NET ZERO by 2040
We create spaces. Spaces, in which people live, work and spend their leisure time. We create infrastructures that enable innovation and business. In the world and at home. That is the mission of the Umdasch Group AG, of which Doka is a part.
Together, we are achieving this commitment by driving CO2 emission savings throughout the lifecycle construction projects we are involved in. From project development to planning, construction and ultimately ongoing operations, in renovation, deconstruction and recycling.
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. That is why we are aiming to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2040. We are doing this by producing more efficiently and using energy more sparingly. We push methods and materials that have a positive ecological impact.
We use the product carbon footprint of our entire global product portfolio to create transparency for our customers. We act responsibly and rely on the circular economy as a central driver of decarbonization. We ensure a safe working environment. We promote diversity and create spaces where our employees can develop their full potential.
"We aim to operate sustainably, conserve resources and develop innovations that address our customers' future challenges." Robert Hauser, CEO Doka.
We do not develop the strategy for sustainable management alone, we develop it together with our parent company, Umdasch Group AG, and the two sister companies, umdasch The Store Makers and Umdasch Group Ventures. For this reason, our sustainable projects can be found in the joint annual report.
A strategy is only a basis. Only the right projects initiate development. Our initiatives show how diverse sustainability is.
Outside-in or not at all.
The 17 global goals of the United Nations - Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs for short - address the key challenges of sustainable development at a global level. With our commitment to sustainability, we want to make a contribution to achieving these goals. In 2018, the Umdasch Group signed up to them. Since then, we have been applying the SDGs to our processes and projects in terms of content. They serve as a guideline for us and guarantee that we do not work past global needs and requirements, but actively participate in their solution with our products and services.
Sustainability means earning money sustainably, not just spending it sustainably.
We are committed to optimizing the use of limited – even finite – resources. Even better, we push methods and materials that have positive ecological impacts. Digital technologies, new methods and alternative materials are in demand. They are “eco intelligent” and recyclable.
Data as the basis for CO2 reduction
Where to start? The best place is ourselves. Because only those who know where their emission sources are located can control and eliminate them. That is precisely our goal and why we are calculating our Corporate Carbon Footprint. First, we focus on our direct emissions, such as the fuel combustion of our company vehicles (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat or cooling (Scope 2).
Networks create connections
Climate protection in particular is a challenge that we can only conquer as a united and strong community. Partnerships are essential to this success. Together with our customers, partners and employees, we are creating a fair and environmentally sustainable future that will enable everyone to live and thrive. We are open to dialogue, willing to share our experiences, and learn from our partners.
New methods and smart technologies drive major global megatrends
The sustainability of a product is represented by its life cycle: How are raw materials obtained? How are they processed? How efficient and ecological is the manufacturing process? And how is a product recycled sustainably at the end of its life? In our industry, special attention is paid to the use of our products. Quality and workmanship are crucial to their longevity. That is our focus.
Focus on the life cycle
What quantities of CO2 emissions are associated with a product over its entire life cycle? This question is important today, because customers also need to be able to make environmentally conscious decisions. The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) can help provide the answers.
Net-zero by 2040
Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2040. The important first step towards that goal is to calculate our Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). We can already provide a PCF for every item in our entire product portfolio, which also informs our customers how much Doka's products contribute to each customer’s own carbon footprint. At the same time, the PCF enables us to identify CO2 hotspots in the life cycle of our products and to implement targeted measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are using our PCFs to develop climate-friendly products in the future: this is a central component of our climate strategy.
Decarbonization of the construction industry
One thing is clear: concrete construction must become more sustainable, especially with lower CO2 emissions. The use of CO2-reduced concrete mixes can make an important contribution to decarbonizing the construction industry.
To achieve this, we are developing services and solutions that help our customers and partners to find and process CO2-reduced concrete mixes and to use them safely and productively on the construction site.
How external factors influence the earnings situation of companies
Our growth strategy is focused on the future. At the same time, we are holding firmly on to the foundation of our success: a stable structure of resources, operations, products, and staff who are capable of mastering crisis and acting independently and autonomously. Investments in new production facilities and machinery to the latest standards, renewable energy, and expansion or renovation of existing buildings – these investments keep us up to date, environmentally friendly and competitive.
What do we expect from our employees?
Lots of new initiative!
In nature, monocultures are dead ends. In organizations, it is much the same. Diversity is a key driver of successful global companies. Diversity means bringing together different cultures, skills and talents. Learning from each other. Inspiring each other. Diversity is the rich soil in which new ideas will sprout and grow.
Innovations to meet global challenges
Neither costly greenwashing nor blatant eco-marketing will help us combat and overcome climate change and global warming. What is needed are digital technologies, new methods and alternative materials.
Answers to these important social, ecological and economic questions can only be found by working together.
The satisfaction of our customers and stakeholders is important to us. The fact that we meet customer requirements in the best possible way is proven by ISO 9001. This international standard for quality management is met by a total of six umdasch sites.
Both climate change and new legal requirements are increasing expectations of corporate environmental management. These demands can be met by means of certification in accordance with the environmental standard DIN EN ISO 14001.
ISO 14001 is proof that the company attaches importance to the responsible use of natural resources.
Many Doka products are made of wood and wood-based materials. Right from the production stage, Doka is committed to using this valuable, renewable raw material in a way that conserves resources.
We look out for the FSC or PEFC certificate. These certificates ensure that wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Do you have any questions or suggestions on the subject of sustainability? Contact us - we look forward to hearing from you.