Our commitments
GEA has a long-standing history of promoting environmental sustainability. We support the global transition to a Net Zero emissions economy and are committed to science-based targets. In doing so, we offer our customers products that not only provide improved performance but also demonstrate resource efficiency, while proactively reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of our own sites and activities.
Our climate targets at a glance
In 2021, we already launched an ambitious climate strategy, and in 2023 we upped the intensity once again and increased our targets. To limit global warming resulting from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, GEA has set the following climate targets in accordance with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).
How to achieve that?
By transforming our company. We consider five key areas where measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be implemented. These include:
- transformation of the product portfolio,
- transformation of our own business processes,
- adaptation of the value chain and supply chain,
- commitment to social engagement, and
- fundamental alignment of corporate culture.
Selected Memberships & Partnerships
GEA is committed to active engagement and contributing to change. This involves taking a proactive role and a willingness to share experience and knowledge to inspire others.
UN Global Compact
As a member of the UN Global Compact, GEA agrees to conduct its business in line with 10 universal sustainability principles encompassing: human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption.
Sustainable Development Goals
Our sustainability strategy is based, among other aspects, on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals* of the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs of the United Nations (UN).
Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders
As part of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, GEA is committed to vigorously driving forward climate protection goals.
Business Ambition for 1.5°C
Companies like GEA that have joined the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C" campaign maintain their commitment as part of the SBTi and are consistently committed to Net Zero targets.
VDMA’s Blue Competence VDMA
Since 2021, GEA has been committed to the twelve sustainability principles of the Blue Competence initiative of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).
econsense
Through our membership in the sustainability network, we want to intensify the dialog with other international companies and actively shape the transition to a more sustainable economy together.
Women's Empowerment Principles
GEA is committed to the seven principles of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) for gender equality.
International Sustainability Standards Board
GEA has supported the development and implementation of the guidelines of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) for sustainability reporting since 2022.
EV100
GEA joined the global initiative EV100 of the Climate Group in 2023 to accelerate the establishment of electric mobility.
SteelZero initiative
Since 2024, GEA has been a member of "SteelZero", an initiative of the Climate Group together with "Responsible Steel".
RE 100
As a member of RE 100, a global business initiative that brings together large and ambitious companies around the world committed to 100% renewable electricity, we are driving climate action worldwide.
Corporate Governance
Good corporate governance forms the bedrock of our business and encompasses our commitment to champion the principles of integrity, fairness and compliance. Our engagement with employees, business partners and the general public is defined by care, fairness, transparency, ethical conduct and respect for the interests of all stakeholders. This includes GEA's approach to data and information security, which we take very seriously. We are committed to protecting commercially sensitive information – both our own and what we receive from customers and partners – by guaranteeing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this information.
Our goals can only be achieved with the support of our more than 18,000 employees. However, it is the responsibility of our leaders to successfully implement the transformation of the company. They act as role models for all employees. Since 2019, the compensation of GEA board members has been tied to sustainability criteria, and since 2023, the compensation of the entire leadership team has been tied to these criteria as well.
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Respect for Human Rights
Approaching nature-related impact
Investing in gold standard climate protection projects
Since 2021, GEA has been investing in climate protection projects that demonstrably lead to the reduction of greenhouse gases while simultaneously promoting the local environment and addressing social concerns of the communities involved. However, we want to make it clear that these offsetting measures are not part of our climate goals and will be continuously reduced through the implementation of our Climate Transition Plan 2040. Our projects focus on supporting clean energy, job creation, education and reduced water consumption in several local communities.
Hydropower plants: Vietnam
170+ jobs created, average 197,000 CO2e mitigated annually and approx. 731,000 MWh of sustainable electricity exported to the grid annually.
Geothermal power plant: Indonesia
~80 jobs created, average 736,000 MWh electricity generated annually and average 481,000 tons CO2e mitigated annually.
