Sustainability at AEB: Assuming responsibility. Shaping the future.
Environmental
We take a holistic and future-oriented approach to ecological responsibility. Sustainability is an integral part of our decision-making, processes, and products - not as a duty, but out of conviction.
Our aim is to optimize the use of resources, avoid emissions, and constantly scrutinize and develop our actions.
Social
At AEB, we focus on people - both in our own company and in society. We take action to promote education, equal opportunities, and social initiatives, both locally and internationally.
Trust, openness, and mutual respect as the basis for sustainable cooperation characterize our work, also with partners and customers.
Economic
We believe that sustainable growth is the foundation of our long-term business success. We focus on people, innovation and quality - not short-term profits.
AEB is in the hands of the employees. This independence gives us the freedom to invest in solutions that truly create value - for our customers, our employees, as well as society and the environment.
Read more about sustainability at AEB
AEB voluntarily prepared a CSRD-compliant sample report for the 2024 reporting year. Our goal: Preparing early for future reporting obligations and establishing processes. Based on a double materiality analysis, we collected and evaluated relevant data. The report forms the basis for systematically setting up our sustainability management.
From carbon footprint to decarbonization strategy
With our sustainability activities we focus on the goal of minimizing our impact on climate change. For several years now, we've recorded our carbon footprint and have initiated numerous measures following the principle of “first avoid, then reduce, then offset.”
From 2023 to 2024, we were able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around ten percent to around 3,070 t CO2e. Per capita, the reduction was over 20% to 4.14 tons of CO2e. The largest proportion - over two thirds of our GHG emissions - is generated in Scope 3. Purchased goods and services as well as business travel account for the largest share here.
AEB is working on a decarbonization strategy that covers all three areas of emissions. The focus is on reducing Scope 3 emissions, particularly in the purchase of goods and services, business travel, and employee commuting.
Making a difference together: Carbon removal with Treeo
As a software company, AEB has a rather small carbon footprint. To offset the portion of our carbon footprint that we cannot eliminate through measures (see below), we invest in internationally recognized and certified climate protection projects in cooperation with our partner Treeo: With Treeo, we are pursuing a technology-based approach that has been proven to help cool the climate.
A look at some of our programs and initiatives
Waste not weeks
Under the motto waste-not-weeks, we organized a "circular month" with various formats and campaigns to conserve natural resources, reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions.Vocational training in Uganda
Only 5% of those who graduate from public school in Uganda go on to a university, and only 15% attend a vocational school. So it’s not surprising that experts estimate youth unemployment to be around 80%. In cooperation with Adept, the AEB-Stiftung provides financial support and shares technological expertise with St. Bruno Secondary School in Masaka’s heavily impoverished northern district of Ssaza in the areas of IT training, infrastructure, and sponsorships.Vehicle fleet
We’ve had a company car policy for over ten years designed to reduce emissions from our vehicle fleet. Our company headquarters and AEB offices offer free electric and hybrid vehicle charging. We even add our own self-generated solar electricity to the energy mix used to charge the cars.Award-winning sustainable cuisine
Variety, great taste, beneficial for people and the environment is the motto of the AEB-Kantino at the HQ in Stuttgart. Seasonal dishes made from regional products are served daily and measures are consistently taken against food waste. The team recently received an award for promoting sustainable regional cuisine.
Suppliers and partners
Sustainability is a key criterion in the selection of partners and suppliers and in our procurement processes.
Public transit and bikes for lease
We subsidize the use of public transit for the sustainable mobility of our workforce. We also give employees the option to lease bicycles under the “JobRad” program.
More moor: Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried Nature Conservation Foundation
AEB financially supports the Pfrunger-Burgweiler Ried foundation for nature conservation. This has helped restore an additional 15 hectares of moorland and sequester significant amounts of carbon. Twice a year, AEB employees get their hands dirty to provide practical support for nature conservation on site.
Local sharing economy
AEB’s Stuttgart HQ is part of a growing hyperlocal community of companies with a big potential for sharing and collaboration. The first step has been to open up AEB’s “Kantino” for employees of neighboring businesses. Further facilities are to be shared in the future.
Educational equity with KinderHelden
The nonprofit “KinderHelden” offers mentoring to children that have had a difficult start in life, and we support them through volunteering and financial assistance.
AEB Inclusive Language Guideline
The “Guide to Inclusive and Gender-Neutral Language” contains recommendations for external communication. It is available in German and English and was adapted to the respective requirements and special characteristics of the languages.
New Stiftung project “I will survive”
The “I will survive” project from EYD Social, a manufacturer of humanitarian fashion, supports young women in India who have survived human trafficking and exploitation, offering a broad program of support and education to give them a realistic chance of shaping an independent future for themselves. The AEB-Stiftung has initially pledged to support the “I will survive” project for three years.
Green dreams
AEB ranks hotels based on eco-friendliness and always refers employees traveling for business to the greenest option available.100% green energy
All our offices in Germany use green energy from regenerative sources.
Green data centers
The key component of the sustainable energy concept of our data centers is a water storage tank: The water cools the server rooms by absorbing waste heat and is then circulated through the company headquarters for heating purposes. The cool night air in the summer cools the sprinkler tank, which then helps keep the data center and the whole building cooler during the day. A photovoltaic system supplies both data centers with electricity during daytime hours.
Focus on sustainable commuting
October 2023 was Mobility Month at AEB, and the focus was on sustainable commuting. Commuting accounts for 10% of AEB’s carbon footprint. Employees could take advantage of a one-time €49 travel allowance plus a variety of other activities and offers for commuting alternatives. All aboard!
AEB’s first Sustainability Report
AEB is not yet required to report on the company’s sustainability but decided to voluntarily publish its first report anyway. Various guidelines were studied, and the specifications were then tailored to AEB and implemented. This has helped us establish the foundations and processes for our first mandatory report on fiscal year 2024.
More EV charging stations
Since August 2023, 40 charging ports with intelligent load management have been available in the parking garage under AEB headquarters. Our company headquarters and AEB offices offer free electric vehicle charging. We even add our own self-generated solar electricity to the energy mix used to charge the cars.Refuge and education in São Paulo's slums
“Cracolandia” is one of the world’s largest open-air drug markets. The residents this notorious slum of São Paulo, Brazil endure conditions that are unimaginable for us. The AEB-Stiftung supports our partner educare that is active there. The non-profit organization provides young people with protection and prospects. It offers regular free meals, games, and learning opportunities as well as personal support. A two-stage trainee program provides initial work experience and coaching – rewarded with a state-recognized certificate and minimum wage.A home for bees
Our bee colonies in the garden of AEB headquarters make a small contribution to biodiversity. Bees are essential for the pollination of flowers, trees, and shrubs, which would not exist without these insects.
Your contacts for all things sustainability at AEB
Elisabeth Götting
Christian Bylda-Hermens
Yvonne Kastenholz
You can reach AEB’s Sustainability Team at sustainability@aeb.com.