SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN RHENUS OFFICE SYSTEMS: OUR CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
As part of the Rhenus Group, Rhenus Office Systems places a high value on sustainable action and regularly sets itself new goals. We are striving for a climate-neutral economy by 2045. We have already implemented numerous measures to achieve this goal, and more will follow. Our actions are based on a clear Code of Conduct and strict compliance principles that ensure we act responsibly and lawfully in all areas. On this page, you can learn more about the projects of Rhenus Office Systems that contribute to achieving our sustainability goals.
CO₂E BALANCE:
The CO2e-Footprint is an indicator of how many greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are caused by certain activities and processes. The calculation summarizes all climate-damaging GHG emissions and calculates their emissions in metric tons of CO2equivalents (CO₂e). Greenhouse gases are the triggering factor for climate change and thus the CO2 footprint is a key indicator of climate friendliness. As a company, we attach great importance to the creation and monitoring of our CO2e-balance. By recording and evaluating our emissions in detail, we can take targeted measures to reduce our CO2-footprint. This includes both reducing our direct emissions through the use of carbon friendly technologies and processes and reducing our indirect emissions along the supply chain. Our goal is to be carbon-neutral by 2045. Our priority is always the avoidance and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT (DIN ISO 50001):
As a company, we are committed to meeting the standards of DIN ISO 50001 for energy management systems. Numerous Rhenus Office Systems GmbH locations are ISO 50001 certified. By implementing this system, we can improve our energy efficiency, monitor and continuously optimize energy consumption. This not only allows us to save expenses through a more efficient use of energy, but also contributes to the reduction of our carbon footprint. By identifying and implementing energy reduction measures, we contribute to the reduction of resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Compliance with the requirements of ISO 50001 is checked as part of the Rhenus-wide network certification. According to a statistical selection process, a certain number of sites are externally audited every year.
DIN ISO 14001:
Rhenus Office Systems places a great emphasis on conducting its business in an environmentally conscious manner. By implementing an environmental management system at Rhenus Data Office, we are committed to identifying, evaluating and reducing environmental impacts. We implement measures to minimize our environmental burden and promote sustainable practices. By continuously improving our environmental management system, we contribute to preserving resources, avoiding waste and reducing emissions. Compliance with DIN ISO 14001 enables us to systematically manage the environmental impact of our business activities.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS:
In Germany, the share of renewable energies as part of the electricity generation averaged 46,3 percent in 2022. The figure shows that more than half of our energy needs are still covered by fossil fuels. As a company, we are actively committed to environmental protection and the promotion of the energy transition. Therefore, we have decided to install photovoltaic systems at our sites. Through this measure, we want to make our contribution to sustainable energy production and reduce our carbon footprint.
VEHICLE FLEET / ALTERNATIVE DRIVES:
We are increasingly focusing on alternative drive systems in order to make our vehicle fleet more sustainable. Instead of conventional combustion engines, we are adding CNG and electric vehicles to our fleet. The use of alternative drive systems helps us to reduce CO2e-emissions and also offers other advantages such as less particle emissions, nitrogen oxides and lower noise levels. In this way, we contribute to cleaner air and a better living environment, especially in cities. All our CNG vehicles are powered by biogas to be more sustainable. Bio-CNG is almost carbon-neutral, since when the gas is burned, only as much CO2 is emitted as was previously bound by plant growth. In addition, our employees are instructed in eco-driving training courses on optimal driving behavior in order to keep the environmental impact of our fleet as low as possible.
Sustainable for sure
In this brochure, we would like to give you an overview of the main issues that concern us at all our sites. From electric cars to renewable energies and paper recycling – because Rhenus Office Systems is ‘sustainable for sure’.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
For us, sustainable acts also imply social commitment. That is why we are consciously involved in a wide variety of areas.
BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN
We appreciate the social importance of blood donations and want to make our own contribution to saving lives and supporting people in need. That's why we organize blood donation campaigns in cooperation with the German Red Cross.
Staff
Our focus is on our staff! We strongly believe that they are our most valuable asset, which is why we offer them a wealth of great benefits. Because only with a motivated and healthy team can we achieve great things!
We appreciate the social importance of blood donations and want to make our own contribution to saving lives and supporting people in need. That's why we organize blood donation campaigns in cooperation with the German Red Cross.
Our focus is on our staff! We strongly believe that they are our most valuable asset, which is why we offer them a wealth of great benefits. Because only with a motivated and healthy team can we achieve great things!
Ecovadis Sustainability Rating
EcoVadis studies the four domains of the environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. Since our first participation in 2011, Rhenus has been awarded silver status in the ranking for several times while being rated every year. In the EcoVadis 2022 assessment, we were awarded gold status, making us one of the top 1 percent of service providers in the logistics industry that were evaluated.
Our activities are certified by the consistently good ranking and it creates transparency for our customers and partners. Based on the Score Card, we are constantly identifying further opportunities for improvement in order to contribute to society and greener logistics.
UN GLOBAL COMPACT INITIATIVE
Since 2022, Rhenus has been committed to the UN Global Compact initiative for corporate responsibility and its principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and the fight against corruption. The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative of the United Nations that encourages companies to promote sustainable and responsible business practices. As a company, participation in the UN Global Compact offers an opportunity to actively engage in the implementation of the global sustainability goals. By signing the Global Compact pledge, we are committed to supporting ten universally recognized principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. These principles reflect fundamental values and provide a framework for ethical behavior in business.
RHENUS GROUP
Rhenus Office Systems GmbH is part of the Rhenus Group, which focuses on a holistic sustainability strategy that combines environmental protection, social responsibility and responsible management. Rhenus Logistics is taking on a pioneering role in the industry and promoting sustainability in logistics. You can find out more about the Rhenus Group's exciting projects here: Sustainability in the Rhenus Group
