Sustainable Management

What is sustainable management?

Sustainable management is a business strategy that aims to achieve long-term ecological, economic, and social sustainability. The goal is to efficiently use resources, minimize the ecological footprint, and create fair working conditions and improve quality of life.

However, implementing sustainable practices faces numerous obstacles. High initial investments, technological challenges, and regulatory uncertainties can create financial and operational problems for companies. Additionally, market pressure to remain competitive can hinder sustainable initiatives, and the necessary behavioral changes in corporate culture require time and continuous effort.

Despite these challenges, sustainable business practices offer many advantages and opportunities. Companies can reduce costs in the long term, better manage risks, and differentiate themselves in the market by offering environmentally and socially responsible products. Sustainability also promotes innovation and efficiency, increases employee engagement and loyalty, and improves a company's reputation and brand value.

Overall, sustainable business practices strengthen not only the environment and society but also the long-term competitiveness and resilience of companies. By overcoming existing hurdles, companies can successfully implement sustainable business strategies and reap the benefits.

Fraunhofer IPK's various sustainability projects support companies in many aspects of sustainable business practices.

Our range of sustainable business services

 

Sustainability benchmarking

As a tool for sustainability management, benchmarking combines economic success with environmental compatibility and social responsibility. 

Fraunhofer IPK offers small and medium-sized enterprises an introduction to corporate sustainability management through sustainability benchmarking.

 

Sustainability strategy and CSRD

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires many companies to develop and report on a sustainability strategy in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. The Fraunhofer Group for Production provides support in the following areas: corporate and product carbon footprints; materiality analysis; target definition; roadmapping; implementation of measures; and sustainability communication.

 

Develop circular business models

Circular business models implement the principles of the circular economy by promoting longevity and sustainable resource use at the business model level of a company. Through a series of workshops, we will support you in conducting a thorough analysis of your existing business model and developing concrete measures for designing a circular business model.

 

KliMaWirtschaft

Often, companies lack a systematic approach to integrating sustainability into their business practices. This project supported companies by providing a three-part workshop series, a website with an interactive toolbox for customized climate protection measures, extensive free informational materials, and telephone consultations.

 

Sustainability regulations compass

The Sustainability Regulatory Compass is a reliable tool for navigating the complex field of European and national sustainability regulations. Our goal is to give companies a clear, structured overview of the relevant laws.

 

Green Skill Check

The »Green Skill Check« is an innovative diagnostic tool developed by the GreenSMILE project to help SMEs prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the green economy. Using this tool, companies can analyze their employees' current sustainability skills and align them with their sustainable business strategy. They can also use an AI-based learning path generator to create customized training programs for more sustainable corporate management.