1. Environmental, social, and corporate governance obligations – our commitment, our goals
1.1 Sustainable Development
Many people associate sustainability with environmental protection only. Indeed, a responsible approach to the planet is an important part of the concept.
But sustainability goes far beyond ecological considerations.
In 1987, the United Nations’ Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as „development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“*
It is therefore a long-term goal that ultimately aims to improve the lives, health and prosperity of all. According to the three-pillar model, sustainability is based on ecology, social issues and economy.
1.2 Sustainable Development Goals
In addition to the typical „ESG“ goals (Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance) of a sustainable development, „Good health and well-being“ is a core value.
This is what Heidelberg Engineering products are made for as is reflected in our Quality Policy:
“Our commitment to provide innovative solutions focused on the clinical benefit for the patient”
“to achieve its [Heidelberg Engineering’s] ultimate goal – to empower clinicians to improve patient care”.
1.3 Commitment of Managing Directors and Leadership Team
Responsibility for the implementation of this ESG Policy is assumed by the Managing Directors and the Leadership Team, who set an example.
The members of the Leadership Team transport the stated principles into all areas of our company. This ensures that all areas are aware of their own responsibility for respecting human rights and implementing them daily.
In the same way, the commitment for environmental protection and sustainable solutions is communicated to and demanded in all areas of the company, each of which contribute within their applicable scope
2. Respecting Human Rights
2.1 Implementing human rights in our company
Heidelberg Engineering guarantees the following fundamental rights to all of its employees worldwide and, at the same time, expects all employees to comply with.
- Prohibition of discrimination,
- respect for the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment,
- free choice of employment (no forced labor),
- prohibition of child labor,
- appropriate remuneration and fair conditions (working hours),
- freedom of collective bargaining and association,
- compliance with safety regulations and health standards,
- provision of anonymous complaint mechanisms.
2.2 More than just respecting human rights
Complying with local legislation, we are fully committed to respect human rights in our company.
For Heidelberg Engineering, it is not just about fulfilling legal obligations, but fostering an open-minded, person-centered and diverse culture of respect and acceptance.
Some numbers from our Diversity Report for Heidelberg Engineering GmbH (November 2020):
2.3 Enabling quality education
Quality education is a corner stone of Heidelberg Engineering‘s philosophy, covering both the education of customers (clinicians) as well as the qualification of its own employees. This is reflected in the Quality Policy.
„Top quality and education play a large part in fostering the diagnostic confidence that has become synonymous with the global brand. …
… four essential elements… 4. the development of highly-qualified and motivated employees.
… Offer extensive training for the operation and application of our technologies in clinical practice. …”
Education and qualification play a significant role in the safe and effective use of medical devices for the ultimate goal to improve patient care.
The Heidelberg Engineering Academy is an internationally renowned education center for customers, clinicians and internal employees alike.
Our employees benefit from a modern learning platform with an extensive range of trainings.
3. Respecting the Environment
3.1 Implementing sustainable solutions in our company
Heidelberg Engineering has implemented the following measures to protect the environment and provide sustainable solutions.
- Headquarters in Heidelberg, including the production area, are located in Bahnstadt, the world’s largest “passive house” settlement, which has already won several “green” awards.
- In Lübeck, Heidelberg Engineering will move to a new building in 2025 with energy efficiency standard “KFW 55”.
- At both sites, energy consumption is reduced to a minimum and monitored continuously.
- All our devices comply with directive 2012/19/EU WEEE for electric/electronic waste.
- Sewage is cleansed and recycled, waste is recycled, as a standard in Germany.
- Special waste (if any) is disposed of by certified companies only.
Heidelberg Engineering is striving for best solutions to support environmental goals.
- Contract manufacturers are located in Europe, being bound to strict ecological standards.
- Being used on patients, in clinical environments, our products need to comply with RoHS and REACH** requirements and therefore do not contain any forbidden hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Our products are upgradeable rather than replaceable. We also refurbish our devices and recycle many parts.
- Our instructions for use are provided in electronical format, saving a considerable amount of natural resources.
- Our employees are encouraged to contribute our ecological endeavors: Heidelberg Engineering sponsors public transport passes and bike leasing.
4. Compliance and Transparency
4.1 Legal compliance and transparency
Our Managing Directors and the Leadership Team are fully committed to the highest ethical standards when it comes to fair competition, a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, corruption, defalcation.
Our Policy Statement can be downloaded here.
Also, the protection of personal data – be it that of our customers or their patients or that of our own employees – is implemented with the highest diligence.
- General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and DSGVO is strictly adhered to.
- Cybersecurity measures for our medical devices are continuously enhanced.
- A modern information security management system ISMS is in place, accompanied by a binding ISMS Policy.
- Regular phishing simulations, awareness campaigns, and trainings are offered throughout the year.
- A whistleblower system has been introduced in cooperation with an established provider of reporting systems (EQS) and a law firm (CMS), allowing employees to anonymously and securely report violations of applicable rules and laws.
4.2 ESG Reporting Summary 2024
In addition to the Policy Statement (see above), a Risk Assessment Human Rights and a Report on ESG Obligations for 2024 is available on the Heidelberg Engineering Information Portal for registered users.
This Risk Assessment and Report apply to Heidelberg Engineering GmbH and its sites in Germany.
An update to enclose more details and numbers, as well as the subsidiaries and companies of the group is planned.
*Source: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future
**RoHS = Restriction of Hazardous Substances; REACH = Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical