business models. Another important driver of the circular economy is the ongoing decarbonisation of the Volkswagen Group. Significant reductions in CO₂ emissions can be achieved through the increased use of secondary materials and the establishment of closed material loops.

Download (PDF): Circular Economy 2023

People in the Transformation

Progressive digitalisation and electrification are drivers of future technological development and at the same time increase knowledge requirements in the automotive industry, especially in the area of coding, programming and engineering activities. This transition will be completed within a decade. This means that the entire automotive industry is currently undergoing a transformation process, which will fundamentally change the role of automotive manufacturers and their suppliers and the qualifications needed in the industry. With its Group People Strategy, the Volkswagen Group is laying the foundation to make this change in a way that is employee-friendly and socially acceptable.

Download (PDF): People in the Transformation

Diversity

Diversity has many dimensions such as age, gender, origin or sexual orientation. The Volkswagen Group values this diversity and sees our employees’ differences as an asset. Open, respectful communication, inspiring leadership and a fair work culture are an important basis for this. The aim is that all employees are recognised for their individuality and can realise their full potential. The Group is firmly convinced that diversity is a source of new value creation and competitiveness and a decisive factor for the Group’s success – particularly in times of skills shortages.

Download (PDF): Diversity 2023

Integrity and Compliance

Integrity and compliance are a top priority in the Volkswagen Group. They form the basis for correct ethical behaviour. The company aligns its rules, processes and corporate culture to enabling all employees to act with integrity and in compliance with the rules at all times. It is important that they do the right thing out of a sense of conviction – regardless of economic, time or social pressures.

Download (PDF): Integrity and Compliance 2023

Supply Chain and Human Rights

The Volkswagen Group wants to enable sustainable mobility for generations to come. This includes living up to our legal, social and environmental responsibility both within the Group but also along our supply chains. The Volkswagen Group’s supplier network includes more than 63,000 direct suppliers at more than 115 locations in 96 countries around the globe. Activities in the supply chain may have negative effects on the environment and on people. At the same time, the size and position of the Volkswagen Group in the market mean that there are opportunities to achieve environmental and social improvements.

Download (PDF): Supply Chain and Human Rights 2023

“We act with the mindset of a future-oriented transformation and strive to have a positive impact on nature and society. The collective effort of all employees worldwide is our unique strength.”

Dirk Voeste

Chief Sustainability Officer Volkswagen Group

Sustainability Strategy: regenerate+

With regenerate+, the Volkswagen Group is creating important momentum for 2024 and taking responsibility. Ramping up electric mobility provides important leverage for reducing emissions. The company is currently pursuing one of the most ambitious electric initiatives in the automotive industry across all vehicle segments, with greater focus on production than ever before: The Volkswagen Group is aiming to achieve balance sheet carbon neutrality at all production sites worldwide by 2040 – ten years earlier than planned. One of the ways planned to achieve this is by increasing energy efficiency and switching energy supply. Using electricity purchase as an example, the plan is to supply all locations (including China) exclusively with electricity from CO₂-neutral sources by as early as 2030. All locations in Europe are already exclusively sourcing green electricity; eight plants in Europe already operate on balance sheet carbon-neutral basis.

More about the four dimensions of the regenerate+ sustainability strategy and the holistic approach:

Sustainability | Volkswagen Group (volkswagen-group.com)

Status: 14.06.2024

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