Sustainability as a guiding principle: Our path to the future

The world is facing major challenges, and chemistry can be a decisive key to shaping a sustainable future. As President of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), it is particularly important to me that we accept this responsibility and lead the way. For this reason, I am delighted to present our sustainability strategy to you today. For us, sustainability is not merely a buzzword, but a guiding principle that we want to embed in all our activities. The aim of our strategy is to anchor sustainability in all the GDCh’s processes. Building on our expertise, we want to provide information, help create solutions and contribute to sustainable action in science, industry and politics. The Board has adopted the recommendations of the commission established specifically to develop the strategy in 2024 and created the necessary structures to implement our sustainability strategy effectively, including setting up a Sustainability Commission. The GDCh Sustainability Commission consists of representatives from various Divisions and institutions and is the central part of the GDCh’s sustainability governance. Our mission for a sustainable future is ambitious but achievable: by 2030, we want to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. In addition, we are promoting sustainable solutions for the circular economy and developing effective solutions to relevant environmental issues within our Divisions. At the same time, we are committed to equal opportunities in science and education and provide balanced information on issues relating to sustainable chemistry. To achieve these goals, we need the support and commitment of our members. I would therefore like to invite you warmly to support the implementation of our sustainability strategy. Together, we can make the GDCh a pioneer for sustainability in chemistry and develop solutions for a sustainable future. Let us take this path together and firmly embed the values of sustainability relating to the environment, social affairs and governance in our organisation. I am counting on your support and look forward to working with you to guide the GDCh towards a liveable future through sustainable measures. We will be pleased to approach you in due course with relevant requests and offers.