We are BAUM

Network, catalyst, transformation driver

BAUM is a non-profit business network committed to sustainable business practices within planetary boundaries. Founded in 1984, the association now has around 750 members and is a significant voice for a socio-ecological market economy in Germany and Europe.

What BAUM does

BAUM supports its members and other companies committed to transformation in developing and refining sustainability strategies, and it connects stakeholders from business, politics, science, media, and associations. Members and strategic partners benefit from the platform for practical information and experience exchange, know-how and inspiration. The guiding principles are are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

BAUM’s current flagship projects include the “Business for Climate” initiative, the SDG-Scouts® project, and the annual BAUM | Environmental and Sustainability Award. Other key areas of work include sustainable mobility, sustainable finance as well as biodiversity & ecosystems.

Our future topics

The purpose of the association is described in the statutes of BAUM e.V.

BAUM-Code of Conduct for Sustainable Business

The BAUM-Code of Conduct is a voluntary commitment by companies that pledge to holistic sustainable business practices and take responsibility for the environment, society and future generations.

The managing board of BAUM (from left): Ellen Weiland (deputy chairwoman), Martin Oldeland (deputy chairman), Yvonne Zwick (chairwoman), Marion Sollbach (deputy chairwoman)

The people behind the mission

The BAUM board currently consists of 12 volunteer and four full-time members, who form the executive board. The executive board, comprised of Yvonne Zwick as chair and Martin Oldeland, Marion Sollbach and Ellen Weiland as vice-chairs, manages the work of BAUM.

The board is supported by an advisory board comprised of leading figures from renowned companies and a scientific advisory board of experts. These bodies contribute diverse perspectives from business and academia and play a key role in shaping the network’s strategic direction.

The office in Hamburg forms the operational backbone and is supported by an interdisciplinary team that coordinates the implementation of the association’s goals.

Committees

Team

Would you like to request representatives from BAUM as speakers and discussion partners on strategy issues?

Speaker card of Yvonne Zwick

Speaker card of Marion Sollbach

Current networking events, symposia and expert dialogues for BAUM members

BAUM is involved

Members of the Executive Board and employees of BAUM are involved in various committees, advisory boards, and juries. BAUM Chairwoman Yvonne Zwick also represents BAUM in the relevant stakeholder bodies of the German Federal Government that oversee the implementation of the German Sustainability Strategy.

BAUM, as an association, is a member of organizations in the fields of environment and sustainability. We support initiatives that, like us, are committed to sustainable business practices and sustainable development.

More about our commitment

Transparency is important to us

That’s why we joined the Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft (ITZ) back in 2018. Since 2020, we have issued an annual statement on the German Sustainability Code (DNK). In 2024, the BAUM board adopted a compliance policy. We also disclose the salary scale applicable at our headquarters.

Publication according to ITZ

DNK statement

Yvonne Zwick
Chairwoman
Phone +49 (0)40 49 07 11 20

Chairwoman