COMMITMENT
sustainability within the company. First ideas have become processes, and individual initiatives have become binding standards. With our SBTi-validated climate roadmap, the Circular Design Rules, digital data structures and our first circular services, such as refurbishment and remanufacturing, we have built a sound foundation. Today, we have the tools, expertise and partnerships to take the next steps in our development. In the future, sustainability data, processes and solutions are to be systematically digiti- sed and automated to meet both regulatory requirements and customer demands with a high level of efficiency. We have learnt that regulatory requirements can also lead to opportunities for innovation that help our customers become more efficient and future-proof. Developments such as these shape our three sustainability goals, which will continue to guide us in the future. What trends are you currently observing in the field of sustainability, and where is the Zumtobel Group's journey headed? AF: Sustainability is becoming increasingly data-driven and connected. Lighting ma- nagement systems such as LightingGO, the requirements of the EPBD, digital product information and circular business models such as remanufacturing demonstrate just how closely sustainability, digitalisation and innovation are now linked. It is no longer just a matter of creating transparency: data helps us to use energy more efficiently, make the most of resources for longer and develop new added value for customers. This is precisely where I see one of the most important opportunities for the future. The combination of digitalisation, energy efficien- cy and resource efficiency opens up new solutions, services and business models. We want to realise this potential together – with our employees, customers and partners. Only by working together can we continue to build a sustainable future.
such as these in line with the ESRS (Euro- pean Sustainability Reporting Standard) – as part of this, we assess the impacts, risks and opportunities that affect us. We also evaluate all sustainability aspects relevant to the Zum- tobel Group as part of our double materiality analysis. Mr Felder, the 2025/26 financial year was challenging in both economic and geopolitical terms. Despite this, there were some great achievements in the area of sustainability – what was your highlight? AF: The highlight at the start of the year was without doubt the renewed recognition of our sustainably designed exhibition space at Light + Building 2026. It is always impressive to see that so many elements of our exhi- bition stand have either already been used or will be reused afterwards, resulting in a reduced environmental footprint. Another highlight worth mentioning is the lighting so- lution from our Zumtobel and Thorn brands, which ensures high energy efficiency and sustainable use: we have set new standards in the retail sector at PENNY’s store in Wei- den, Austria, where sustainability is addres- sed as a whole. Finally, as a great end to the financial year, our Group-wide sustainability performance was recognised for the first time with the highest award of a Platinum medal by the independent sustainability platform EcoVadis. Before looking ahead, let’s take a look back: for five years now, the Zumtobel Group has been working towards its sustainability goals of Net-Zero, Circular Economy and being a Partner of Choice. What foundations have been built in the dynamic field of sustainability to ensure continued success over the next five years? SG: Over the past five years, our Sustai- nability Team, together with the specialist departments, has created the conditions necessary to systematically establish
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