Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been concretely defined by the United Nations and target values that are as verifiable as possible have been set to be achieved by 2030.
Want to learn more? Contact us!
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been concretely defined by the United Nations and target values that are as verifiable as possible have been set to be achieved by 2030.
Want to learn more? Contact us!At ARDEX, we see sustainability as a great opportunity to shape the future together. With the help of the stakeholder analysis, we were able to define a majority of the 17 SDGs for us, which are of particular relevance.
We are committed to acting responsibly, and our contribution to the SDGs plays a crucial role in this.
GOAL 1: No poverty
Eradicate extreme poverty and establish equal rights to property, basic services, technology and economic resources
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
Currently, ARDEX’s contribution can be defined as an employer paying fair wages and providing jobs. However, SDG 1 is not included in our strategy framework presented here. The contribution will be part of our international Code of Conduct, which is currently in development. It is intended to guarantee safe and fair working conditions for the entire supply chain, and in particular to uphold and guarantee compliance with human rights.
GOAL 7: Ensure Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Increase the share of electricity from renewable energies and increase energy efficiency.
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
The switch to renewable energies is essential, which has already been implemented at various ARDEX sites around the world. Our ARDEX factory in Hedenstedt, Denmark is powered by 100% wind energy, in Adelaide, Australia solar energy is used and ARDEX Germany is also powered by 100% renewable energy. The British plants also exclusively employ green electricity. It is also important to increase energy efficiency, like switching to LED lighting which has a potential to save 21628 kWh/year.
GOAL 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
As a company selling building materials, we are committed to supporting sustainable settlement planning and management, making urbanization more inclusive as well as more sustainable and increasing capacities for sustainable construction.
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
As a founding member of the German GEV (Association for Emission Controlled Flooring Materials, Adhesives and Building Products) ARDEX Germany contributes to the use of more sustainable building materials. In support of this, ARDEX has been a member of the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), since 2011 and is committed to more sustainability in the construction and real estate industry. A large proportion of our ARDEX products already achieve the highest quality level in DGNB building certification according to DGNB criterion ENV 1.2 “Risks to the local environment”. ARDEX thus makes an important contribution to the assessment of the sustainability of buildings.
GOAL 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
An environmentally compatible handling of chemicals and all waste is a matter of concern. The minimization of adverse effects on human health and the environment is also a priority. The volume of waste is to be minimized through avoidance, reduction and above all through recycling and reuse.
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
The development of materials with the lowest possible emissions and healthy living conditions are relevant topics in the ARDEX Group, and sustainable construction has been integrated into the business model for over 20 years. In our research and development work we contribute to creating resource-saving products and innovative technologies for new markets. Another focus is the optimization of more environmental-friendly packaging. The reduction of plastic packaging and materials that are difficult to recycle plays a major role in closing material cycles more efficiently without compromising product performance and transport and storage safety.
GOAL 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
As a family-owned company, it is important to us to include climate protection measures in our strategies and planning.
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
Our environmental and energy management systems are certified in accordance with ISO 14001 and ISO 50001. The implementation of our goals is reviewed in annual, external audits. At our corporate site in Witten (Germany), we continue to support, among other things, a portion of the electricity we purchase through internally operated photovoltaic systems and geothermal fields. Other sites also contribute to climate protection. The factory in Hedenstedt, Denmark, runs on 100% wind power and they have also switched completely to LED lighting with a potential saving of 21628 kWh/year.
GOAL 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Since 1949 at the Witten (Germany) site, it has been our concern to protect, restore and sustainably use this site ecologically as well.
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
At our corporate headquarters in Witten, Germany, we use wastewater from roof areas, and contribute to the renaturation and opening of the piped Steinbach stream. This has been in operation since September 2019. In addition, FSC-certified printing paper is already used at some sites, supporting sustainable and responsible forestry.
GOAL 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Protect children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and violence and substantially reduce corruption and bribery
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
Our international Code of Conduct aims at contributing to this goal. It includes a ban on child labor, which is based on the regulations of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the UN Global Compact. The physical, intellectual, social or moral exploitation of children is explicitly prohibited.
ARDEX is also clearly against corruption and bribery and requires our entire supply chain to comply with existing anti-corruption laws.
GOAL 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
Promotion of sustainable technologies in developing countries. At ARDEX, we believe in achieving sustainability and only with close partnerships
What is ARDEX’ contribution?
At ARDEX, we consider our partners’ commitment to sustainability throughout our supply chain. ARDEX’s Supplier Code of Conduct already serves as a basis for this. We are aware that we can only achieve our goals and especially climate neutrality with such partnerships.
We carefully select the climate protection projects and suppliers of those that we financially support for climate compensation according to their actual sustainability. For example, we finance a biogas project in India, which prevents CO2 emissions in the long term, verified by independent third parties. In the project, the sustainability of the technologies used and the conditions on site are ensured through close cooperation with local partners and the local population.
