ASSOSIATION WORK
Because sustainability needs someone to fight for it – loudly
Even if this picture implies the opposite, nature is unable to make itself heard. Which is why we work in associations to make sure that environmental protection and climate action are on business and political agendas. Lobbying for sustainability so to speak.
Expertise means responsibility. Something we are happy to take on
Business can only be run sustainably if economic growth and environmental responsibility are no longer seen as being opposites but are united to create a single holistic approach. The circular economy in general – and REMONDIS in particular – make a major contribution towards achieving this. On the one hand, climate action and resource protection are at the very core of what our company is all about. On the other, our services and products make us a key partner and player in the business world, industry and delivering essential public services. You could say we are predestined to work in associations to help find ways and solutions to shape the urgently needed transition to achieve the Green Deal.
The BDI’s Circular Economy Initiative
Recognising the signs of the time, the BDI [The Federation of German Industries] decided to drive forward the circular economy from within its own organisation. In 2021, it launched its Circular Economy Initiative that brings together 60 players from a whole variety of industrial sectors. REMONDIS managing director Herwart Wilms was also appointed to the board. The goal of this network is to help industry tap into potential that can help curb climate change and conserve natural resources and is profitable for the business. This has involved looking at technological developments as well as holding targeted talks with politicians and scientists.
Take a look at the BDI’s Circular Economy Initiative on its website
The BNW
The BNW [German Sustainable Business Association] has been campaigning for business practices that take environmental, economic and social issues into account in equal measure since 1992. To achieve its goals, the BNW has already initiated a variety of projects to promote a holistic understanding of responsible business management. Moreover, it also sees it as its task to exert political influence to ensure that suitable framework conditions are put in place to create a sustainable economy. BNW has a wide range of members – from start-ups to well-established firms – all of whom have set out green values in their corporate mission. And so it is only logical that REMONDIS is also part of this organisation. By the way, we are also members of the equivalent European association called Ecopreneur.
Visit the BNW’s website
The BDE & FEAD
REMONDIS is, of course, also a member of the BDE [Federal Association of the German Waste Management Industry]. The goal of this association is to bring together the interests of circular economy companies and play an active role in the political process required to drive forward the green transition and create a sustainable economy. This also involves calling on politicians to take concrete action. For example, to get them to introduce greater incentives to reduce consumption of natural resources and increase the use of recycled raw materials. The BDE’s European counterpart is the European Waste Management Association FEAD. As vice-president of the BDE, REMONDIS managing director Herwart Wilms also plays a leading role in this association. There are two main reasons why REMONDIS believes it is so important for the company to play an active role in FEAD. On the one hand, we can advocate Germany’s high sustainability ambitions on the European stage. On the other, we can actively shape events in the arena where political decisions are being made to drive the European > Green Deal Green Deal.
REMONDIS managing director Herwart Wilms is Vice President of the BDE and FEAD
The Resources Commission at the Federal Environment Agency
For many years now, we have been playing an active role in the Resources Commission at the Federal Environment Agency (KRU), whose objective is to turn the spotlight on the whole issue of resource protection in both Germany and the EU. That this issue is so close to our hearts can be seen not only by the way we pass on our expertise but also by the fact that REMONDIS managing director Herwart Wilms represents our company at the KRU.
Priority issues set by the Resources Commission at the Federal Environment Agency
Vision of a resource-light society – How could a resource-light society be shaped? What would this mean for our daily lives?
Resource conservation scenarios – Development and assessment of different macro- and microeconomic scenarios
Requirements for a resource conservation law – What legal framework conditions are necessary and useful? In what way can they be anchored?
Further development of the economic and financial framework for the promotion of resource-saving technologies and services
Further development of recommendations to business on how to improve the market penetration of resource-saving technologies and services
Transfer into society – How can knowledge be translated into action?
Working together for greater sustainability: as a member of NABU [German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union], we are calling for, for example, more efficient schemes to collect and recycle organic waste.
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