Taking responsibility – safeguarding the future

A central objective remains the continuous reduction of the Group’s carbon footprint. In 2024, the corporate carbon footprint (CCF) from direct business activities (scopes 1 and 2) totaled 48,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent. Emissions intensity per million euros in revenue was reduced by 1% compared to the previous year, representing a total decrease of 24% since 2021. This progress was enabled by investments in energy efficiency, the purchase of renewable energy, and the ongoing expansion of inhouse power generation capacities.

A Group-wide energy efficiency initiative, HEAT (HOERBIGER Energy Awareness & Training), was implemented in 2024 at sites in North America, the Middle East, and India. Workshops identified consumption-reduction measures, some of which have already been implemented. Additionally, a new photovoltaic system was installed at the Changzhou (China) location. All the installed systems in total generated 2.6 gigawatt hours of electricity in the reporting year. The company also supported the training of future Energy Scouts. In collaboration with the Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce Academy, five trainees in Germany qualified for this role in 2024. These Energy Scouts will contribute their expertise to local energy efficiency projects, promoting a culture of sustainability within the organization.

Sustainability as a performance driver
HOERBIGER products make a direct contribution to reducing emissions in industry through customer applications and systems. In 2024, for example, the HydroCOM capacity control system for compressors helped save around 110,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent. The compressor portfolio is complemented by control panels for emission control (ECP), the EmissionShield piston rod standstill seal, and innovative valve solutions that increase both energy efficiency and the service life of technical systems. Service solutions such as the REE Audit also contribute to the goal of making customers’ systems more energy-efficient.

HOERBIGER is also developing sustainable solutions in the field of alternative drives and renewable energies. These include components for the hydrogen economy, for battery systems and for e-mobility applications. In addition, more than 4,500 rotary unions and slip rings for wind turbines were delivered in the reporting year. This technological focus also strengthens HOERBIGER’s market position in high-growth industries of the future.

Employee development and social responsibility
Sustainable development is also reflected in the ongoing development of employees. In 2024, more than 3,000 employees used the internal learning platform, completing over 19,000 training modules. The offering was supplemented by targeted leadership programs, mentoring initiatives and a global talent development program that opens up international career paths for young professionals. In addition, HOERBIGER has firmly anchored the health and safety of its employees in its operational processes. The occupational accident rate has been continuously reduced over the past five years. Binding safety principles apply in all areas and are supported by regular training, management training and structured reporting.

The global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program was further enhanced in 2024. A total of 66 projects were implemented in various regions, with a focus on education, health and local communities. Of particular note is the cooperation with the organization Caring Hands in India, which provides holistic care and education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. HOERBIGER employees are involved here on a voluntary basis.

Sustainability as a fundamental corporate attitude
Effective ESG management forms the foundation of HOERBIGER’s long-term strategy. In response to the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the associated European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) issued in 2023, the Group initiated a comprehensive transformation process. Following the postponement of the directive’s application in February 2025, HOERBIGER is leveraging the additional time to structure its reporting processes in line with double materiality analysis and to align activities with EU taxonomy requirements.

The company has set ambitious sustainability targets: by 2030, scope 1 and 2 emissions are to be cut by 50% compared to the base year of 2022. Preparations are also underway to record and reduce scope 3 emissions, especially in collaboration with suppliers. Further investments in renewable energy and the expansion of CSR initiatives are planned. Sustainability is firmly embedded in HOERBIGER’s corporate governance and internal training program – not as a trend, but as a guiding principle for decision-making at all levels. Through technological innovation, social engagement, and robust governance structures, the Group will continue to actively contribute to the sustainable transformation of industry and society.