CHG-MERIDIAN has been awarded the prestigious EcoVadis gold rating, putting it in the top 5 percent of the more than 130,000 companies assessed worldwide. This achievement highlights the significant step forward that the Group has taken with regard to its commitment to sustainability.

EcoVadis rates companies’ sustainability performance in four categories: environment, labor & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. CHG-MERIDIAN has made significant advances in all of those areas, particularly through the implementation of several ISO-certified management systems, transparent sustainability reporting, and comprehensive climate management, which reached a major milestone last year when the Company signed the commitment letter of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Taking greater responsibility for better working conditions and sustainable procurement

The Company has also introduced a range of measures to improve working conditions, especially in the areas of employee health and safety and in the promotion of diversity. Examples include the launch of a mental health action day and the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to specifically support the wellbeing of employees and actively promote diversity within the Company.

There have also been significant advances in the sustainable procurement category that are contributing to long-term stability and responsibility within the supply chain. These include expanding the sustainability assessment of suppliers and special sustainability training for purchasers.

“Receiving the EcoVadis gold rating is an important endorsement of our determined approach to sustainability management,” says Mathias Wagner, CEO of the CHG-MERIDIAN Group. “As a pioneer of the usage over ownership principle, we believe we have an obligation not only to achieve commercial success but also to focus on environmental and social values. This rating strengthens our resolve to steadfastly follow our path, while continuing to make a positive contribution for our customers, our partners – including funding partners – and the environment.”

Successful link between financing and sustainability

“The EcoVadis rating is also a central pillar of our sustainable financing strategy,” Wagner adds. “Going forward, our aspiration is to finance our growth entirely through sustainable funding instruments.” Since 2021, CHG-MERIDIAN has already raised €800 million from ESG-linked funding instruments that are directly associated with its EcoVadis rating. “This emphasizes our strong commitment to responsible and forward-looking corporate development.”