Axel Springer’s latest Environmental, Social & Governance Report (ESG) documents significant progress in 2023, when over the course of the year the company achieved its goals and further advanced transformation in all three areas. ESG is a core component of Axel Springer’s strategy, and for many years the company has been publishing annual reports that document its journey towards a more sustainable future. Since 2021, the reports have adhered to the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Some of the key highlights from the 2023 publication include:
Environmental
- Release of a disclosure statement on climate-related opportunities and risks, underlining Axel Springer’s efforts to tackle the challenges of climate change
- Introduction of the first Group-wide energy guideline
- Total Group emissions fell by 7.2 percent
- Electricity consumption decreased by 15.9 percent
- Total share of green electricity increased to 71.7 percent
- Overall Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions decreased by 7.6 percent
Social
- Integration of D&I criteria into the performance assessment and remuneration processes for top managers at the Axel Springer Holding
- Increased opportunities for advanced training and upskilling: The Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology expanded its offering to include 35 specialized upskilling seminars on generative AI for employees across the Group
- Founding of the non-profit organization Axel Springer Freedom Foundation that supports dissidents, artists, media creators, and projects from authoritarian countries that are committed to freedom, human rights, and democracy
Governance
- Introduction of a Supplier Code of Conduct in accordance with the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence in Supply Chains, outlining the internationally recognized social and environmental standards to be met by Axel Springer’s business partners
“ESG is a crucial element of our long-term success, highlighted by our ambitious ESG goals and our commitment to transparency, both internally and externally,” said Niddal Salah-Eldin, President of Talent & Culture at Axel Springer SE. “In 2023, we made significant progress, which we measure and monitor. The ESG Report serves as an important tool for making our contribution to the freedom of future generations transparent.”
You can find out more here.