Sustainability

Alongside these certifications, Elmos also collects consumption data for internal operational assessments. These analyze, for example, power consumption (and the associated CO2 emissions) and water consumption as well as waste volumes. Elmos analyzes internal processes to further increase efficiency and to generate benefits for both the environment and the Company’s economic base. Elmos has also joined the national campaign “Initiative Energieeffizienz-Netzwerke” (engl. “Initiative Energy Efficiency Networks”) and thus actively supports the Federal Government’s power efficiency targets, for example by constantly analyzing production processes to identify potential efficiency increases. Effective resource management is important for both the environment and the economy. One example of this is our gas-driven CHP (combined heat and power) plant which allows us to generate a substantial share of our power requirements ourselves while utilizing the heat produced for heating our buildings at our Dortmund headquarters.

Internal and external audits regularly review whether we are treating potentially harmful substances in a way that complies with the law.

The principles of proper conduct toward and among employees, as well as toward external persons and institutions, are defined in our Code of Conduct. The code addresses issues such as law-abiding behavior, conflicts of interest, and dealing with information and Company assets. The Code of Conduct is binding for all employees.

Alongside the rights and duties listed here, we also offer voluntary services to improve the health of our employees. In-house health promotion is an essential social standard implemented by Elmos. Along with general health programs, it includes special offers for employees doing shift work. Among other benefits that go beyond the usual are the in-house cafeteria, our own parking garage, and our in-house gym at our headquarters in Dortmund, Germany. In addition, an in-house health team provides certain medical examinations and influenza vaccinations for employees. Moreover, the health team organizes the participation in local sporting events, such as company runs.

Where necessary, the Company negotiates measures, rights, and duties with the Elmos works council. In order to keep this positive collaboration going, members of Company management and the works council connect with each other in different groups. Regular works meetings at the Company’s major locations provide management and employees with the opportunity to engage in exchange with each other.

Our Code of Conduct for employees and the Supplier Code of Conduct for our suppliers set out how human rights are to be upheld. Our suppliers and business partners must comply with the rules set out in our Supplier Code of Conduct and must also require their sub-suppliers to comply. Examples of what is required by the Supplier Code of Conduct include upholding international human rights, observing employee rights in line with national and international standards, and rejecting child labor, forced labor, and discrimination of all kinds.

We actively strive to combat corruption and bribery at our Company. Elmos has an Group-wide compliance management system. This includes rules such as a prohibition against bribery and corruption, maximum limits for the value of gifts, commitment to correct accounting, non-disclosure obligations with respect to confidential information, and prohibitions against anti-competitive conduct. Especially trained compliance officers at headquarters and at important foreign locations monitor compliance with rules and laws. Moreover, they provide clear guidance to employees with compliance questions. Select employees must take part in compliance training that addresses different aspects of compliance and provides instruction for the areas in which they work.