Transform
Sustainability
SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY PRACTISED ON A DAILY BASIS ARE IN A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS’ DNA. AT BPW, THIS BEGINS WITH EACH INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE – AND EXTENDS TO CARBON-NEUTRAL ENERGY SOURCES.
Human resource development is strategic development – companies today can only keep up with the global pace of innovation if their employees are highly motivated and willing to learn and change. This is why lifelong learning across all age groups and hierarchical levels is a top priority at BPW. It begins with vocational training and talent development and ranges from individual coaching, workshops and group training to targeted support for older employees. In person, but also online. As Michael Ley, head of HR development at BPW, explains: “In the digital age, knowledge is developing ever faster. Conventional seminars are simply not enough. We empower our employees to acquire and transfer knowledge on their own initiative and responsibility virtually on a daily basis.” This approach also proved its worth during the coronavirus crisis – BPW has allowed employees to work remotely for years, and this meant that they were able to quickly adapt to the new working conditions both from a technical and mental perspective.
This systematic approach to “learning management” has been open to the entire BPW Group since early 2020. Through the “BPW Group Academy”, it also makes its learning platforms, training modules and experience in HR development available to its subsidiaries. In addition, the company’s successful talent development activities are also being extended to the entire group – worldwide. The vocational training centre in Wiehl is even being opened to external companies for the first time. This means that more young people from the region can benefit from vocational training that, according to “Deutschlandtest”, is among the best in Germany.
The company’s sustainable commitment to people and the environment is also reflected in major awards it received in Berlin in 2019, including the European Transport Award for Sustainability. The company report published by “Stern” magazine in 2020 recognized BPW as a “company with the highest reputation” and one of the best vocational training companies in Germany for the third time in a row.
BPW publishes an annual sustainability report based on the principles of the UN Global Compact. A selection of results and developments are presented on the following page.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BPW SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
BPW WITH CARBON-NEUTRAL ENERGY SOURCES
BPW has been obtaining electricity entirely from renewable, carbon-neutral sources with a guarantee of origin since the beginning of 2017. This energy is generated without nuclear power, coal or other fossil fuels. In addition, the company has also been using green natural gas with a guarantee of origin since the beginning of 2020. BPW also generates part of the electricity used at its facilities in the Oberbergischer Kreis region of Germany itself. The company plans to expand its own electricity generation in future, including the installation of an additional solar power system on the roof of a new office building at the company’s headquarters this year.
REFORESTATION IN THE REGION
BPW intends to plant 33,000 new trees in the next two years on 11.5 hectares of land in the Bergisches Land region – an area the size of 16 football pitches. The company thus supports the reforestation of the forests in the region.
CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT
Through the targeted use of combined transports from Wiehl and Hungary, BPW was able to save a total of around 660,000 kilograms of CO2 in 2019. In the future, the company intends to more systematically leverage potential of this kind together with its transport partners.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ON THE ROAD
Many truck drivers put off health problems when they are on the road because it is extremely difficult for them to find a doctor during opening hours, let alone park their 40-ton truck in front of a surgery. BPW is a member of the DocStop initiative, which provides truck drivers on the road with easy access to medical care. BPW company doctor Dr. med. Gunnar Heymer treats drivers at the company’s headquarters in Wiehl. BPW is also one of the supporters of the hygiene campaign “SaniStop”, which makes it easier for truck drivers to access showers and toilets.
BPW TALENT PROGRAMME
The BPW talent programme is of particular importance to the entire BPW Group – on the basis of a development plan, young employees take part in comprehensive professional and personal development measures to prepare them for future-orientated management duties. For example, Manuel Bethge (29) was promoted to project manager for the Integrated Production Partnership through the talent programme. He supports vehicle manufacturers in integrating the assembly of axle and running gear technologies from BPW directly into their own production facilities. This shortens delivery times, cuts storage costs and increases flexibility, even if customer specifications change unexpectedly.
