Sustainability? Absolutely!
Today marks the start of the World Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Representatives from 198 countries are gathering at the 28th UN Climate Conference, COP28, to advance the goals set out in the Paris Agreement.
For Sport-Thieme as a family-owned business, it is a core commitment to reduce emissions within our sphere of influence so they align with the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement. By working together with stakeholders such as suppliers and customers, we aim to achieve measurable results. That’s why we have signed the international climate commitment “The Climate Pledge.”
Sport-Thieme signs “The Climate Pledge”
Amazon and Global Optimism initiated this agreement. Worldwide, over 300 companies and organizations have pledged to become climate-neutral across all their operations by 2040. The collaboration focuses on three key areas of action:
- Regular measurement and transparent reporting of both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implementation of CO₂ reduction strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through business innovation and changes, including efficiency improvements, use of renewable energy, reduced raw material consumption, and proactive approaches to avoid emissions.
- Neutralization of any remaining emissions through additional, quantifiable, real, lasting, and socially beneficial offsets, aiming for net zero CO₂ emissions by the end of 2040.
To mark this occasion, we interviewed Wolfram, head of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department.
Editorial team: “Wolfram, how does Sport-Thieme define its responsibility in the area of sustainability?”
Wolfram: “Sustainability holds a prominent place at Sport-Thieme—it’s embedded in our corporate vision. To maximize our impact quickly, we follow a structured process: measure sustainability, set clear targets, and implement effective actions.
In 2021, we first measured our CO₂ footprint, set reduction goals, and achieved some quick wins. With a dedicated team for sustainable transformation, we are working to significantly reduce all environmentally harmful emissions, whether we cause them directly or indirectly, in every part of the business.”
Editorial team: “What does this look like in practice?”
Wolfram: “Our goal is to become 100% climate neutral by 2040. This includes transitioning to emission-free vehicles, producing and storing our own green electricity, climate-neutral shipping, and introducing a comprehensive range of sustainable products. We’re working closely with suppliers to reinforce our commitment—so that they, too, can move toward climate-neutral production. Through these combined efforts, we are continuously reducing emissions at every step, within our own company and throughout our supply chain.
Of course, each team member at Sport-Thieme is also committed to working and living sustainably. For business trips, our staff increasingly use trains instead of company vehicles—and for shorter distances, company bicycles are available. We also have two charging stations for electric vehicles at our company site. For many years, all of our electricity has come from 100% European hydropower. At the Grasleben location, we operate a combined heat and power plant connected to the local biogas facility, as well as a photovoltaic system.”
Editorial team: “How are products themselves becoming more sustainable?”
Wolfram: “A completely sustainable product would be made in a way that’s entirely resource-neutral, and all components could be reused or recycled in a circular economy at the end of its lifecycle. Achieving this is challenging, since suppliers, manufacturers, transport partners, and waste processors must all be involved—and not all materials are currently available in sufficient quality as secondary raw materials.
For example, in the case of aluminum, high-quality recycled material is widely available. That’s why we’re negotiating with our goal suppliers to switch entirely to recycled aluminum—so that we can soon offer even more sustainable goalposts.”
Editorial team: “Where do we currently stand with regard to CO₂ emissions?”
Wolfram: “In our 2020/2021 business year, our total CO₂ emissions amounted to 18,254 tons—1,906 tons came from internal processes, while 16,348 tons were generated by upstream supplier activities. Through our certified climate protection projects, we voluntarily offset 2,000 tons in 2021—almost 11% of our footprint. Our aim is to continuously reduce emissions each year—so that we can achieve climate neutrality within the next 20 years.
We are also actively supporting greener shipping and are a member of ZEMBA (Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance). Alongside well-known companies such as Amazon, Tchibo, Patagonia, Nike, and six others, we are helping to minimize emissions from sea freight and investing in environmentally friendly propulsion systems. #shipZEMBA”
Editorial team: “Thank you, Wolfram!”
Are you looking for sustainability strategies for your business? Or do you want to know more about our initiatives? Click here >> Sustainability at Sport-Thieme.