The FIXIT GRUPPE aligns its sustainability strategy in such a way that the external influences of climate change and sustainability described below are addressed as constructively as possible.
- Influence on products and sales
Under the influence of the public discussion on the topic of sustainability, environmental awareness within society is changing. As a result, end customers also want to measure or control their respective contribution and demand greenhouse gas certified as well as climate-friendly products.
- Public perception of products
The impact of companies is perceived to a great extent through their products, and this is also the case with the topic of sustainability. This effect is amplified in view of the changing public perception and can be used positively (e.g. by influencers), but it also entails risks.
- Influence on logistics
The national and European climate targets go hand in hand with concrete targets for the reduction of GHG emissions in the individual sectors. In this context, the registration of commercial vehicles is linked to progressive emission standards, while manufacturers are subject to CO2 fleet targets.
- Supply chain laws
The German Supply Chain Act initially addresses companies with more than 3,000 employees and obliges them internally as well as along the supply chain to be sustainable and to respect human rights. This results in international relevance, whereby smaller companies can also be affected from the outset. Similar regulations are under discussion at the European level.
- Climate Protection Act
The (Federal) Climate Protection Act implements the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal at the national level. The overarching goal of climate neutrality is to be achieved primarily through the gradual reduction of GHG emissions and supported with the help of funding programmes. Within the EU, however, national differences in the respective implementation must be taken into account.
- CO2 taxes on energy sources
Increasingly, national and European regulations are emerging that tax the use of CO2-intensive energy. In some countries there are no exemptions for companies or private consumers.
- Low emission zones
The EU's air quality plan defines limit values for air pollutants (especially particulate matter). Compliance with these limits is a local responsibility and is achieved, among other things, through the creation of environmental zones (over 300 of this type in 11 European countries). In Germany, this is implemented through the Federal Immission Control Act. New stickers and the expansion of zones are expected.
- Occupational safety
Occupational safety requires, among other things, that the exposure of employees to fine dusts be measured and limited.
- EEG levy
The EEG levy (Renewable Energy Sources Act) obliges non-privileged end consumers in Germany to pay a levy of 6.4ct/kWh. Industry as well as larger and electricity cost-intensive companies can apply for a reduction or exemption from this levy.
- EU taxonomy
From 2023, financial service providers and companies close to the capital market will be obliged to determine and report the respective sustainability level (according to turnover/capex/opex) for their economic activities on the basis of a taxonomy established by the EU; the aim is to prevent "greenwashing". In the future, up to 50,000 companies within the EU are to be addressed, whereby upstream and downstream companies will already be affected from 2023.
- Bans on materials and products
Materials that are harmful to the environment or considered unsustainable are increasingly subject to bans. Implicitly, this also means the banning of those products that rely on these materials.
- Landscape protection
Landscape protection regulates or limits the use of land. This also limits the extraction of raw materials.