Comprehensive sustainability strategy and consistent compliance

Bosch is a climate action pioneer, advances the expansion of renewables, and strives continuously for energy efficiency.

1 | Reducing CO₂ emissions

Operating climate neutral in scopes 1 and 2 and continuously improving the mix of measures by 2030
Since 2020, Bosch and its over 400 company locations worldwide have been climate neutral (scopes 1 and 2). 89 percent of the electricity the Bosch Group consumes worldwide is green. In 2021, we offset a total of 0.9 million metric tons of CO₂ using carbon credits. This represents a slight decrease on the previous year’s level.

Lowering absolute scope 3 CO₂ emissions by 15 percent by 2030
Reducing CO₂ emissions in the upstream and downstream supply chain:

“Goods and services purchased” category: In 2021, we contacted around 1,000 suppliers directly to obtain real data on their CO₂ emissions. This way, we have now created transparency on the status of carbon accounting and corresponding activities of our suppliers for around a quarter of our purchasing volume.

“Logistics” category: Whenever possible, the aim is to switch shipments destined for Bosch from air to sea or rail freight. Since 2019, this approach has allowed us to save around 200,000 metric tons of CO₂.

“Use phase of products” category: In 2020, we identified additional potential for further reducing CO₂ emissions in our products’ use phase. Pertinent levers are increasing energy efficiency, shaping the product portfolio, and using the transformation of the energy sector. In 2021, we derived specific performance indicators to track the contribution of the identified measures up to 2030.

2 | Energy efficiency and renewable energies

Saving 1.7 TWh through increased energy efficiency by 2030
Since 2019, we have initiated more than 3,000 energy-efficiency projects worldwide, with some 1,000 new projects added in 2021 alone. With them, we have so far captured savings potential of 559 GWh in total. This corresponds to 33 percent goal achievement.

Increasing own renewable generation at our sites to 400 GWh and significantly expanding purchase of green electricity from new plants by 2030
In 2021, we generated 94 GWh of power from renewable sources in-house at our company sites. Accordingly, we already reached 23 percent of our target value. In parallel, we entered into long-term supply agreements with energy suppliers in three countries in 2021. In total, this will allow us to obtain an additional 150 GWh or more of electricity from renewable sources each year from 2022.

For Bosch, water is a resource to be treated sparingly. Regions in which water is scarce are a special concern.

1 | Water scarcity

Reducing absolute water withdrawal at company locations in regions with water scarcity by 25 percent by 2025
Since 2019, we have launched more than 200 projects and reduced water withdrawal by 21.5 percent compared with 2017 at company locations in regions with water scarcity. The company locations were identified using the WWF’s Water Risk Filter.

2 | Water quality

Improving the quality of wastewater flows
In 2021, Bosch’s wastewater volume increased to 14.7 million m³ (previous year: 14.5 million m³). We have defined wastewater quality standards that are binding worldwide and monitor their compliance.

Bosch is reducing its ecological footprint and striving to create social benefit. In this endeavor, Bosch takes its lead from the circular economy principle.

1 | Materials efficiency

Improving materials efficiency
For years, materials efficiency has been a fixed criterion in the Bosch product development process, where it is anchored in our Design for Environment (DfE) principle.

2 | Second life

Extending product life cycle and reusing materials and components from old appliances
Whereas measures relating to reuse, repair, and remanufacture extend a product’s life cycle, those geared to product recycling involve reusing the main materials and components from old appliances (e.g. returned leased equipment) in closed loops managed by Bosch.

For Bosch diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to long-term success in business. In addition, Bosch contributes to the common good in the communities near its locations.

1 | Equity

Ensuring equal opportunities and increasing the proportion of female executives to 20 percent
Globally, the proportion of women executives across all management levels within the group rose to 18.4 percent in 2021 (previous year: 17.8 percent). We intend to keep on increasing this percentage. The virtually held Diversity Week with more than 200 online events in 16 languages reached tens of thousands of associates around the world, fostering international exchange.

How we ensure equity

2 | Inclusion

Promoting inclusion
The Bosch Group has donated 27.6 million euros to charitable causes worldwide. Some regional companies have established their own charitable institutions to carry out their CSR activities.

How we engage in society

Bosch takes on responsibility and is sensitive to human rights being respected – along the entire value chain.

1 | Responsibility

Ensuring human rights are respected along the value chain
A comprehensive revision of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners was initiated in 2021. The social and environmental standards Bosch requires were further specified in the process.

2 | Transparency

Increasing transparency
In 2021, a cross-company concept was developed to mitigate risks arising from the procurement of products and semi-finished products that, according to our analyses, contain particularly high-risk raw materials. Risk minimization programs will now be implemented over the next three years.

Bosch contributes to human health – with innovative products and services and by ensuring that people and the environment do not come to harm through its production processes.

1 | Occupational health and safety

Reducing the accident rate to 1.45 accidents per 1 million hours worked or less by 2025
As production resumed after the pandemic-related restrictions, the accident rate also rose again slightly in 2021: there were 1.62 accidents per 1 million hours worked (previous year: 1.5).

How we create a safe work environment

2 | Substances of concern

Continuously upgrading materials data management
Bosch handles substances of concern responsibly. To efficiently manage prohibitions and restrictions on materials, we are continuously upgrading our IT-based Material Data Management for Compliance and Sustainability (MaCS) system.