And the winner is… VfL Wolfsburg! The Bundesliga club has been named as one of the winners of the 16th German Sustainability Award (DNP) – putting it among 100 pioneers of transformation in the German economy. VfL was ranked first in its sector for its exemplary sustainability measures and products.
The DNP sees an independent panel of experts choosing the trailblazers on the basis of sustainability profiles, namely companies that demonstrate effective, successful and exemplary contributions to transformation in their sector, making them role models. They represent a joint effort that unites rather than divides all companies in a sector.
“This title fills us with pride because it is not just about one aspect of sustainability, but honours the holistic commitment to which we have long felt very devoted across our individual departments," said VfL managing director Michael Meeske.
Wolves pointing the way
VfL is considered a pioneer in sustainability throughout the league. Since 2010, strategies and fields of activity have been defined on the basis of materiality assessments and dialogues, and specialist expertise has been built up at the club. Measurable targets and innovative measures on topics such as climate protection (net zero by 2025), biodiversity and diversity underline the club's level of ambition. Numerous measures have been developed and driven in the assessed areas of health, social affairs, education, environment and climate.
“We have achieved a lot but are not yet at the end of our journey,” said Nico Briskorn, head of corporate social responsibility at VfL Wolfsburg. “Together with our partners, fans and employees, we want to continue to actively live sustainability at the club in the future and create solutions for the challenges of our time. These are measures that can also be transferred to other sports organisations, providing important impetus for the industry and making the sustainability potential of football visible. We are delighted with the award because it offers the opportunity to create awareness and drive sustainable development across the board,” he added.
Prize winners come together
On 23 November this year, the DNP organisation, in conjunction with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), the Federal Environment Ministry and other partners, will recognise companies from across 100 sectors. Guests on the Thursday during the day at the congress and in the evening at the awards ceremony at the Maritim Hotel will include the CEOs and sustainability managers of the 100 pioneering companies from all sectors, Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, as well as other prominent speakers, guests of honour from business and society, and around 100 media representatives.
