BAUM-Code of Conduct for Sustainable Business
Guideline for members
In principle, BAUM membership (supporting or ordinary membership with voting rights) is open to all companies, institutions and individuals who are actively committed to the development and implementation of sustainable business practices. Regular members, provided they are legal entities, are recommended to voluntarily commit to the BAUM-Code of Conduct for Sustainable Business as a guideline for future action.
Accompanying information on the BAUM Code of Conduct
We would like to use the Code of Conduct to qualify which companies actively support BAUM’s statutory objectives. We plan to introduce a digitally supported verification process for compliance with the Code of Conduct, based on published sustainability and company reports.
Only those full members who have committed themselves to the BAUM Code of Conduct may refer to their membership of BAUM (e.g. naming on the website or in company presentations or in other ways as part of corporate communications) and use the BAUM logo.
Where possible, reference should also be made to the commitment to the BAUM-Code of Conduct for Sustainable Business. This can be done, for example, by printing it or by linking to www.baumev.de. In addition, the company’s own employees should be informed about BAUM membership in an appropriate manner.
The BAUM logo may not be used for specific products.
In the event of indications that give rise to doubts as to whether the member is making serious efforts to implement the signed BAUM Code of Conduct, the member shall be given the opportunity to comment, which shall also provide information on the extent to which justified criticism is to be taken into account in the future and a change implemented. If it becomes apparent that the member is unwilling or unable to comply with the BAUM Code of Conduct, the BAUM Board shall decide on the exclusion of the member.
Membership of BAUM does not constitute a certificate of actual achievement of the goal of sustainable corporate management.
Responsibility for sustainable business
We base our business activities on the fundamental principles of sustainable, i.e. economically as well as ecologically and socially compatible, economic activity. Companies are an integral part of a global, social and ecological system. As such, we bear responsibility for the future of our planet, its societies and nature. Sustainability is therefore an integral part of our corporate guidelines and goals. The realisation of sustainable management is a continuous process, the implementation of which has high priority at all levels and in all areas of our company, above and beyond minimum legal requirements.
Responsibility for nature
As a company, we have a special responsibility for the preservation of the global natural basis of life and the careful use of resources. Therefore, we want to avoid environmental and ecosystem pollution as far as possible and preserve biological diversity. The continuous improvement of the sustainability of our products, services and processes is a central component of our actions. We use natural resources, raw materials and other goods as efficiently as possible and consider the entire value chain, including use and handling after the end of the products’ lifespan, with the aim of using materials in cycles wherever possible. We involve suppliers and customers in this process.
Responsibility for society
We bear responsibility for our employees and for cultural and social relationships. We stand up for the observance of human rights and for fair working conditions – also for the employees of our suppliers. We oppose child labour and other exploitation as well as corruption. We promote and advocate diversity in all areas of society.
Responsibility for the future
Our business activities follow the principle of avoiding or, if possible, preventing current, foreseeable and future risks to the environment and society. We want to play an active role in shaping the future and take advantage of the many opportunities offered by sustainable business.
Responsibility for transparency
We regularly report internally and externally in a comprehensive and transparent manner on the status of sustainability in the company. This relates to progress made, but also to remaining challenges and goals, as well as the measures required to achieve them. We are prepared to engage in open dialogue with all social groups, provide the media with information relevant to sustainability and cooperate with authorities, associations and other institutions.